Today’s Boomers

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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Transitions for seniors usually occur when there is a loss of a family member or friend, a change in living arrangements, loss of driving privileges, the death of a pet and/or from changes in their finances due to retirement.

Therefore, if things begin to noticeably change, that’s the time to start looking for patterns of neglect or mental deterioration.

MLECA suggests that you first look for the following obvious difficulties - walking, dressing, talking, eating, cooking, climbing steps or managing medications. Also, sloppy appearances, soiled clothes and body odor may also be signs of infrequent bathing.

Secondly, now, explore the home to see if the mail is unopened, papers are piled up, checkbook is unreadable, bills are unpaid, pots and pans are burned, refrigerator has a foul odor, piles of dirty laundry or the car has new dents.

Third, check for any weight loss, changes in appetite, problems swallowing, fatigue, burns, bruises, hearing loss, incontinence, insomnia and dehydration.

Fourth, are the curtains drawn day and night, lack of interest in socializing with friends and appears disconnected from the rest of the world. Any displays of verbal or physical abuse, abuse of alcohol or drugs, refusal to talk or argumentative.  

Main Line Elder Care Associates are available to assess this situation and our professionals will find the best possible solution to properly care for your loved one. 

We suggest you report to our Associates any signs of forgetfulness, frequent episodes of getting lost, poor reasoning skills, problems with answering questions, inability to find the correct word, keeps repeating the same sentences or phrases, changes in personality and any fear of wandering. These may be signs of serious problems so please contact us at www.mainlineeldercare.com    

Helen C. Hopkinson, J.D., President and CEO, Co-Founder, Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc.

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1. PRUCHASE LIFE INSURANCE

2. PREPARE A WILL

3. CHOOSE AN EXECUTOR

4. WRITE A LETTER OF INSTRUCTION

5. CREATE A TRUST

6 CREATE A LIVING TRUST

Have any questions regarding these steps, contact MLECA for more information - info@mainlineeledercare.com

Helen C. Hopkinson, J.D., President/CEO, Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc.

Main Line Elder Care Associates is costs effective, our professionals incorporate the “Community Life Care Planning” concept which utilizes:

A. Community senior centers and services

B. Primary physicians and specialists

C. Adult day care centers

D. Informal family caregivers, etc

This method of care provides the “aging population” and their children with a much more holistic approach which serves to reduce the expense for private care.

Contact MLECA today at www.info@mainlineeldercare.com to arrange for an assessment and a plan of care that  benefits you and your family. 

http://tsr.gltmypc.com/radio/archive/Technically-Speaking-Radio-9-June-2007-Show.mp3

Please click on the above link to hear the interview with Helen C. Hopkinson, J.D., President/CEO, Main Line Elder Care Associates, Wayne, Pennsylvania,  and “The Technically Speaking radio program with JC Lamkin on WNWR 1540 AM, Saturdays 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.” regarding elder issues.  

Ms. Hopkinson is a graduate of John Marshall Law School and an advocate for the elderly.

She is available to speak with corporations, investment bankers, lawyers, churches or any organization that is interested in teaching caregivers about the elderly.

Please contact Main Line Elder Care Associates at 610-688-2667 to schedule a speaking engagement or to learn more about the services. We also offer you an opportunity to make comments regarding this interview by submitting them to this blog.    

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.  

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease have a higher risk of becoming confused, wander away from home and to get lost. Therefore, individuals with AD or memory loss may become lost and thereby are at risk for a serious injury.

Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc. recommends that these individuals be registered in the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program. 1-800-272-3900 or www.alz-delawarevalley.org.

SAFE RETURN PROGRAM - Provides identification products such as bracelets or necklace ID, clothing labels, wallet cards, etc. They have a 24 hour toll free crisis line and a national photo database to assist the family to facilitate a successful reunion.

Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc. endorses this program to help your family member with demntia who wanders because:

1. 59% of people with Alzheimer’s disease wander and become lost.
2. 46% may die if not found within 24 hours.
3. People with AD are often found with a 1/2 mile radius of where they were last seen.
4. People with AD are usually found a short distance from the road or an open field.
5. People with AD are often found in creek or drainage areas or caught in briers or bushes.
6. People with AD do not usually cry out for help.
7. People with AD do not usually respond to shouts from searchers.
8. People with AD leave few physical clues behold.

Please contact Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc. for information regarding this program, care plans. educational training or for an appropriate placement facility for AD individuals at 610-688-2667 or www.info@mainlineeldercare.com.

Also, contact the Safe Return Program at the Alzheimer’s Association to register at 1-800-272-3900.