Serving Seniors | Rochester, Michigan | Michigan Senior Resources | Senior Services MI

No Need for Caregiver Guilt.

2012-01-24T11:01:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! You’ve put on a few unwanted pounds over the holidays and now you feel guilty for enjoying yourself a little too much. So much for the “happy” part. Guilt is a natural reaction when you know you did something you shouldn’t have done. Guilt also plays into our heads when we’ve done everything we should have with all of the right intentions, but somehow, it’s just not enough. Enter the guilt trip which isn’t an enjoyable ride, especially when it comes to caregiving for your elderly parent(s).

Being a caregiver has loads of guilt attached to it but it shouldn’t. It’s not a healthy way to start the new year for you or the elderly parent(s) that you’re caring for. Guilt can cripple you mentally with sadness that you just can’t do enough or that you can’t be there for your elderly parents all of the time. Many times anger rears its ugly head to nag you that you’re in this situation to begin with, then add some shame to your guilt that you even feel this way in the first place. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Some adult children care deeply about their elderly parents and feel overwhelming guilt over seeing them decline in health, and that puts an unnecessary burden on you, if you’re the caregiver. You feel trapped in the guilt and are trying to balance out your love at the same time.

Or, what if you don’t have warm and fond memories from your past with this parent, but now you’re in the position as caregiver? There is anger, resentment towards this parent, and you feel as if you’re being crushed by a vault of guilt like a steel trapped door.

We all want to please, but no matter what we do, how much we do it, it’s simply not enough. Guilty again. While guilt is natural to the caregiver, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Advertisements for weight loss claim; “It’s a New Year and time for a New You!” The same applies to being a guilt-free caregiver. There are viable options for you to consider, but there’s no guarantee that the road is an easy one.

Well, let’s give it a try! With every New Year, it allows us the chance to start fresh. We’ve put together some different ways to start getting rid of the guilt as you start 2012.

1. Simply, drop the guilt. Just because you feel that you can’t do everything perfectly, doesn’t mean that you have to beat yourself up. Its time to let that guilt go.

2. Go easy on yourself. You are doing the best you can and you can't fix every single problem. Cut yourself some slack.

3. Learn to say no. Take time this year to think through every request and only say yes to those you can truly fulfill, without the guilt.

4. Get some help in 2012 before you feel like you're stressed to the breaking point. Remember, no guilt.

There is much more on the topic of caregiver guilt with some in-depth insights on how to alleviate guilt.

Serving Seniors offers you peace of mind. We have a team of professionals trained in all areas of elderly care and can help get you the help you need, guilt free. We’re recognized as one of 32 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

Call us for a consultation so we can help you and your loved ones. I appreciate your interest in Serving Seniors and we’re looking forward to helping you and your family navigate these rough waters with the best personalized care out there.

Thanks,

Diane

The Holiday Reality Check

2011-12-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

“I get these S.O.S. calls” from adult children visiting family at Thanksgiving, said Emily Saltz, who operates a practice called Elder Resources in Newton, Mass. “They’ve been talking with their parents all year, being told everything is fine. Then they get there, and it’s not fine. And the kids freak out.”
Click on this link for more
http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/25/the-holiday-reality-check/

Elderly Depression and the Holidays

2011-12-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

For many seniors, the holidays are not a time of celebration and joy, but only serve as reminders of how lonely he or she may be, the friends that may have passed on, the lack of family get-togethers and an inability to participate in such events.
Click to read the entire article
http://www.boomers-with-elderly-parents.com/elderly-depression-holidays.html

Holiday Scams Target Elderly

2011-12-12T15:46:00.000-05:00

Michigan State Police Trooper Rob Herbstreith said the Niles post recently received three complaints in one week from widowed seniors who were targeted by a similar scam. One of the three victims lost $3,000.
Click on this link for more
http://www.nilesstar.com/2011/11/30/holiday-scams-target-elderly/

Reconciling With Siblings After a Fight Over Caregiving for a Parent

2011-10-26T14:50:00.000-04:00

Some of the saddest care-giving stories concern brothers and sisters who come to loggerheads over some aspect of their parents' or another relative's care
To read the entire article, click on this link:
http://www.caring.com/blogs/caring-currents/sibling-conflict-over-caregiving

How to Avoid Refighting Old Sibling Battles

2011-10-26T14:49:00.000-04:00

The problem is that old discord between brothers and sisters tends to unleash old resentment and anger.
To read the entire article, click on this link:
http://www.caring.com/tips/tip-how-to-avoid-refighting-old-sibling-battles

Caring for Elderly Relatives: How to Handle Family Conflicts

2011-10-26T14:44:00.004-04:00

It shouldn't surprise anyone that sensitive family dynamics can be one of the most challenging aspects of care-giving for an elder, given the tremendous financial, physical, and emotional demands involved.
To read the entire article, click on this link.
http://www.caring.com/articles/family-conflict

Did you remember that September is World Alzheimer’s Month?

2011-09-21T12:46:00.001-04:00

September 11 was the ten-year anniversary of 9/11. Anniversaries are about remembering. There’s one anniversary on September 21 that’s all about forgetting. That one is World Alzheimer’s Day. A day to remember, a month to remember for the millions of people who can’t.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to loss of memory, thinking and other brain functions. There are many stories about elderly parents getting lost on walks, forgetting simple things, faces and family members.

How do you properly diagnose Alzheimer’s disease? There are many signs in Alzheimer’s disease detection and proper diagnosis isn’t easy. There’s no definitive test for Alzheimer’s and other tests are usually performed to rule out other medical conditions. The first thing doctors do is ask patients questions and fill out questionnaires that are used to assess memory and thinking. This helps to see if signs of Alzheimer’s are present or if it flags another type of brain disease. Second, doctors order a variety of tests that evaluate mental functions.

This past April, the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association released revised guidelines for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease that divide it into three phases.
The preclinical stage: No symptoms yet, but changes have occurred in the brain that might result in symptoms later on.
Mild cognitive impairment stage: Detections in thinking start to surface, like difficulty learning new information. People live relatively normal lives.
The final stage: Dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

The new guidelines emphasize testing that measures changes in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. They include positron emission therapy (PET) scans of the brain. Most experts believe that accumulations of a protein called beta-amyloid in the brain indicate Alzheimer’s disease. The problem lies in the fact that 30% of people who test positive for beta-amyloid have no cognitive impairments, and additional factors may be needed for Alzheimer’s to develop. So, as I stated earlier, proper diagnosis isn’t easy.

The new guidelines might influence how doctors think about Alzheimer’s disease, but it’s not clear whether elaborate and expensive diagnosis would have a meaningful effect on Alzheimer’s treatment. The current drugs that are available to treat people with Alzheimer’s are modestly effective and simply put; the drugs don’t stop the disease process-taking place in the brain.

That’s not encouraging news for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s because none of the drugs aimed at slowing down this disease have worked. The good news is that the new guidelines could lead to earlier detection. And, experts hope that this will lead to clinical trials, involving people at earlier stages, when drugs and other interventions may be more effective.

So, what can you do? Get informed, get involved, and wear purple. Just like the color pink signifies breast cancer awareness, purple is the color to show support and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. I’ve included a link for World Alzheimer’s Month so you can get more informed: http://www.alz.org/wam/wam.asp

My goal is to direct you to get the help you need with Alzheimer’s disease or any other acute or chronic illness with which your loved one may be coping. We offer you and your family peace of mind by offering you the best care there is. There is so much to gain and so much to lose by hiring the wrong people.

Did you know that Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of 30 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. I welcome your comments to our posts. Let me know your thoughts and areas of interest and I’ll write on those topics.

Thanks,
Diane

A Squirt of Insulin May Delay Alzheimer’s

2011-09-14T10:15:00.002-04:00

A small pilot study has found preliminary evidence that squirting insulin deep into the nose where it travels to the brain might hold early Alzheimer's disease at bay, researchers said on Monday.

Click here to read the entire article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/health/research/13alzheimers.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general

Anxiety Disorders in the Elderly

2011-08-31T11:20:00.002-04:00

What are the different types of anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are typically divided into three categories:
Click here for more:
http://www.cignabehavioral.com/web/basicsite/bulletinBoard/anxietyDisordersInTheElderly.jsp

Elderly Anxiety and Depression

2011-08-31T11:18:00.000-04:00

Many experts are recognizing the existence of elderly anxiety as very common similar to the younger generation. Elderly anxiety is real and treatable.
Find out more:
http://dev.affsphere.com/Health/Emotional-Disorders/Elderly-Anxiety-and-Depression.html

Elderly Parents Behavior- Dealing With Anxiety

2011-08-31T11:17:00.000-04:00

Remember – in most elderly individuals, behaviors are a symptom of distress. Such behaviors are not personality flaws or stubbornness. They are merely expressions of anxiety. Elderly individuals suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s are especially prone to anxiety.
To read more, click here:
http://www.boomers-with-elderly-parents.com/elderly-parents-behavior-anxiety.html

Anxiety Often Missed in Elderly

2011-08-31T11:14:00.001-04:00

Researchers say generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may be the most common mental disorder among the elderly, although little is known about how to treat the disorder among older adults.
Read the entire article here:
http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/20061101/anxiety-missed-elderly

Caregiving Basics Workshop Series

2011-08-30T12:49:00.000-04:00

Does your Mom or Dad have an alcohol problem?

2011-07-25T11:06:00.001-04:00

Serving Seniors Blog: July, 2011

If your elderly parents had an alcohol problem, would you be able to tell? Do you know the symptoms to look for? Would you know what to do? I've worked in many areas in my career including alcohol treatment, which has given me great insights, especially when dealing with the elderly. I fully understand the devastating effects alcohol abuse can have on the elderly and their families.

