Today’s Boomers

• Generally, we tend to get over consumed by the medical issues and trying to follow the test results is difficult whenever a parent or spouse has been suddenly hospitalized. So, we  hope it’s way too early to find home care to help them once they get home. Unfortunately, waiting until the last minute to handle this task is not always the right solution. Today, the inability to walk is no longer a criterion to stay in the hospital so knowing about the exact amount of home care necessary is very important. Main Line Elder Care Associates suggests that you start interviewing immediately and try bringing that worker to the hospital to see if they are a good match.

  What’s your gut feeling about that person? There are fabulous home care workers out there so don’t settle for less because you are feeling the urgency to now complete this task.

  Instead of bringing a wrong person into the home, call Main Line Elder Care Associates and request a geriatric care manager assess the care needed for this task by providing you with a professional in-person assessment right in the hospital and let them do the interviewing of candidates to find the right solution.

  RN Geriatric Care Managers know how to properly introduce the aides and help with the initial transitions for the proper level of care for your parent.

  They also can recognize any problems and manage the situtation to make it more enjoyable for everyone.

  Remember, you may love the aide but limits still have to be set.

  Be clear about their job responsibilities and feel free to voice any complaints or concerns.

  Geriatric Care Managers will help you to make clear and common goals known to provide your loved one with quality care.

  Remember, never hire help solely because of cost. You could find a gem here but in reality the risk of getting someone of poor quality is a much higher risk.

  Do not give an aide or companion any control over assets.
  Do not allow an aide or companion to communicate to the doctors, bankers, lawyers, etc.
  Do not share with an aide or companion any financial information.
  Do not give them access to any accounts.
  Never let them hold your parent a hostage or make demands for money.

  Remember, good workers are honest and not defensive. They know how to identify a problem and will keep you in the loop. They follow a standard of practice that is monitored and managed by our care managers and the do not resist providing receipts for any monies that were considered a scheduled expenditure; food, gas, lunches, etc.

  We will not allow resistance, neglect or abuse. 

  Main Line Elder Care Associates does award for exceptional help but that does not mean that bonuses become a normal event - the word here is exceptional.  We also make lots of unannounced visits in the beginning to make sure everything is working properly and mutually enjoyable. We are the best means to accomplish your goals.

  We manage and monitor the care for a reason and aides in the industry know that when we are on a case that they must perform or they will be gone. However, hopefully the aide or companion that we select will remain gainfully employed to your satisfaction until the end of life because we know from experience that a good home care companion or aide will definitely help to make your parent enjoy their remaining days, months or years.  

  Many times, a good worker will take care of other elderly relatives in the same family because the necessary trust has been established and is highly valued.    

  Contact - MAIN LINE ELDER CARE ASSOCIATES, INC. 610-688-2667 WWW.MAINLINEELDERCARE.COM INFO@MAINLINEELDERCARE.COM

Wandering is one of the most frightening symptoms of advancing dementia, and the Alzheimer’s Association estimates it will happen to nearly 60 percent of AD patients.

Technology has vowed to provide us with advanced methods that will help you find a lost Alzheimer’s patients by employing a sophisticated GPS device like the portable one I use in my car or on for those weekend bike trips.

The cost was approximately $224.00 and I have found no independent research to show which manufacturer actually works best so I suggest you take the time to investigate the one that best suits your needs. The Center for Aging Services Technologies, a coalition of government, universities and high-tech companies also supports these devices. However, the accuracy of any GPS depends solely on satellites to power the navigation system.

However, there are some “James Bond 007″ improvements under way to establish a much stronger signal to prevent any interruption from buildings and to search remote locations.

As you already know, Assisting Living Facilities utilize radio frequency “tags” to locate AD patients. They sound off a signal from a sensor attached to a door whenever the barrier is broken. But, patients have escaped by simply walking between individuals to cancel out the radio frequency.

New systems being investigated may require a cell phone, or hard- to-remove jewelry; another company plans to implant affordable sneakers with a GPS chip to track missing children. Therefore, the one that is right for your family depends on your financial circumstances.

Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., meanwhile encourages you to enroll your loved one in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Safe Return program because it’s $20 a year, provides a well managed hot line which faxes photos and descriptions to the police and there’s a sturdy stainless steel tag that gives your phone number.

Personally, I wouldn’t be without my GPS for navigation purposes so eventually the prices should go down.

MLECA recommends you employ a rescue backup plan today.

For more information, call Main Line Elder Care Associates at 610-2667 or visit us online at www.mainlineeldercare.com.

Let MLECA help you find the right solution to your problem, email us at info@mainlineeldercare.com

Helen C. Hopkinson, J.D., President and CEO, Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., writes articles regarding elder issues which appear in her blog and newsletters. She has appeared as an expert on TV and radio to discuss the problems facing employee caregivers, healthcare management needs, care plans and many other subjects involving the elderly or disabled. She is a graduate of John Marshall Law School, a certified Arbitrator and Mediator. She co-founded MLECA with Brenda M. Hanna, BS, RNFA and dedicated to serving clients in the Philadelphia area and surrounding counties.

MLECA is the recipient of the CitiCorp’s Boost Award for 2007.

Member, National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Inc. 

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Main Line Elder Care Associates provide a one-time consultation or ongoing care management.

RN Care Managers work with older people and their families to promote independence and provide a safe and supportive living environment.

MLECA Associates provide an invaluable source of support and assistance in times of crisis or day-to-day living.

Assessments

Geriatric Care Managers meet with elders, their families and other concerned parties to assess the safety, care needs and emotional well-being of the elder.

MLECA employs a state-of-the-art program that was specifically designed to enhance quality of life.

Based on that state-of-art assessment, a comprehensive Plan of Care is developed: 

Research appropriate housing

Recommend homecare services

Identify relevant community resources

Assess mental health needs

MLECA ongoing care management begins once the Plan of Care has been implemented.

Our RN Care Managers find, interview and manage home care services.

MLECA placement services follow through on housing applications to moving. Our Associates help with the move and make connections for you to enjoy community resources. MLECA accompanies the elder to medical appointments and report back to family members or concerned parties regarding their well-being. The assessments include geriatric psychiatry evaluations, in-home safety evaluations, education and counseling.

MLECA monitors the ongoing appropriateness of the care plan but never charges you for another assessment. Our Care Managers employ specialized care management for Parkinson’s disease, alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

Our care managers are available for additional programming for caregivers, including in-service trainings, support groups, lectures and consultations to assisted living facilities, rehabs and nursing home and dementia units. 

MLECA works with Employee Assistance Programs to help bridge the employment gap and relieve some of the stress from employee-caregivers.

MLECA assists Wealth Management teams with their fudiciary duties when working with the elderly since aging brings a change of pace and many “new challengs.” We understands that good care and loving support makes all the difference.

MLECA navigates corporations and individuals thru this journey.

To learn more about MLECA services and fee structure call 610-688-2667 or visit us at www.mainlineeldercare.com