Is it time to talk about getting some help?

A checklist for families By Richard Cabral, Director of Community Services at Glenmeadow - Special to PRIME Ideally, all elders would gracefully recognize when it is time to ask for a little help from a home health agency. Unfortunately, embarrassment or fear may lead elders to ignore or hide the truth that they are beginning to struggle with things they used to able to do independently. That is why it is important for concerned family and friends to watch for the kind of quality of life, health or safety changes described below: Aid assessment checklist

The "Activities of Daily Living" such as bathing, eating, toileting, and dressing are becoming increasingly difficult or overwhelming for your loved one.
The "Instrumental Activities of Daily Living" such as shopping, housekeeping, cooking, laundry, driving, medication compliance or managing finances are becoming too challenging.
Your loved one's physical activity and energy-level are declining noticeably.
Intellectual abilities (forgetfulness, impaired decision-making, confusion to time or place, word search challenges, and more) are increasingly apparent.
Visits with friends and family are less frequent. Similarly, other activities such as engaging in hobbies, going to worship, volunteer activities, etc. that once brought fullness and meaning to life are occurring less frequently.
You've observed significant changes in mood over a period of a time.

Types of services available Typically home care services include one or all of the following: personal care, homemaker services, errands, escorts, and companionship. Visiting nurse services can provide skilled nursing services such as medication management and other treatments. Some combination of these services may very effectively address all of the challenges described above. It is important that the elder understand that services are not being imposed upon them, that they retain the right to make decisions on their home care, and that the care is designed to help them to continue to live independently, happily and safely in their home. When they prefer the way things are The biggest challenge is when the elder seems willing to live with a greater level of risk than the family is comfortable with. These are not easy situations and emotions can run high. A good place to start in these situations is with gathering information about what services are available. This may be done through a physician, council on aging, clergy or perhaps most beneficial, through a geriatric case manager. A geriatric case manager can do a full assessment to provide an objective view of the elder's abilities and challenges and work with the elder and family to create an appropriate plan. With a good dose of love, respect, and patience it is very likely that an effective plan utilizing home care services can be found. Financial Considerations in Selecting a Home Health Service Once you've agreed that your loved one needs some help, the next big decision is how best to make these services affordable. Below are the payment options typically available for in-home help.

Private pay Most home health services agencies are "private pay" meaning clients pay for the services "out of pocket." Some of these ex-penses may be reimbursed under Long Term Care Insurance for a specific period of time or the little-known Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Pension for which most veterans qualify.
Certified agency Typically Medicare only covers the cost of limited amount of home health services for a limited period of time following a qualifying hospital stay. The hospital or nursing home discharge planner should be able to determine whether a Medicare-certified agency is appropriate.
Low income help Contact Greater Springfield Senior Services at 781-8800 to learn about the various programs and services they offer to low income services.
Private Duty uninsured workers without a criminal records check, many of whom lack experience and training, who work directly for seniors (unassociated with an agency) usually at a lower wage. About Glenmeadow At Home: Glenmeadow at Home is one of the first home health agencies in the nation to offer a comprehensive range of services to help seniors of any age living in the greater Springfield area to continue to live successfully at home. Call 567-7800 for more information about our one-stop-shopping program that provides service coordination, health and wellness, home and property and, of course, personal care services.