Alcohol abuse and the elderly is a serious problem. It has its share of pitfalls and also, doesn’t get the attention it deserves. The reasons range from denial, keeping secrets, elderly people out of view, the appearance of “good health” and as much as I don’t like to say it, family acceptance. Like many adult children of aging parents, they view these behaviors as normal signs of aging and this is not uncommon. Why? Because the effects of alcoholism may resemble those of aging, making diagnosis of alcoholism difficult with the elderly. Many symptoms - including aches and pains, insomnia, depression, anxiety, loss of memory and other mental problems - may be confused with normal signs of aging or side effects of medications. As a result, less than half of alcoholics over 65 are diagnosed and that’s not good news. While it is difficult to find hard statistics on today's elderly alcoholics, as much as 10% to 15% of health problems in this population may be linked to alcoholism.

This is becoming a baby boomer problem as the number of elderly alcoholics can be expected to increase due to the sheer number of baby boomers entering old age. To make matters worse, the baby boomer generation has higher rates of substance abuse than any previous generation and is a contributing factor.

The costs are great. Alcoholism in the elderly is dangerous to their health and safety, especially when they’re alone and in denial.

Get the help you need. If you know or suspect that your elderly parents have an alcohol problem, don’t ignore it, the problem won’t go away, and there’s professional help locally for you. My friend and business associate, Carol Glidden LMSW, CAADC, is a highly qualified therapist at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center in Warren, MI. She’s been working with older adults for over twenty years and recognizes that older adults who are 55+ years have multiple life changes that can lead to substance abuse, including alcohol. If you need her help, call her at 586-558-7472. I’ve also included this link to help you locate help in many different areas in MI if Warren isn’t convenient for you. Click on the area where you need assistance, the site will direct you to get the help you need: http://michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2941_4871_4877-151431--,00.html

Serving Seniors understands the effects of alcoholism in the elderly and can help direct you to get the help you need. We have a dedicated team of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and we look forward to helping you and your family. We offer you and your family peace of mind by offering you the best care there is. There is so much to gain and so much to lose by hiring the wrong people.

I’m proud to say that Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of the Top 30 Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. I welcome your comments to our posts. Let me know your thoughts and areas of interest and I’ll write on those topics.

Thanks,
Diane

When It Pays to Hire a Pro

2011-07-13T11:11:00.002-04:00

(CBS News) You always want to save money where you can but there are certain tasks when hiring a pro is to your advantage
Click on the link below to see the full article by the CBS news staff
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/04/06/earlyshow/main20051284.shtml

Locating Alcohol Treatment Programs

2011-06-27T16:56:00.000-04:00

Use the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator to find an alcohol treatment program in your area.
http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/PrxInput.aspx?STATE=Michigan

Indentifying Elderly Alcoholics

2011-06-27T16:54:00.000-04:00

Less than half of alcoholics over 65 are diagnosed, a Penn State study has shown, because often the telltale signs of alcohol dependence are masked by patient denial and seeming good health.
Click here for more: http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/elder/a/blpenn030627.htm

Alcohol and the Elderly.

2011-06-27T16:52:00.000-04:00

Although alcohol and substance abuse is statistically at epidemic proportions among the elderly, it remains for the most part unreported, undiagnosed, or ignored.
Find out more: http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/elder/a/aa981118.htm

Older Adults More Likely to Abuse Alcohol, Not Drugs.

2011-06-27T16:50:00.000-04:00

Four out of five people of retirement age who seek substance abuse treatment do so because of alcohol problems, instead of abuse of drugs, indicating again that alcohol abuse by older adults is a growing and many times ignored problem.
Read the entire article here : http://alcoholism.about.com/od/elder/a/blsam020611.htm

What is Palliative Care?

2011-05-25T16:48:00.000-04:00

The point of palliative care is to relieve suffering through pain and symptom management, communication and coordination of your care. But it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Read the entire article here :

http://www.getpalliativecare.org/whatis

How to get Palliative Care.

2011-05-25T16:46:00.000-04:00

The first step is to talk to your own doctor. Most of the time, you have to ask your doctor for a palliative care referral to get palliative care services. Whether you are in the hospital or at home, a palliative care team can help you. Find out more:

http://www.getpalliativecare.org/howtoget

Is Palliative Care Right For You?

2011-05-25T16:42:00.002-04:00

Answer the following questions to determine whether palliative care might be right for you or someone close to you. Click here for more:

http://www.getpalliativecare.org/rightforyou

Palliative Care Resources.

2011-05-25T16:40:00.001-04:00

For a complete list of Palliative Care Resources, click here

http://www.getpalliativecare.org/resources

Older Michiganians Day 2011 – The Senior WAVE - Wednesday, June 15

2011-05-16T15:42:00.003-04:00

Older Michiganians Day 2011 – The Senior WAVE: We Advocate, We Vote, We Enrich Communities

Wednesday, June 15
State Capitol Lawn
Lansing, Michigan
9:50 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Older Michiganians Day is an opportunity for people representing every aspect of the aging network - seniors, families, caregivers, service providers, and administrators to join forces and do the Senior WAVE by coming to the state capitol in Lansing to participate, or by contacting your state lawmakers by phone, e-mail or letter to thank them for their continued support of programs that benefit older adults and people with disabilities and to advocate for needed change when programs or services don’t work or are inadequate.

Please refer to the attached flyer for more information – and tell your friends and families to join the WAVE!

If you’d like to join us, you may find more information at oldermichiganiansday.com and http://www.mi-seniors.net.

If you can’t join us in Lansing, you can still participate. Call or write your state legislators and let them know how they can help support seniors in Michigan.

Find your state representative at: www.house.mi.gov. Find your state senator at: senate.michigan.gov

Caregiving Basics: Fall Workshop Series - Save the Dates

2011-05-09T16:27:00.003-04:00

Pain management. One size doesn’t fit all.

2011-04-22T12:37:00.001-04:00

Serving Seniors Blog: April, 2011

Having a serious illness is frightening. Your mind races, “what will life be like down the road?” and the mind-consuming, “what if’s” race through your brain. Add pain, lots of it, in all areas. You’re feel exhausted, nauseous, you have no appetite, and shortness of breath adds another, unwanted burden. Stress weighs on you. You need relief from all of this, but don’t know where to turn.

Having a better understanding of your condition, as well as knowing what choices you have for much needed care, can help. Care in improving your ability to tolerate your medical treatments, and care to help you carry on with the demands of everyday life are sorely needed. You simply want to feel better now.

You’ve probably heard of hospice care, but have you heard of Palliative care? Hospice focuses on quality of life care for people with a life expectancy of six months or less, and treatment is typically not wanted any longer.

Palliative care is different. It focuses on the quality of life for people with serious or chronic illnesses, including cancer, cardiac disease like Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Pulmonary Disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, and Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis.

Is Palliative care right for you? Palliative care relieves symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness along with the treatments meant to cure you. The good news is that usually, a team of experts, including Palliative care doctors, nurses, and social workers, provide this much needed care.

Serving Seniors understands individualized care completely. We have a dedicated team of Professional Geriatric Care Managers that are custom fit to your elderly loved ones needs. Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of only 30 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

Care for people with illnesses should be personal. Whether they need Palliative care, elder care, or both. Serving Seniors looks forward to helping you and your family navigate the tough decisions with the best, personalized care out there. We offer you and your family peace of mind. We welcome your comments to our posts. Let us know your thoughts and areas of interest.

Thanks,
Diane

Medicare Coverage of Home Health Care

2011-03-21T15:55:00.001-04:00

For information about Medicare’s home health benefit, including what’s covered and whether you’re eligible, click on this link

http://www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare/About/MedicareCoverage.aspx

Home Health Agency Checklist

2011-03-21T15:53:00.000-04:00

Use Home Health Compare and call the home health agency to complete this checklist. For the entire article, cick here:

http://www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare/About/FindanAgency/Checklist.aspx

Home Health Compare

2011-03-21T15:52:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Home Health Compare. This tool has detailed information about every Medicare-certified home health agency in the country. Click on this link for more:

http://www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare/search.aspx

20 Practical Tips for Finding the Best Residential Care for Your Relative

2011-03-21T15:49:00.000-04:00

It's a tough and troubling decision: Is it time to move your relative to a care home? You constantly try to balance your roller-coaster emotions with objective practical information. But once you've made the decision, what do you do next?
Click here to find out 20 practical tips

http://caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=2048#article1

Upcoming Free Seminar - Planning for the Golden Years

2011-02-28T16:24:00.005-05:00

Diane Hischke is guest speaker

Click on image to print the flyer

Free Workshop for Caregivers on Difficult Decision Making as Your Loved One Ages

2011-02-23T16:30:00.002-05:00

The Geriatric Care Management Network of Southeast Michigan and the Gerontology Department at Madonna University is hosting a free workshop entitled Difficult Decision Making as Your Loved One Ages: Medical, Legal,& Emotional Aspects on Saturday, March 5 from 8:45am-1pm. Topics include long term planning, advanced directives, and emotional stress.

Speakers include Dr. Patricia Schmidt, Medical Director of In-House Hospice, Katie Graham, Neighborhood Legal Services of Michigan Elder Law & Advocacy Center, and Peter Ostrow, Director of The Dorothy & Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Care Program.

The workshop takes place in Kresge Hall Room 1316 at Madonna University located at 36600 Schoolcraft in Livonia. Continental breakfast is included. For more information, contact Serving Seniors at 248-375-9125.

About The Geriatric Care Management Network of Southeast Michigan

The Geriatric Care Management Network of Southeast Michigan is an affiliate of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. NAPGCM is the gold standard in the profession of geriatric care management. They provide leadership, education, and advocacy in the growing arena of geriatric care. A geriatric care manager is an experienced professional who specializes in assisting older adults and their families with elder care arrangements. Care managers have extensive knowledge about quality, costs, and availability of services in our community. They can connect you with the services which are right for you or your loved one. For more information, call 520-881-8008 or visit their website at www.caremanager.org.

