How do I get started?
Generally the process starts with a phone consultation from a concerned family member or friend of the elderly person. Usually families have concerns and they need structure and support. A visit to the home is important in order to assess the older adult and addressing family concerns. I am here to help you sort it all out.
This initial assessment is vital information for planning care strategies which includes short term and long term goals. I am also able to gain insight into medical, social, financial and legal concerns and help you problem solve. My relationship with you and your elderly loved one involves crafting a short term and long term care plan. Every situation is unique and there are many facets to planning your elderly loved ones care.
A long term care plan is a great tool for the family to use as a guide for what may happen in the near future: managing an immediate crisis, prevention of crisis, and includes a plan of action giving the family a “roadmap” on how they might be better prepared (emotionally and physically) for upcoming changes; inevitable in the aging process.
Following the assessment and recommendations contained in the care plan, together we assess whether or not ongoing care management – or periodic monitoring is needed. When family members live at a distance or support is necessary for those elders who wish to remain in the comfort of their own homes but who aren’t exactly self sufficient.
Care Management services may also include daily or weekly phone calls, hiring, scheduling of caregivers and/or coordination of doctor’s visits. Ongoing monitoring of the client’s mental and physical status is often important as busy and long distance family members depend upon the dissemination of timely information to monitor the progress of their loved one.
WHAT DOES THE INITIAL ASSESSMENT ADDRESS?
- Daily living functional ability: (ADL & IADL)
- Current medical status
- Medical history
- Pending medical needs
- Home Safety concerns (i.e. risk of falling)
- Legal and Financial issues
- Cognitive function and judgment
- Emotional, social, and spiritual issues
- Mental health concerns
- Nutrition
- In-Facility assessment with respect to overall care needs
- Support system for elderly person at risk
- Medication review
- Home modification issues
