Adapting to Changes in your Elderly Loved One
For most older adults, one of two scenarios occurs to necessitate the conversation regarding care and additional assistance. The first is a traumatic event, such as a fall or an accident. The second is that a family member or medical professional notices changes in their loved one
Scenario One:
In the situation where a traumatic event occurred, such as a fall or hospitalization, an individual’s care needs can be changed dramatically. An individual can go from virtually independent to needing full care in a matter of moments.
Scenario Two:
The other common scenario is that a family member or medical professional notices changes in their loved one. It could be little things like the notice their loved one appearance is unkempt or they appear unclean. Their loved one may struggle with daily activities like feeding themselves. These changes can oftentimes be harder to address and detect because they are gradual and subtle. In addition, it is easier to make excuses for these situations, so it is oftentimes more difficult to address.
In both situations, the family is oftentimes unsure what they should do. They may be unsure what level of care their loved ones, for how long care will be needed, and if the need is temporary or permanent and what their loved one care needs are and if they can afford the care that they need. Oftentimes the family is not fully aware of all of the various care options that are available for their loved on.
Alliance Senior Care is owned and operated by a Certified Geriatric Care Manager.
Our in-home visits assess the following areas of concern:
- Determine an individual’s care needs
- Assess Cognitive Status
- Determine the number of days and hours of care the individual will need
- Identify if they are appropriate to remain in the home
- Address Financial Concerns and identify 3rd Party Payment Options
- Coordinate care with other providers such as Dr.’s and therapists
A formerly independent person, A discharge planner at the hospital may hand the family a stack of brochures and tell them that their loved one needs some assistance.