Bigger is not better. It’s a personal issue.

2011-02-14T12:22:00.002-05:00

Serving Seniors Blog: February, 2011

People have a distorted view that the bigger something is, the better it is, and the more we get. When it comes to caring for the elderly, bigger is not better. In fact, quite the opposite is true. New, geriatric care management services are being started by large home care companies in many areas. They are usually large, multi-layered companies that have the financial resources to operate, but lack the personalized, custom-tailored care that Professional Geriatric Care Managers like Serving Seniors offer.

Caring for the elderly is a complicated and deeply personal issue. Everyone’s needs are different and people deserve customized, personal care, that’s unique to their special needs. Large companies offer generalized care to handle large numbers of clients and they aren’t designed to offer personalized, customized care. In those big companies, your elderly loved one enters and quickly becomes a number in a one-size fits all, corporate mentality.

Serving Seniors is different. We treat our elderly clients with the respect, attention and dignity they deserve. We watch, we listen, we coach, we advise, and we become fierce advocates for them to guarantee they’ll get the personalized attention and the proper care they need from the health care system. We offer families and their loved one’s peace of mind. We are a dedicated team of Professional Geriatric Care Managers who are custom fit to your elderly loved one’s needs.

It’s very common to encounter seniors who are resistant to help and afraid of their situation. Many times, their insurance doesn’t cover the care they need. Serving Seniors' professionals are trained in all areas of elder care to get seniors the proper one-on-one care that they need. And, we focus on prevention cost effectiveness as much as other aspects of elder care, which is why we offer a unique program, called Family Friends. We recently identified a Licensed, Personal Trainer who can help seniors with balance, which can prevent accidents while adding quality to their lives. You’d want that for your mom or dad or yourself, wouldn’t you?

There are many qualified, for-hire caregivers out there, but sometimes, they might not be the right fit for a person. Our Family Friends have a variety of backgrounds and one of them holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work, and has other skills like art, writing, and memory books. This came in handy when one of our elderly clients with whom we were entrusted was a woman in her late 80’s. She was single, no family nearby, alone and resistant to someone coming into her home. We found out that she was a writer in the past, loved to garden and cook. We matched her with one of our Family Friends, who was experienced as a journalist, gardener and had cooking skills. The results were a wonderful experience for this woman, which makes us feel like we are creating an environment where people benefit greatly. That makes our day. That’s what it’s all about at Serving Seniors.

There are many geriatric care managers for you to choose from and while it can be overwhelming, you need to make the right choice.You and your family deserve the best. Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of only 30 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. That’s why we say we offer you and your family peace of mind, because we do.

Elder care is personal. Smaller, more custom-tailored care is definitely better. Call us for a consultation so we can help you and your loved ones. I appreciate your interest in Serving Seniors and we’re looking forward to helping you and your family navigate these rough waters with the best personalized care out there.

Thanks,

Diane

Talk to relatives about care-giving before they need it; resources that can help.

2011-01-11T12:20:00.000-05:00

For added support, consider hiring a geriatric care manager, a professional who specializes in helping families who are caring for older relatives. "When siblings are spread across the country, this person can help you come up with a game plan before something happens,"
For the entire article, cick here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/02/AR2010060204497_2.html

Study assisted-living options for aging parents.

2011-01-11T12:17:00.002-05:00

"Let's give our kids everything they want anytime they ask so they won't put us in a place like this," I whispered to my husband.
Click on this link for more:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/29/AR2010052900288.html

When the Assisted-Living Bill Balloons

2011-01-11T12:14:00.001-05:00

The MetLife Mature Market Institute recently reported that assisted-living costs climbed 5.2 percent from 2009 to 2010, to a national monthly average of $3,293.
Click here for the entire article: .
http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/07/when-the-assisted-living-bill-balloons/

How to decide if your family needs a geriatric-care manager

2010-12-08T09:59:00.001-05:00

The holidays should be a joyful time of homecoming for families, but sometimes those visits also reveal that elderly parents are more frail or more forgetful than before.

Click here to read the entire article:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/geriatric-care-managers-ease-family-transitions-2009-12-10?pagenumber=1

Be a Good Advocate

2010-11-24T14:08:00.001-05:00

Serving Seniors Blog: November, 2010

Healthcare in America is getting a lot of attention in today’s media. It’s a hot topic, filled with an overwhelming amount of information, which has resulted in people being thoroughly confused. When it comes to healthcare, when all of the facts, figures and opinions are tallied, did you know what really matters to consumers? It’s surprisingly simple. People simply want to feel good, they only want to pay appropriate costs, get help with resources available to them, understand what options they have, and to be able to trust a health care advisor.

That’s information that we can all relate to which is why, when your loved ones age in life, they need someone to help them, someone they can trust. Whether the aging loved one is your mom, dad, husband, wife, or grandparents, there comes a time when they need help navigating the healthcare that they need. In the world of healthcare, that trusted advisor is called a Patient Advocate.

There’s a good chance that you’ll end up being an advocate for your loved ones. It’s important that you’re educated so you can be a good advocate, because they’re not going to be able to do that for themselves. If it sounds as overwhelming as healthcare, it’s not. The more you’re educated, the better an advocate you can be.

There are many aspects of being a good advocate and many areas where your loved ones will need help. It’s important that you’re able to make an assessment of your loved one’s needs to be able to coordinate the proper care. It might require you to explore options and the related costs as well as explore both medical and behavioral health needs. It will be important to able to prioritize the health management issues so that the coordination of care is done to your satisfaction and more importantly, to your loved one’s best interests.

This could also include interpreting medical information, which might include diagnosis and treatment information. Other very important areas are insurance requirements, co-pays, benefits, and all related topics involving costs.

It will be important to know medications that are being prescribed, diet needs, habits, and end-of life needs and desires. While some of these topics might be difficult to discuss, they all need to be addressed at one time or another. It’s proven that the more educated and informed you are, the more proactive you can be. Being there for your loved ones when they need your help the most is an important part of their care. Being a good advocate for them requires planning, education, and preparation. Do it for them, do it for you and your entire family.

Serving Seniors professionals are trained in all areas of elderly care to get people the proper care that they need. As you navigate these rough waters that you’ve never experienced before, have comfort in knowing that we are great patient advocates for you and your family. Simply put, we offer you peace of mind. We’re proud to say that Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of only 20 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

I hope you find all of our posts helpful. Please feel free to share your own experiences and we welcome your comments below. We value your input and so do our readers.

Get educated and call us for a consultation on how we can help you and your loved ones. I appreciate your interest in Serving Seniors and our professional geriatric care management services.

Thanks,

Diane Hischke

Deep Brain Stimulation

2010-11-08T13:18:00.011-05:00

What are the Facts?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms—most commonly the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement, and walking problems.

Click on this link to read the entire article.

http://www.parkinson.org/Parkinson-s-Disease/Treatment/Surgical-Treatment-Options/Deep-Brain-Stimulation

Are there other conditions that can mimic PD?

2010-11-08T13:11:00.004-05:00

Essential Tremor (ET) is fairly common amongst the elderly population, yet may begin at any age. ET is different from the PD tremor in that it affects both hands, often involves head tremor and a shaky quality to the patient’s voice.
For more information on the entire article, click on this link:

http://www.parkinson.org/Parkinson-s-Disease/Diagnosis/Are-there-other-conditions-that-can-mimic-PD-

We all want to slow down. Or do we?

2010-10-15T11:23:00.002-04:00

Serving Seniors Blog: October 15, 2010

Parkinson’s disease is a process which leads to impaired movement, affecting approximately one million Americans. Many patients who have Parkinson’s have symptoms such as lack of motivation and may be misdiagnosed with depression. It’s bad enough to have the symptoms, but to be misdiagnosed or thought to be lacking motivation seems to add insult to injury.

I have seen first hand the devastating effects of this disease on many patients. I currently have a new client who's in the later stage of this slow, progressive, physical disorder. Sadly, it reminds me of Alzheimer’s Disease. I’ve written about Alzheimer’s previously because it also has devastating effects for the whole family of the person who is suffering.

It’s quite common for Parkinson’s Disease to be slowly working, without notice
for months or years before the actual diagnosis is made. No one knows what actually causes Parkinson’s and to date it’s, unfortunately, incurable. However, there are treatments available to patients and their families. I’ve co-authored a book titled, “Parkinson’s Answer Book” and it’s available on our website. Just go to our website at www.servingseniors.net, sign up for free downloads and take it from there. It’s very informative and I’d highly recommend that people become familiar with Parkinson’s Disease. That will help inform families, so that they learn early signs of detection and know what to look for. Every person with Parkinson’s Disease will have a different experience, some more extreme than others. It’s so important for the patient, the person administering care, and the physician to work together. This will offer the best results and ensure the best treatments and continued functioning for the patient.

So while it’s important to stop and smell the roses or slow down from the frenzied pace of life, it’s important to count your blessing that your slowing down is voluntary. We’ll be covering Parkinson’s Disease in greater detail in our next newsletter, so stay tuned.

Serving Seniors professionals are trained in all areas of elder care to get people the proper care that they need. Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of only 20 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

I hope you find all of our posts helpful. Please feel free to share your own experiences and we welcome your comments below. We value your input and so do our readers.

I appreciate your interest in Serving Seniors and our professional geriatric care management services. Until next time.

