Are you asking yourself the following questions? If so, a Geriatric Care Manager at www.mainlineeldercare.com might be your answer or if you live further away check out this other database for other reputable national care managers in your area www.caremanager.org:

1. Are my parents safe in their home?
2. Are bills being paid on time?
3. Should my parents be driving?
4. Are my parents’ health concerns taking me away from my family and job?
5. Are the problems that my parents are facing becoming larger and more complex than I can comfortably manage?
6. What kind of help would increase safety while maintaining my parents’ dignity and independence?
7. What kinds of assistance can my parents afford?
8. What local resources might my parents’ benefit from?
9. Does my employer offer problem solving training for employee/caregivers?

Most of these questions were adapted from the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Inc. Also call (610) 688-2667 to speak with a Geriatric Care Manager. 

Feel free to search the databases mentioned above for more information about Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., www.mainlineeldercare.com.

Our Associates await hearing from you at www.mainlineeldercare.com. 610-688-2667

Author: Helen C. Hopkinson is CEO of Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for the disabled and elderly. She is a recognized leader in social changes and a former Executive Administrator for Angel Flight. She describes caregiving as a kaleidoscope with many changing parts and promotes support groups to encourage those with Parkinson’s disease, MS, cancer, DM, dementia, aging problems and other illnesses. She is currently in the process of lobbying for changes in funding for caregivers and looks forward to your comments via this blog.

“MLECA specializes in home healthcare management - we understand your problems”

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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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 WON CITICORP’S BOOST AWARD IN PHILADELPHIA

Helen C. Hopkinson, President and CEO of Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., understands that death is a subject we all try to avoid but you need to take the time to get your finances all in order before this event happens. 

Here, at MLECA our staff motivates and encourages you to think ahead. We help you to prepare while you are still in good health, preferably in your 50’s and 60’s. Our trained Associates work diligently so as to prevent needless money being wasted on court proceedings, because we know that you would want to avoid the stress from having your family ask for additional time off from their jobs when they are already trying to cope with their grief.

So, let’s start now to make it easier for your family.

Contact info@mainlineeldercare.com to have an Associate assist you with this matter.

Helen C. Hopkinson, J.D., President/CEO, Mainline Elder Care Associates, Inc. www.mainlineeldercare.com

MLECA is a recipient of the 2007 Citicorp’s Boost Award in Philadelphia

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO BRING IN OUTSIDE HELP . . .

Main Line Elder Care Associates suggests you follow these easy steps to establish whether outside assistance is needed:

Evaluate the Health status, Marital status and children, living arrangements and Household status, economic dependence. income and poverty.

Recognize that there are two systems for care giving .

Informal - family, friends and neighbors

Today these caregivers provide for at least 80% of the care needs for those needing help while only 5% of the elderly actually reside in nursing homes.

Formal - means just about everything.

In general, the formal system supports the informal system. Or, in other words, these are services that may be provided on an intermittent basis. 

Our care managers suggest that you utilize an aide or companion along with a Geriatric Care Management Team to establish a solid relationship that will be there during all phases of transitions for the disabled and elderly.

Usually, this system allows the elderly to age in the comfort of their own homes and a much better win-win situation approach to health care management on the whole.

Common Pattern: the informal network is employed first and usually this is a spouse who provides the care, the children (typically the eldest daughter) may become involved as more of their needs increase but mostly this involvement generally increases upon the death of one spouse. Sometimes, this increase may be a slow process, possibly takes several years but a sudden health crises will definitely increase that involvement.

Good News - Life expectancy has dramatically increased.

People are living longer and “better”  - the majority of people 65 - 75 are healthier and financially more secure to enjoy life. They own homes and are capable of meeting needs, according to Elizabeth K. Keech, PhD, RN, College of Nursing, Villanova University 

Main Line Elder Care Associates recognizes that with increasing age also comes the accumulation of more illnesses, medications and increasing frailty as well as life changes.

Our care managers suggest that you ask a parent over the age of 80,

“Whom should you tell about your wishes?”

Fore more information contact www.info@mainlineeldercare.com

or call 610-688-2667

to arrange for an assessment.

On Saturday, June 9, 2007 in Philadelphia on 1540 AM radio, Helen Hopkinson, J.D., President/CEO addressed some important questions to ask your aging parents regarding finances and Medicare issues.

Now, here are some other questions to consider:

1. Whether to move and where - that should be your next question.
2. Do they understand the level of care that is needed?

Also, it is important that you understand some of the consequences and responsibilities should the elder want to remain at home or move because this decision will definitely impact the entire family.

Therefore, the level of care may include living at home independently, with a part time aide, full time or live in assistance, in the home of a relative, an “over 55 community”. continuing care retirement community, assisted living/personal care facility or a nursing home.

Main Line Elder Care Associates recommends that in selecting a residence that you apply these decision factors:

• Care
• Climate/Geography
• Customer Service
• Culture
• Cost and Contract   

Please feel free to contact Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., at info@mainlineeldercare.com or call 610-688-2667 to assist with any placements.

MLECA provides:

Comprehensive assessments 

Geriatric Care Managers 

Care plans

Certified Companions

Full time/part time aides 

 Nurses

Counseling

End of Life Planning

Main Line Elder Care is a member of the Main Line Chamber of Commerce and the recipient of the 2007 Boost Award from Citibank and CitiFinancial Group.

Call today

MLECA is committed to helping the disabled and elderly maintain their independence and comfort at home.