What do you need to consider when making plans to care for your older loved one?
Whether you are already a caregiver or will be a caregiver in the near future, it is important that you learn about the various community resources available to seniors. By identifying the best resources based on your loved one's needs, you will be able to make the right decisions in choosing current and long-term plans. You will also gain peace of mind knowing that there is someone to assist you.
The professional and experienced staff of Senior Connections' Care Coordination Program handle phone requests from seniors and caregivers and may make home visits for a person-to-person interview to find out what specific services are needed. The interview covers a wide range of topics that are part of everyday living:
- Daily activities
- Feelings, moods, and emotions
- Finances
- Health conditions
- Housing arrangements
- Insurance
- Nutritional needs
- Safety
- Memory
After the interview, an assessment of your loved one's needs is developed to determine what services would be fit hare needed. appropriate services. Next, a Plan of Action is compiled to began the delivery of services. A follow-up visit is made to monitor progress and ensure delivery of services is in place. This follow-up also allows you and your loved one to express concerns or make any changes to the action plan.
Care Coordinators provide assistance with a wide array of services including:
- Hiring someone to assist in the home with household chores, shopping, and driving to the store or doctor’s office.
- Programs that promote interaction with other seniors to prevent isolation
- Counseling services to assist with paying bills and managing a checking account
- Home repair and modification to accommodate physically challenged older adults. This could include the construction of a wheelchair ramp to provide easier access into the home or repairs to a deteriorating home to make the environment safer.
- Hiring an in-home care provider to help with managing health care needs such as taking prescription medications, physical therapy, and medical devices.
- Plans to relocate to another, more suitable living environment or install devices and equipment in the home for safety.
- Determining eligibility for and benefits from Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Selecting a nutritional food service program that involves either having meals delivered to the home, or having your loved one visit a local senior center for a lunch meal program.
- Programs that maintain cognitive functioning through scheduled activities, crafts, and educational presentations
For more information about Care Coordination Services, please call (804) 343-3000 or email questions to assistance@youraaa.org.