Thanks,

Diane Hischke

An Alzheimer's Disease Bill of Rights

2010-09-29T16:50:00.001-04:00

Virginia Bell and David Troxel, authors and public speakers on AD and caregiving, have established a Best Friends Bill of Rights for the Alzheimer's victim and caregiver. I personally struggled and learned about caregiving for my mother who had Alzheimer's. These "rights" are excellent guides for caring for your loved ones.
Click on the link below to view an article on Alzheimer's Disease Bill of Rights.

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2010/07/01/Group-proposes-dementia-bill-of-ri%3Cbr%20/%3Eghts/UPI-59521277963541/

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Alzheimer’s and the Brain

2010-09-29T16:46:00.001-04:00

Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things.
For more information on entire article, click on this link:

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp#brain

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Alzheimer's Overview

2010-09-29T16:31:00.006-04:00

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. Scientists have learned a great deal about Alzheimer’s disease in the century since Dr. Alzheimer first drew attention to it. Click on the link below to view the entire article.

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp#Introduction

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Tough Decisions

2010-09-28T11:21:00.001-04:00

Do you remember when your parents made the decisions in your life? They were in charge and your parent’s decisions on your behalf were to protect you from things and circumstances around you.

Now, fast forward and the same person who made life decisions for you is now dependent on you making big life decisions for them.

There are many barriers and emotional feelings that come to the front when an adult child or grandchild comes to the realization that they now need to make decisions for their elderly parents and loved ones. They see that their elderly parent or grandparent is no longer competent to make their own decisions.

One of the main obstacles in making those tough decisions is denial by the adult caregiver, usually the adult child or grandchild. There are very real emotional struggles to make the decision to have to do this. Questions like, “ Am I doing the right thing?” weigh heavily on adult children. Compound that with more thoughts on how to approach their parent, are they knowledgeable or capable of making that decision? Believe me, none of these things make it any easier to digest.

This is a subject that’s close to my heart which is why I’m speaking on this again. I call it, “To Move or Not to Move.” My presentation will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Troy, Michigan. It’s this Thursday, September 30th and it starts at 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm. No advanced registration is needed.

I’ll be covering a broad range of informative topics and will include a checklist that can help families determine what resources might be appropriate now and help prepare for the future. Some of the areas I’ll be covering are things like;
What kind of help is needed?
Are they able to maintain their home and lawn?
How do they manage the housekeeping and laundry?
Are they able to recognize strangers and seek necessary help?
What is their ability to handle an emergency if one should arise?
Are they able to drive or do they use public transportation?

Other equally important areas that I also address are social activities, managing finances, getting groceries, preparing meals, eating, recognizing surroundings, ability to keep their appointments, following directions, wandering, their personal care and hygiene, dressing, bathing, medications and a few other important topics.

I’ll offer tips and advise for you and your family. I care about this important subject which is why I’ll be presentating on this and also writing about it.

Serving Seniors professionals are trained in all areas of elder care to get people the proper care that they need. Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of only 20 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

I hope you find all of our posts helpful. Please feel free to share your own experiences and we welcome your comments below. We value your input and so do our readers.

I appreciate your interest in Serving Seniors and our professional geriatric care management services. Talk to you soon.

Thanks,

Diane Hischke

Alzheimer’s Awareness is a Good Thing.

2010-09-14T09:45:00.003-04:00

Serving Seniors Blog: September 10, 2010

It’s hard to believe that Labor Day has come and gone. It’s been a very busy summer and now we’re getting ready for September. In our last blog, I wrote about the Annual Memory Walk at the Detroit Zoo which happened on August 28th. There was lots of walking, lots of talking and everyone had a great time. There were many stories and memories to share and even better, a total of $316, 282 in donations were given. It was a huge success thanks to people like you. All Memory Walk donations benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.

But the fight for awareness and a cure never stops which is why I participated in another event that benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. On Sunday, September 12th, the 1st Annual Bakes & Barks event was held at Stoney Creek Metro Park. The expression of “the world is going to the dogs” came to life that day as people from all walks of life brought their dogs to compete in contests throughout the day.

There were great prizes, people brought their beloved dogs in costumes, even though it wasn’t required. Entertainment was provided by various dog organizations and many local organizations provided free information and services for seniors, families and pets. That’s where Serving Seniors got involved. I had a table at this great event where I offered information about Serving Seniors to help people become better educated and aware about many issues regarding seniors, especially Alzheimer’s disease.

If you attended the event, I hope you had as great a time as I did. It’s a great feeling to support this great cause with proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association.

We care about Alzheimer’s and know you do to, which is why I’ll be dedicating a lot of time to this cause and writing about it. Serving Seniors' professionals are trained in all areas of elder care, including Alzheimer’s, to get people the proper care that they need. Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of only 20 Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

I hope you find all of our posts helpful. Please feel free to share your own experiences and we welcome your comments below. We value your input and so do our readers.

I appreciate your interest in Serving Seniors and our professional geriatric care management services.

Look for our next newsletter, where I’ll be writing on Alzheimer’s and offering great articles that are sure to bring more awareness.

Thanks again,

Diane Hischke

How Do You Know For Sure?

2010-08-30T12:11:00.004-04:00

Knowledge is a great gift and the process to retain what we’ve learned is taken for granted most of the time.

Our September newsletter is about Alzheimer’s disease. We discuss what Alzheimer’s is, what the symptoms are plus knowing how to recognize the signs for early detection. This is an area that we all need to be informed about especially as we watch our elderly parents/ grandparents and loved ones age.

Things that we witness with aging parents and pass off as their frustration, mood swings, minor “senior moments” and the like could be indications of something else going on.

Have you ever thought about this? That our memory is the foundation for our exisitance. From our early years, all through our aging process to mature adulthood, is all made from our memories. “Who we are” is the compilation of all of our thoughts, experiences and the rich memories that go with everything in our lives. There’s a level of control and security that accompany our memories and when that starts to weaken over time, the results manifest themselves in different ways.

And now, that’s starting to happen in your elderly parents/ grandparents or loved ones. What you do about this and your ability to make informed decisions relies on your abilty to make the proper diagnosis. Or simply put, how you know for sure without guessing.

We’ve posted an article on this website that gives an overview on this topic titled: What is Alzheimer’s? Another article that’s very helpful on this subject is called 10 Signs of Alzheimers. We’ve also posted an article that gives great insights on early detection called: Earlier Diagnosis.

You'll remember this walk

2010-08-27T13:23:00.003-04:00

Serving Seniors Blog: August 27, 2010

For my September Newsletter, I chose the topic of Alzheimer’s disease as it affects so many people, and I’m surprised how little awareness there is on it. In the newsletter, we discuss what Alzheimer’s is, what the symptoms are, and how to recognize the signs for early detection. This is an area that we all need to be informed about, especially as we watch our elderly parents/ grandparents and loved ones age.

The timing for Alzheimer’s awareness is perfect because on Saturday, August 28, the 19th Annual Memory Walk at the Detroit Zoo is going on. There’s an ad in the Oakland Press highlighting the event, and it’s called Move a Nation to End Alzheimer’s.

It’s a great cause where you can get involved with others who care. It’s a 2K Fun walk so you don’t have to worry about running a marathon, but dealing with Alzheimer’s truly feels like a marathon for affected families.

Registration starts at 7:30 am and the walk begins at 8:30. When you register for the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk, you’re joining a nationwide community of thousands of people who are standing up and participating in the fight against this devastating disease. Registration only takes a few minutes, and you can walk as a group - family, work, etc. - if you want. You’ll be amazed at how many people really want to help.

Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. They’ve raised $300 million since they started in 1989. All Memory Walk donations benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.

I don’t know what your plans were for Saturday, but if you can make it, great. I guarantee you that it’s a great feeling to support this great cause. You can call or e-mail the Greater Michigan Chapter at 248-351-0280 or e-mail at detroitmemorywalk@alz.org. Or, just show up at the Detoit Zoo.

We care about Alzheimer’s and know you do too. So get involved, get aware and remember the walk. Don’t let this fade away into your memory. Serving Seniors' professionals are trained in all areas of elderly care including Alzheimer’s to get people the proper care that they need. Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of only 20 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

I hope you find all of our posts helpful. Please feel free to share your own experiences, and we welcome your comments below. We value your input and so do our readers.

I appreciate your interest in Serving Seniors and our professional geriatric care management services.

Until the next time, have a great walk and don’t forget, the family you help may be your own.

Thanks again,
Diane Hischke

Earlier Diagnosis.

2010-08-24T10:50:00.004-04:00

What if we could diagnose Alzheimer's before symptoms started? The hope is, future treatments could then target the disease in its earliest stages, before irreversible brain damage or mental decline has occurred.

To read the entire article, click on this link:

Click here to read entire article

10 Signs of Alzheimer’s:

2010-08-24T10:49:00.003-04:00

Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of Alzheimer's, a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills.

To read the entire article, click on this link:

Click here to read the entire article

What is Alzheimer’s?

2010-08-24T10:46:00.002-04:00

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to loss of memory, thinking and other brain functions. Alzheimer's is not a part of normal aging, but results from a complex pattern of abnormal changes.

To read the entire article, click on this link:

Click here to read the entire article

What's Big News Today? You'd Be Surprised

2010-08-11T12:33:00.006-04:00

Serving Seniors Blog: August 5, 2010

I’m amazed at what makes big news and what makes small news in the media. The BP oil spill , the oil spill in Kalamazoo are important issues, no doubt. Robberies, car accidents, the struggling economy, as well as the Primary elections are important too. But when I see a tiny, little article, filled with disturbing details about elder abuse, conveniently tucked away at the bottom of the newspaper, I don’t like it. It’s kind of like a problem that we want to go away. We minimize the situation so it’s not important. It’s big news to someone in my line of work, and these situations are bigger than life, especially for the elderly, the silent majority.

