Some Resources for Caregivers

Most people who are thinking about care for an elder may be confused, lost, and even afraid of making the wrong decisions. There are so many options out there that this confusion is entirely understandable. Of course, the most important thing when considering alternatives is to figure out what exactly the elder’s needs are, and what options would best suit her.

Since so many people call me with questions and concerns, I thought that I would make a quick list of options. As the list is long, I will focus on services in the home in this blog, and then services in the community in my next blog. Please be aware that the information is not exhaustive, and most people will need to investigate further before committing to any of these options. As always, I am available to chat with anyone who needs help, so give me a call at our Connections helpline, at 800-544-0304.

For elders needing assistance with activities of daily living at home, Home Health Aides provide personal care at home by assisting with eating, dressing, oral hygiene, bathing, colostomies, administering medications, etc., as well as light household tasks. These services may be covered by health insurance if ordered by a physician.

For those at home, needing therapy for a defined period, the Certified Home Health Agency provides nursing, social work, home care, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other rehabilitation services to individuals in the home, as prescribed by a physician. Medicare will cover costs when certain conditions are met.

For homebound or frail elders requiring a meal, Home Delivered Meals (usually called “Meals-on-Wheels”), deliver meals to their homes. Most programs ask for voluntary contributions, while others may be free.

For relatively independent elders, who just need a hand with some tasks, Homemaker Services can shop, do laundry, light cleaning, meal preparation, and escorting, but are not responsible for personal care. Homemakers can be hired through home care agencies, the Department for the Aging, or religious groups.

For those who may only need slight assistance and remain at home, the Assistive Technology industry has a growing inventory of devices that enable elders to remain at home with enhanced oversight and communication to maximize their safety and independence.

For seniors needing some emergency assurance, PERS (Personal Emergency Response Systems), sometimes referred to as the “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” communicators, allows an elder to easily call for care in an emergency. Some systems have programs that call for help when no call from the elder has been made for 24 hours.

For people who remain independent, but alone, Telephone Reassurance, manned by volunteers who offer reassurance, contact and socialization, can be a lifeline for older people who are home alone during the day.

In my last blog, I wrote about the various services that are delivered to seniors in their homes. Now I want to discuss services outside the senior’s home, including a nod to senior housing, which will be discussed more fully in a future blog entry. Don’t forget, if you have questions or a request for services; feel free to call me at the Connections help line, at 800-544-0304.

For people who are physically and/or mentally frail, needing therapeutic, rehabilitative, and support activities, including nursing, rehabilitation, assistance with life activities, social work services, meals, and possible transportation, Medical Adult Day Health Care should be considered. These services are provided in a protected setting for a portion of the day, one to seven days a week, some offering afternoon and evening programs, either paid privately or by Medicaid.

For independent seniors needing some help, Social Day Care, unlike the Medical Adult Day program, provides supportive but non-rehabilitative services in a protected setting for a portion of the day, one to five days a week. Services may include recreational activities, social work services, hot meals, transportation, and occasionally, health services.

For well-functioning seniors wanting some activity and stimulation, Senior Centers offer activities, trips, and sometimes a meal, for independent seniors.

For elders requiring additional aid aside from their primary caregivers, Geriatric Care Managers provide social workers, nurses, and other professionals with expertise in aging issues and may be hired to stand in for family, as advocates and care coordinators. Some long-term care insurance policies will pay for geriatric care management services.

For those requiring temporary additional aid other than their primary caregivers, Respite Care Services provide temporary, and in some instances up to 24-hour care to give relief to primary caregivers. The care may be provided in the person’s home, at an adult day care center, or other facility, ranging from one day to several weeks.

For elders requiring housing, at varying levels of independence, Senior Housing should be considered. These residences for seniors range from independent (no services), to supported (typically meals, programs and activities), and assisted (same as supported, but some personal care is included in the range of services).

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