Sometimes I take for granted that families know that there is professional help available for their elderly parents and grandparents. This is what I do, and while I know all too well of the dynamics involved in getting families "on board", I’m still saddened when I hear about abusive situations with the elderly. These can all be avoided with the proper education and guidance from a licensed and certified Professional Geriatric Care Manager.

I read a terrible story about an 80-year old woman in the Boston area who lay for a month in a recliner soaked with her own waste and her toenails so long that they were curling back, cutting into her skin. Can you imagine how painful and miserable she was? Who would allow that to happen to an elderly person? If she could have removed herself from that situation, she would have. Iinstead, she was a prisoner in a recliner. She was suffering from deep bedsores and was in critical condition when the authorities had her admitted into a local hospital.

To make matters worse, she had developed a bacterial infection in her bloodstream. She was covered with bedsores--one so deep tendons could be seen through her decomposing skin. I read on to discover that the elderly woman’s own 49-year old daughter and her 51-year old husband were charged with permitting serious injury to an elderly or disabled person. Plus, three of the woman’s grandsons were aso charged in the case.

How did this happen? How didn’t anyone notice that this neglect was going on? Why did this elderly woman’s own family allow the situation to go on this long?

I don’t have the answers to this, but I know from experience that not knowing what to do or trying to do everything yourself can have extremely bad outcomes. Yes, having elderly parents has many challenges, but that’s no excuse for not seeking the proper care or professionals who can help.

A very real issue is convincing adult children that they need to seek professional help for their elderly parents. I’ve seen scenarios similar to this many times as a PCGM. It’s why I always stress repeatedly to families that if they really care about their parents or other elderly or impaired loved ones, they need to take the time to find someone else to do the caregiving if they cannot.

A certified, Professional Geriatric Care Manager (PCGM) can help people and families avoid helpless situations like this. Serving Seniors' professionals are trained in all areas of elder care. We offer you, your parents or grandparents the best care possible in any and all situations, even if you’ve tried to offer care and realize that you can’t do it alone.

Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of only 20 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. When it comes to care for your parents, grandparents or loved ones, I would encourage all of you to locate the proper care. Do it for you, do it for them, and do it for your whole family.

I hope you find all of our posts helpful. Please feel free to share your own experiences, and we welcome your comments below. We value your input and so do our readers.

I appreciate your interest in Serving Seniors and our professional geriatric care management services.

Until the next time, enjoy the great summer weather and tell your elderly parents that you love them.

Thanks again,

Diane Hischke

Deciding on Care for Elderly Parents in Declining Health.

2010-07-26T15:59:00.006-04:00

Two years ago my father, then 83, became very ill. Until then, he had been living alone in a pleasant one-bedroom apartment on the Hudson River, an hour’s drive from my home in Brooklyn.

After a couple of months in the hospital it became clear that my dad, Harvey Alderman, could not return to solo living. He was fragile and forgetful, and there was no way he could keep track of the 14 or so pills he had to take each day.

To read the entire article, click on this link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/13/health/13patient.html?_r=1

Admitting it's time to Move

2010-07-26T15:44:00.007-04:00

In survey after survey, older Americans say they want to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Forget senior housing, they say. But many don't avoid time in a senior building, and the timing of a move can make a difference in their experience.

To read the entire article, click on this link:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/newhomes/chi-0804100527apr13,0,7245811.story

Going it alone for Aging Parents Can Be Dangerous

2010-07-16T10:30:00.003-04:00

Serving Seniors Blog: July 13, 2010

We’re enjoying a really hot summer in Michigan and from what I hear, the heat wave will continue. While many of us enjoy the heat and all that summer brings us, it can become extremely dangerous for elderly people. Especially, if they’re left unattended. If an elderly person has problems with their air conditioning, their home can become unbearably hot and they might not even realize that there’s a problem. In a short time, the heat building up can cause serious health problems, even death. Having elderly parents has many challenges in any kind of weather or situation.

What comes to mind is about getting parents to realize that they need help in the first place. Or another real issue is convincing their well-meaning adult children, that they need to seek professional help for their elderly parents.

I saw an article about a man whose parents are in their 80’s and while he tries to keep in touch with them as often as possible, he’s having a difficult time keeping them out of harm’s way. If his mother trips or falls, his father struggles as he tries to get her up and his concern is that both of them risk injury due to lack of strength or ability. He thinks having his elderly parents call 911 is the best answer and he can’t convince them to do so.

He’s also concerned when strangers come to his parents’ door or call them on the phone and ask about personal issues like their back accounts. The thought of strangers coming to the door of his elderly parents is truly scary. Strangers preying on the insecurities of his elderly parents on the phone scares him, as it should. Unfortunately, that is the world that we live in. You can encourage your elderly parents to call the police or other proper authorities when there’s a problem, but they can’t do that on a contstant basis. Let’s face it, when parents are elderly, these are short-term fixes to longer-term challenges.

We want to be there for our parents. But many times we simply cannot and many times there are many challenges to overcome beyond our abilities or areas of expertise. Elderly parents living alone is dangerous, and there are many risks that can go along with that scenario. If mom falls and hurts herself, what if dad doesn’t see her and a lot of time goes by? What if she loses consciousness or is unable to speak because she’s confused by the fall? What if she suffers a stroke? Or, what if dad does see her fall and lying on the floor, but he becomes hurt trying to lift her up which causes serious injury to himself and his elderly wife. What if he falls and cracks a bone? As you can see, it can quickly go from bad to worse. These are very traumatic situations. With the proper professional care, they can be avoided.

As I’ve said, calling 911 is an okay option if elderly parents fall, but if there’s a risk of this happening daily, other, more long-term solutions needs to be explored.

I’ve seen scenarios similar to this many times as a PCGM. It’s why I always stress repeatedly to families that, if they really care about their parents or loved ones, they need to take the time to find someone else to do the caring if they cannot. Most of the time, no matter how well-meaning the families are, they simply cannot offer their parents the best care.

A qualified, Professional Geriatric Care Manager (PCGM) can help people and families avoid helpless situations like this. They are trained in all areas of elderly care. A PCGM offers you and your parents the best care possible in any and all situations, even dealing with strangers at their door or mysterious calls on the phone.

I’m proud to say that Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of only 20 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. That means when you and your family use our professional services, you’ll be securing the best care. That’s why I say, Serving Seniors offers you peace of mind, because we really do.

I hope you find our posts helpful. Please feel free to share your own experiences and we welcome your comments below. We value your input and so do our readers.

Thank you for your interest in Serving Seniors and our professional geriatric care management services.

Until the next time, take care.

Diane Hischke

No Independence for one 80 year old man.

2010-07-07T09:55:00.005-04:00

Serving Seniors Blog: July 7, 2010

I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July celebration. I was thinking of the actual meaning of Independence Day and I came across an article in the newspaper that struck a nerve with me. It was about becoming totally dependent on others which means no independence.

The article was about an 80 year old man who was found trapped in his bed for two entire days as his arm was wedged between the mattress and the headboard of his bed. The sad discovery was made after an acqaintance from out of town tried unsuccessfully to call the elderly man for two days and he hadn’t answered the phone. Neighbors told officers that they hadn’t seen the man for two days. The windows and doors to the home were locked and the shades were drawn. No one answered the door when responding officers knocked, but the garage door had been left opened and a vehicle was parked inside.

The article continued to say that the officers were able to get inside the house where they discovered the man trapped in his bed. That poor man had been lying alone, a prisoner of his own bed for two days, was severly dehydrated and delusional. No food, no water, no bathroom, no one to see him trapped for two days and 80 years old. Just helplessness and in a panic. It saddened me to think of that poor man and what it must have been like for him. Or did he really grasp his situation over time because he became delusional?

Can you imagine what could have happened to that elderly man if no one called for him or never took action? He was lucky to have been found alive. There was a time when this man had his independence, but in his elderly state had become totally dependent on others to make critical decisions for him.

This type of situation happens all too often. It reminds me of adult children and grandchildren who become alienated from their parents or grandparents for many reasons. The outcome of these situations is never good as the elderly adult is often neglected, though that’s never anyone’s intent.

A qualified, Professional Geriatric Care Manager (PGCM) can help people and families avoid terrible situations like this. PCGM’s don’t have the emotional issues which many times, cause the family to stay away. They are trained in all areas of elder care so things like this never happen.

It’s situations like this that I’ve seen many times as a PGCM. It’s why I always stress repeatedly to families that if they really care about their parents or loved ones, they need to take the time to find someone else to do the caregiving if they cannot. As I’ve said before, so many times I see families try to take care of their aging parents or grandparents themselves only to find out that they’re really not qualified to do the job. Think about it. Would you want someone unqualified to care for you when you reach that stage in your life? Would you want to be helpless and a prisoner in your bed for two days like this poor man?

Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of only 20 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. That means when you and your family use our professional services, you’ll be securing the best care for your parents or grandparents. That’s why I say Serving Seniors offers you peace of mind; we really do.

I hope you find our posts helpful. Please feel free to share your own experiences and we welcome your comments below. We value your input and so do our readers.
Thank you for your interest in Serving Seniors and our professional geriatric care management services.
Thanks again!

Diane Hischke

Preparing for Caregiving - New Book on the Market

2010-06-25T11:17:00.006-04:00

Serving Seniors Blog: June 23, 2010

Happy Summer and welcome to Serving Seniors’ blog. My goal is to share with you the latest news in caring for seniors plus my insights from many years of helping people navigate the rough waters of caring for their elderly parents or loved ones. It’s been a while since I’ve written here and it’s great talking to you again. I’ll be updating my blog weekly, so I won’t make you wait this long for my next post. I’ve also been dealing with lots of positive changes at Serving Seniors with new professionals on board to help us care even better for your loved ones.

Father’s Day has come and gone and it reminded me of how many people are caring for their elderly fathers or mothers.

Most of us prepare for big moments in our family members' lives - the birth of a child, graduations, weddings. But, we really don’t prepare at all for the really big moment of taking care of our parents when they become elderly and in need of help. Many times we try to take care of them ourselves only to find out that we’re really not qualified. Couple that with unresolved issues with your siblings, siblings who don’t get involved, or geographical distance between you and your parents. I personally struggled with my own brother when it came to care for my mom. I resented for a long time my brother's lack of involvement in my mother's care and his infrequent visits.

Gail Sheehy is a best-selling author of 16 books and she’s changed the way millions of women and men around the world look at the stages of their lives. Gail also speaks highly of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (PGCM’s) on talk shows nationwide. I love that, and I’m proud to say that Serving Seniors has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

In 2010 Gail takes on the most challenging and personal issue in her latest book: Passages in Caregiving: Turning Chaos Into Confidence. She tells the inspiring story of her own journey of 17 years caring for her husband. She fills the book with stories of families that we can all relate to and their most creative strategies. She says it perfectly, “I had nine months to prepare for the birth of my child, I had nine hours to prepare to care for my husband. “

I’d highly recommend you read her book. I’m sure it’s full of life-changing events that can help you in your situation.

I hope you find our posts helpful as you consider all of the options of caring for your seniors and other loved ones. Please feel free to share your own experiences and write your comments below. We value your input and so do our readers.

Thank you for your interest in Serving Seniors and our professional geriatric care management services.

Talk to you soon and thanks again!

Diane Hischke

When Siblings Step Up

2010-06-21T11:31:00.004-04:00

Sisters and brothers are finding new ways to circumvent old conflicts as they take on one of the toughest roles in their lives: caregiver.

Click on the link for the entire article.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748703503804575083992265508012.html#mod=todays_us_the_journal_report

Family Reunion - a Good Time for Family Planning

2010-06-21T11:15:00.004-04:00

http://www.longtermcarelink.net/article-2009-7-9.htm

Successful Communication

2010-03-10T08:54:00.006-05:00

Look for this article written by Diane Hischke, in the March 2010 issue of "The American Senior Gazette", published in West Bloomfield, MI.

The Heart Remains

It is likely that an individual with Alzheimer’s disease often understands more than he/she is able to make known to others. It is also proven that he/she is aware of and experiences feelings elicited by others or events, even when he/she cannot articulate those feelings or describe what is happening. In other words, even if the mind is not there, the heart is. This is so important to remember and to celebrate. My mother could not always tell others my name, or that I was her daughter. However, I never doubted that when she looked at me, she knew I was someone she loved and who loved her.

Coping with the Alzheimer’s Victim’s Anger, Anxiety, and Paranoia

This professional geriatric care manager (GCM) and daughter of an Alzheimer’s victim well knows that coping with an Alzheimer’s patient’s overwhelming feelings, such as anger, anxiety, and paranoia, is difficult in many ways for the caregiver.

It is still fresh in my mind how I felt when my mother’s anger was inappropriately directed at me. And that was more than 15 years ago! I felt shocked, hurt, and confused. And, those personal feelings made it difficult for me to respond in a helpful way.

When responding to the ANGER of an Alzheimer’s victim:

DO NOT take the emotion and associated behavior personally. It is a symptom of the illness being “played out” in your loved one. He/she has little control of the feeling or action. In fact, he or she will, afterwards, probably not even recall the incident.

DO validate or state in a calm manner and in simple words the feeling you think your loved one is experiencing. For example, state, “You must be feeling angry right now. I understand that.” Surprisingly, this may quickly dissipate the feeling the person is having–like you’ve suddenly stuck a pin in a balloon and the air deflates!

DO then reassure the person with a kind touch on the arm or shoulder and a statement such as, “I’m here to take care of you” or “There are many people here who care about you.”

DO remove the person from the stressful place or situation while guiding him/her in a calm and reassuring way.

DO then offer a distraction he/she is likely to accept, e.g. offer to sit with the person and read a book, look at pictures of their grandchildren, or go for a walk and smell the flowers.

DO NOT ask if he/she wants to do this distracting activity, but suggest, in a very kind and encouraging manner that they do it with you.

DO look for early signs of frustration in activities such as bathing, dressing, or directing movement from one location to another. If evident, delay the activity temporarily.

I can still recall the embarrassment and anxiety I felt when my mother became anxious about the ringing telephone in my kitchen (which she didn’t recognize as a phone any longer). She began trying to take the phone receiver apart, while the caller (one of my nursing students) was on the other end!

When responding to the ANXIETY of an Alzheimer’s victim:

DO scan the environment to determine what may be triggering the anxiety. Can this be eliminated or can the person be gently removed from the environment?

DO maintain a calm and pleasant facial expression and tone of voice.

DO make reassuring comments, such as,“It’s okay” or “I’m here to help you.”

DO know that anxiety is most common in the early stages of dementia when the person still has a fair amount of awareness of his/her surroundings, but may misinterpret them as a danger to himself/herself, e.g. the ringing phone.

DO avoid situations and places where there are loud noises, many activities, and many people.

DO know that the stage where this is most common is usually temporary.

DO consult your doctor if the anxiety is unrelenting; interferes with necessary activities of daily living, such as bathing; or prevents adequate sleep of either the Alzheimer’s victim or the caregiver. Anti-anxiety medication may be ordered temporarily to ease the distress.

When responding to the PARANOIA of an Alzheimer’s victim:

DO NOT argue with the person or try to convince him/her the paranoid belief is untrue. He/she has lost the ability to be rational.

DO look for lost articles or assist in looking.

DO acknowledge the feelings the person is having in relation to the object of their paranoia. If he/she thinks someone is coming into the house and taking belongings, state, “I know how important your things are to you.”

DO tell the person where their valuables are stored for safekeeping.

DO tell the person all of the precautions which are being taken to keep him/her safe.

DO consult a geropsychiatrist for medication management if the paranoia is severe, very disturbing, and unrelenting. Antipsychotic medication may very well be helpful and be required only temporarily.

Effective Communication Techniques

Effective communication techniques with persons with dementia are often the opposite of how one might speak with a well person. This professional GCM believes this is why it “does not come naturally” to many people. It may be totally foreign to what a caregiver is accustomed. However, it can be learned if the caregiver is open to change and learning.

DO always approach the person slowly and from the front.

DO make direct eye contact before speaking.

DO eliminate distracting noises. Turn off the radio or TV. Guide him/her to a quiet area.

DO remember that how you look and sound, i.e. facial expression, body language, tone of voice, calmness or tenseness, is more important than even what you say.

DO point or demonstrate where you want the person to go or what you want the person to do. Repeat this if necessary.

DO give one instruction at a time, e.g. “Please sit down here” and then, “Now you can eat your lunch.”

DON’T ask questions he/she is unlikely to be able to answer. For example, don’t ask if he/she recalls a daughter’s name or where he/she had lunch with his family.

DO use short, simple sentences and concrete, familiar words.

DO pause between sentences to give the person time to respond.

DO use another word with the same meaning if the person doesn’t seem to understand your first word.

DO always speak to the person in a respectful manner.

DON’T speak in front of the person as if he/she is not there.

This writer believes that the dementia patient’s anger, anxiety, paranoia, and difficulty speaking and understanding language are tremendous barriers to quality of life for both the Alzheimer’s victim and his/her caregivers. This mental and emotional distress can be diminished or eliminated through the caregiver’s acceptance, understanding, and knowledge of effective ways to communicate and intervene.

When Family Members Disagree: Holding a Productive Caregiving Meeting

2009-12-18T12:30:00.011-05:00

Elder care is a family matter--an important, appropriate part of any family's agenda. Problems your elderly loved one may be having may become apparent during your holiday visit. Read this article for guidance in having a successful family meeting.
http://insight.regencyhospice.com/pub.1/issue.947/

Holidaze--Challenges and Joys

2009-12-18T11:44:00.006-05:00

Click on the link below to view the video

http://gracefulaging.com/2009/12/16/holidaze-challenges-and-joys-part-2/

10 Tips to Help Seniors Enjoy the Holidays

2009-12-18T11:30:00.004-05:00

Ensure happier holidays for seniors with special needs or health issues by reading this article.

http://seniorliving.about.com/od/grandparents/a/happy_holidays.htm

What questions should a person ask when hiring a Professional Geriatric Care Manager?

2009-11-05T10:32:00.004-05:00

*What are your professional credentials?

A care manager should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related area and/or be a licensed nurse. Certification as a case manager is preferred, as well.

*Are you a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM)? If not, why not?

Members of the NAPGCM must have set education, credentials, certification, and experience. This should be your starting point for selecting a Professional Geriatric Care Manager (PGCM). There are individuals without appropriate knowledge, skill, and experience calling themselves care managers or "coaches" . The State of Michigan does not require licensure or certification so it is especially important to choose well.

*How many years have you been practicing professional geriatric care management?

One cannot be a member of the NAPGCM unless he/she has at least two years of supervised experience in the field of gerontology. Needs of older adults and their families are very complex and professional experience is important. Typically, the more experience in direct geriatric care management the better.

*Are there other care managers to serve as back-up when the assigned care manager is away or unavailable? If so, how many hours does this person work with you weekly or monthly in order to be knowledgeable regarding your clients?

Many care managers practice solo. Older adults need consistent support at unexpected times. If you want and/or need 24/7 assistance, it is important the care management company has more than one care manager or that the "solo" care manager has made arrangements for coverage by a well-informed and experienced colleague when he/she is not available.

*Are you available after hours and on weekends?

Older adults need consistent support and at unexpected times. High quality PGCMs, or their knowledgeable and experienced counterparts, are available to their clients and their families 24/7, 7 days a week.

*What are your fees?

Fees for services should be provided in a written agreement before service begins and be as specific as possible, so there is clarity for all involved.

*Are you licensed in your profession?

The PGCM should be licensed, if required, in his/her area of expertise.

*How do you involve the family in your care of the older adult?

While the primary client is the older adult, all others affected by his/her care needs should considered as part of the client system. Most older adults will give the PGCM permission to consult with their families, so it is important the PGCM value this relationship and be willing and able to address any problems or conflicts which are present.

*Are you affiliated with any other elder care service or company?

The PGCM should provide full disclosure regarding business, professional, or personal relationships he/she has with each recommended business, agency, or institution.

*What do you consider your area(s) of specialty or interest?

PGCMs may choose to specialize in certain client populations or services. Do any of these interests or specialties apply to your loved one?

2009-11-02T08:21:00.002-05:00

What are the top 10 signs of quality services of

Professional Geriatric Care Management?

*Accepts the older adult as the primary client but considers all others affected by his her/her care needs as part of the client system.

The PGCM’s goal is to arrive at a solution that allows maximum decision-making autonomy for the person receiving care and for the other persons involved with or affected by these care needs.

*Fosters self-determination on the part of the older adult to live in accordance with her/her personal values and goals whenever possible.

The PGCM must attempt to involve the older person, to the greatest extent possible, in decisions that impact his/her life regardless of the determination of competence. If the PGCM should see that the older person is not competent in decision-making, then the PGCM should see that all decisions are made by the person(s) with the legal authority to do so.

*Respects the older person’s right to privacy, and when applicable, that of the client system.

The PCGM should consider all information in the client’s files confidential. The PGCM has good reason to waive confidentiality if he/she believes circumstances are life threatening or the law requires the reporting of suspected abuse or neglect.

*Demonstrates a genuine caring and non-judgmental approach toward the older person and the entire client system.

It is through the therapeutic relationship that help and/or emotional support will be received by the older adult and or the client system.

*Acts in a manner that ensures his/her own integrity as well as the integrity of the client system.

The PCGM would make a report to the appropriate authority if there is a circumstance where the integrity and safety of the older person is at risk, e.g. abuse, neglect, or self-neglect. The PGCM can appropriately refuse to accept a new case or continue in a case in which he/she believes that remaining in the situation would require compromising his/her own values, beliefs, or standards.

*Avoids exploitation of the relationship with the older person and/or the client system for personal gain.

The PGCM should avoid an inappropriate personal relationship with the older person and/or the client system that may impair their impartial judgment or lead to exploitation. The best interests of the client are always the focus of the PGCM.

*Strives to provide quality care using a flexible care plan developed in conjunction with the older person and/or client system.

A plan of care with recommendations, goals, and appropriate interventions must be flexible enough to deal with the older person’s changing status. The overall goal is to strive to assist the older person to attain the highest level of health and quality of life that is possible within his/her particular set of circumstances.

*States all fees for service in written form and discusses with the person accepting responsibility for payment prior to the initiation of services.

Fees should be charged for services rendered and presented in a clearly itemized statement. If unable to pay for care management services, the older person and/or client system should be referred to publicly supported agencies that can provide the necessary services. The PGCM does not support fee splitting or receiving referral fees from anyone providing services to the older client.

*If accepting a fiduciary responsibility the PGCM acts only within his/her knowledge and capabilities and avoids any activities that might suggest a conflict of interest.

Strict guidelines should be followed if the PGCM if in the role of "pay agent". Records of all transactions should be kept current in a format recognized by generally accepted accounting practices and should be open to inspection by appropriate parties.

*Participates in continuing education programs to enhance professional growth and development.

All PGCMs should remain current in best practices and domains pertinent to the discipline of professional geriatric care management.

*Defines his/her role clearly to other professionals.

The PGCM should act only in the roles for which he/she has appropriate skills, knowledge, and training, He/she should recommend consultations with specialists as needed.

Parts excerpted from "Standards of Practice", NAPGCM 2009 Directory of Members

Program Affiliations and Publications

2009-09-14T11:50:00.005-04:00

Program Affiliations and Publications
of Serving Seniors, Inc.

Program Affiliations

Serving Seniors, Inc. is a member of "The Wraparound Program" and it's "Community Collaborative Team". The Wraparound Program consists of geriatric evaluation centers, home care agencies, social workers, and other dementia care consultants.

The "Community Collaborative Team" assists with issues surrounding dementia and offers support to caregivers of those with dementia. The ultimate goal of this program is to help those with dementia remain in their homes while also providing support and assistance to the caregiver. This program offers the following: 24/7 hotline service, support groups, care consultations, educational workshops, and respite care.

See these Recent Publications by Diane Hischke, President/Serving Seniors, Inc.
"Successful Communication", The American Senior Gazette - Vol. 10, No. 1, 2010

"Choosing the right Geriatric Care Manager is a family affair", The American Senior Gazette - Vol 5, No.1, 2009

Checklist: Can Mom or Dad Still Live at Home?

2009-09-03T03:08:00.005-04:00

As people age, they can develop difficulties performing everyday activities. But when is there cause for concern? When should services be considered, and when are those services no longer enough?

This checklist can help families determine what resources might be appropriate now and help prepare for the future. For further help, consult a physician, geriatric-care manager, county social service department of other professionals.

What Help is Needed?

For each task below, check the one description that best fits the situation of the person you are concerned about. Add the numbers to get a score. Then find the recommendation for that score in the accompanying guide.

Maintain Home/Lawn:

Without assistance (1)
With some assistance (2)
Needs total assistance (3)
Lives in apartment or other maintained housing (1)

Does Housekeeping/Laundry:

Without help (1)
With some help or reminding (2)
Needs total assistance (3)
Hires outside agency (1)

Recognizes Strangers:

Able to recognize strangers and seek help (1)
Unable to recognize strangers or seek help (2)

Handling Emergencies:

Independently able to get emergency help (1)
Needs guidance and instruction (2)
Unable to get emergency help (3)

Driving:

Drives or is able to use public transportation (1)
Doesn’t drive or needs help with transportation (2)
Needs special van for transport (3)

Social Activities:

Independently arranges and attends social activities (1)
Needs help making social arrangements and getting transportation (2)
Unable to participate in social activities with out direct help (3)

Managing Finances:

Independently manages finances (1)
Needs some help (reminding, writing out checks, reviewing mail) (2)
Unable to manage finances (3)

Getting Groceries:

Able to get or arrange for groceries (1)
Needs Help (2)
Unable to get groceries (3)

Preparing Meals:

Prepares meals without assistance (1)
Needs help (2)
Unable to prepare meals (3)

Eating:

Feeds self without help (1)
Needs supervision or reminders (2)
Unable to feed self (3)

Recognizing Surroundings:

Always alert and oriented to date, time and place (1)
Intermittently confused about time and place (2)
Consistently confused about time and place (3)

Keeping Appointments:

Able to set and keep appointments (1)
Needs reminding (2)
Needs help to set appointments (3)

Following Directions:

Able to understand and follow directions (1)
Needs to check directions several times before understanding (2)
Unable to follow directions even with supervision (3)

Wandering:

Does not wander (1)
Wanders or has gotten lost (3)

Personal Care:

Independently manages hygiene, brushing teeth, nail care, shaving, hair care (1)
Needs reminders to maintain grooming and appearance (2)
Needs help to complete grooming (3)

Dressing:

Gets dressed independently (1)
Needs reminders to choose clothing and dress (2)
Needs help to dress (3)

Bathing:

Independently bathes or showers (1)
Needs standby help or supervision (2)
Needs help to bathe (3)

Continence:

Continent of bowel and bladder, or use of incontinence products independently (1)
Needs reminding to use toilet, or help using incontinence products (2)
Unable to use toilet independently (3)

Gait:

Walks or moves independently (with or without cane, walker or wheelchair) with no falling (1)
Has unsteady gait and has fallen in past 6 months (2)
Needs help to walk or maneuver wheelchair (3)

Transferring:

Independently transfers to bed, chair or toilet (1)
Needs help to transfer (3)

Medical/Rehab Therapy:

No need for medical or rehabilitative therapy (1)
Has medical needs or therapies and manages them independently (1)
Needs intermittent help managing medical needs (2)
Needs medical monitoring (3)

Medications:

Needs no help identifying and taking medications (1)
Needs help or reminders to take medications (2)
Unable to manage medications (3)

Scoring the Evaluation – What Kind of Help is Needed?

Score 21-30
People with this score function independently. There may be no need for services now, but start exploring options. Make sure that legal and financial plans are in place. Consider which level of care family members would be able or willing to give, as needs change.

Some Tips:

Talk as a family with your older relatives about medical, financial and legal arrangements and personal preferences. Encourage them to fill out a health care directive (living will) and to write a will, or to review existing documents.

Help older adults do as much as possible for themselves, and recognize your own limitations. That can help them remain more vigorous and alert and help you avoid caregiver burnout.

Find out about community resources. Keep a file of articles and advertisements for services. Tour senior housing and assisted living apartments in the area.

Complete a home safety evaluation to minimize the risk of falls and to improve safety.

Review this assessment regularly to track changes.

Score 31-50

People with this score may be unable to complete some important daily activities with out help. Consider several options:

Community based services include a broad spectrum of help. Evaluate whether some of them are practical and affordable. Some seniors qualify for economic assistance through a county social service office. For safety, it may be more difficult for people with memory loss to continue to live at home.

As needs increase, costs of services may exceed similar services in residential care homes of assisted living apartments.

Adult day care provides structured activities and meals. Some offer health services and transportation. Most can be attended full or part time.

Companion programs provide in-home visitors who can help with shopping, meals, housekeeping and companionship. They do not provide medical care and usually do not give personal care such as bathing or dressing. Twenty-four hour care can run upwards of $250 per day.

Home health care provides medical care in the house. Services may be provided by a nurse, occupational, speech or physical therapist, 24-hour security and on site staff. Residents may choose to eat in a common dining room.

Residential care/memory loss homes are similar to assisted living, and are designed for people with Alzheimer’s or other memory impairing illnesses.

Score 51-66

People with this score are unable to care for themselves and have health problems. Some may need rehabilitation and may be able to return home.

Nursing homes provide complete personal and medical care for people who are unable to manage independently. That can include short term rehabilitative services as well as long term care for very frail people.

Residential care/memory loss homes are designed for people with Alzheimer’s or other memory loss conditions. They can work well for people who need supervision but do not need intensive medical care.

24 hour home health services are available to very frail people who prefer to remain at home and receive 24-hour care from a home health agency. This will cost much more then nursing home care. Hospice services include medical and social programs for terminally ill people and their families.

This assessment form was developed by Carla MacGregor, a Minneapolis social worker who operated Transitions, Inc., a private geriatric case management firm. She produced it for Care Providers of Minnesota, a nursing home trade association.

This is a tool to begin the care planning process but, it is not to be used in place of a comprehensive assessment from a geriatric specialist, which may take into account additional factors. This is not meant to diagnose or treat.

Planning to Leave a Hospital, Nursing Home or Other Health Care Setting?

2009-08-31T01:05:00.003-04:00

Please click on the link below for an informative checklist for patients and caregivers preparing to leave a hospital, nursing home or other health care setting.

Planning for Your Discharge Checklist

Little-Known Government Program Pays the Cost of Elder Care

2009-08-31T01:04:00.002-04:00

WHAT IF 33% OF ALL SENIORS IN THIS COUNTRY could receive up to $1,949 a month in additional income from the government to help cover their elder care costs? THEY CAN!

Under the right circumstances, a little-known federal program will pay additional income to cover long term care costs for at least 1/3 of all US senior households -- that's how many war veterans or their surviving spouses there are in this country. But the provisions of this program are such a well-kept secret that only 4.7% of US seniors are actually receiving the benefit. The great news about this program is the Department of Veterans Affairs will pay you to hire your family, friends or just about anyone to take care of you (Caregiving spouses can't be paid under this program). The program is called "Veterans Pension."

Most people who have heard about Pension know that it will cover the costs of assisted living and, in some cases, cover nursing home costs as well. But the majority of those receiving long term care in this country are in their homes. Estimates are that approximately 70% to 80% of all long term care is being provided in the home. All of the information available about Pension overlooks the fact that this benefit can also be used to pay for home care.

It also comes as a surprise to most people that the Department of Veterans Affairs will allow veterans' households to include the annual cost of paying any person such as family members, friends or hired help for care when calculating the Pension benefit. This annual cost is deducted from household income and used to calculate a lower "countable income" which in turn enables families to receive this disability income from VA. Even though VA claims the benefit is for low income families, because of the special provision in the regulations -- allowing for deduction for care costs -- households earning between $3,000 to $6,000 a month or more can still qualify for Pension under the right conditions.

This extra income can be a welcome benefit for families struggling to provide eldercare for loved ones at home. Under the right circumstances, this annualized medical expense for the cost of family members, friends or any other person providing care, could create an additional household income of up to $1,056 a month for a single surviving spouse of a veteran, up to $1,644 a month for a single veteran or up to $1,949 a month for a couple.

If the disabled care recipient has been rated "housebound" or in need of "aid and attendance" by VA, all fees paid to an in-home attendant will be allowed as long as the attendant provides some medical or nursing services for the disabled person. The attendant does not have to be a licensed health professional. There is also no need to distinguish between medical and nonmedical services -- all are deductible.

For a disabled person who has been rated "in need of aid and attendance" or "housebound", a family member will be considered an in-home attendant, but that family member has to be paid for services duly rendered. There is potential for fraud here where a family member may move into the home and ostensibly receive payment as a caregiver but not actually provide the level of care paid for. Documentation for this care must be provided to VA, and it is reasonable for VA to question whether the services being purchased from a family member living in the household are legitimate. Such arrangements should be extensively documented and completely arm's-length.

The care arrangements and payment for home care must be made prior to application and there must be evidence that this care is needed on an ongoing and regular basis. We recommend a formal care contract and weekly invoice billing for services. Money must exchange hands and federal law requires employment taxes must be withheld and there must be evidence of this. All of this documentation must be provided as proof to VA when making application for the pension benefit. Costs for these services must be unreimbursed; meaning these costs are not paid by insurance, by contributions from the family or from other sources. VA will allow, however, family caregivers being paid by their loved ones, to turn around and pay the household bills for their loved ones to help defray the cost of the care.

Due to the need for a rating, documentation for annualizing care costs and the extensive proof needed to show the caregiver is indeed an employee of the care recipient, most people should not try this on their own. An expert in this area should be sought to help with the application in order to avoid lengthy delays in awarding a benefit or a possible denial of benefits. For a list of individuals or companies in your area who understand how to get this benefit go tohttp://www.longtermcarelink.net/ref_veterans_consultants.htm

Cost Saving Examples After Hiring a Professional Geriatric Care Manager

2009-08-31T00:53:00.005-04:00

A professional geriatric care manager (PGCM) can help families realize cost savings, but the biggest advantage is the emotional peace of mind knowing that a relative or loved one is being cared for with the most appropriate level of care as recommended by the PGCM.

Regarding the average savings from hiring a GCM, The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) does not generate projectable data across the country. Every case is unique. What we can tell you are areas that have resulted in savings when a professional geriatric care manager is in the picture. Here are some of those that we often see:

1. Saving in care costs – Recommending live-in care when appropriate in place of (more expensive) shift care. Recommending free or low-cost products and services that may be available in local communities. Understanding today’s medical system can save clients money while ensuring the appropriate level of care.

2. Making the most of insurance – Ensuring that secondary insurance had been given and billed for medical bills coming to a senior's home. Avoiding paying unnecessary bills. Realizing benefits from public programs including those from Veterans Administration (VA) benefits and from programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Helping clients enroll in the most appropriate Medicare Part D (pharmacy benefit) plans for their state (and there are many in each state from which to choose).

3. Avoiding expensive duplication – Ensuring that seniors aren't paying for duplicative insurance, aren't donating repetitively to a charity (when the senior forgets they just donated last week or last month), or aren't buying duplicative clothing or food when the senior forgets what they already have in the home.

4. Saving in travel expenses – Supervising care including medical appointments, operations of in home staff can postpone expensive travel to a relative.

5. Avoiding lost wages – Monitoring caregiving. Some adult children take leave from work after vacations have been exhausted, to check on Mom or Dad. A PGCM can be the person on site to monitor the caregiving level.

6. Saving in household expenses – Identifying cost saving programs. Utility companies or other providers offer discount programs for seniors. PGCMs are aware of these programs and can recommend and sign up these services for the loved one.

7. Making better financial decisions – Encouraging clients to speak with financial planners about whether annuities are really good investment choices, especially when clients in their 80's can't access their funds without large withdrawal penalties. Curtailing compulsive spending from shopping on line or on TV.

8. Discovering assets the loved one might not have realized existed in the home. For instance, when a house is cleaned and put in order, often hidden money and valuables are found.

9. Savings in time and efficiency – While information is available (and NAPGCM recommends that consumers educate themselves), a PGCM is experienced in the wide range of resources available and can do the job in half (or less than half) the time.

Other Scenarios

1. Correct coding/insurance – When an elder had a terrible accident, was in a coma, hospitalized and then transferred to a rehabilitation hospital, her elder husband was overwhelmed with her care. She was transferred to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) near only child. The PGCM was hired when the decision was made to transfer her for long term care near her husband. Upon admission to the SNF, the son had signed a private pay agreement for following her Medicare days. He was eventually presented with a bill for $15,000 and the promise of future bills. After the PGCM discovered they had counted her rehab hospital days as SNF days (even though they had, of course, received referral from hospital), she urged the son not to pay the bill, which was clearly in error. Though receiving a couple of pretty threatening calls from the SNF wondering why I was giving such advice, the PGCM was right and the family did not pay. Also, this was accomplished without an attorney.

2. Telling families of the benefits from the VA system. Saved one son $1,600 per month (he was paying out of this money before VA). Also, VA provides free hearing aids and other services to veterans.

3. Recommending most cost effective level of care. Spouse who had her husband in a nursing home plus 24-7 care. Moved him to a small residential family home owned by a nurse. Cut the costs to the family in half. Wife didn’t know he could be at a lower level of care.

4. Helping families chose the most cost effective care plan (caregivers, agencies, care management)

5. Helping families advocate for lost dentures and/or glasses in skilled nursing facilities. Ombudsman comes into to play and it is the facilities responsibility to replace them.

6. Helping families with supplies – like incontinent supplies – finding sources on-line at less the drug store costs with free delivery.

7. Advocating for more time in acute care or skilled care by pointing out new diagnosis that give clients more days of care.

8. Telling families about free items – like hearing enhanced phones or other communication devices for the telephone company.

9. Helping spouse understand that Medicaid will pay for skilled nursing – they don’t have to sell the farm. But, they do need to qualify. Advising working with an Elder Law attorney to help.

10. Telling families about free services that are location specific. We have a hospital that has a volunteer helping/companion service and another small city that provides free shoppers for seniors.

11. Understanding that “Meals on Wheels” can often be free or donation only.

12. Getting clients “transportation” systems that are either a van with low costs or taxi scripts.

13. Signing clients up for low cost rates at the gas & electric company.

The rates are typically $300 - $800 for an initial assessment and $80 - $200 per hour depending on the region.

To find a PGCM in your area, visit www.caremanager.org for a searchable database by zip code or state.