Answering Your Questions and Sharing Your Concerns

My father's health is failing, and his doctor has recommended long term care. What things should I look for in a long term care provider?

Considering long-term care for a loved one is a very personal and difficult decision for any family. Each family must decide what issues are most important for their particular situation.

Some common issues to address are:

• Level of care needed. - Are there special health issues that need to be addressed? How much experience does this care facility have in dealing with the special treatment or needs your family member requires?
• Location - Your presence can brighten the day and improve the outlook for a family member in long term care. Choose a location that will be convenient for the largest number of visitors to stop by frequently.
• Non-profit vs. for-profit - Although there are high quality facilities that fall under both categories, you should also consider how flexible a long term care provider will be in caring for your parent over time.

Who will pay for this care? - Long term care can be among the most expensive contracts you will ever sign. It is important to clearly understand how this care will be paid. Will Medicare cover the bills? Will it be paid through Medicaid? Or through private payment by your parent's estate, or your family as a whole.

Whatever decision you ultimately make, the greatest opportunity for success is to include all family members in the decision-making process.

My mother is 80, but insists on staying at home. I am concerned that something may happen to her, but I'm not available to be with her 24 hours a day. Are there any programs to help us?

We admire your mother's sense of independence. But don't worry, there are many services available, depending on your mother's physical capacity and what she can afford.

Some resources are as simple as the rental of a telephone lifeline. In the case of an emergency, these lifelines immediately call for assistance with adult day-to-day care services.

If your mother is still able to care for herself, limited services such as ElderServe's Homecare Program may be enough. Homecare helps with light chores, meal preparation and medication is enough.

ElderServe's Senior Companion Program matches seniors 60 and over with other seniors to help with daily living tasks. Senior Companions assist clients with grocery shopping, finding transportation to medical appointments, fixing a light lunch or providing respite.

To find out more about these programs, click here. HOW WE CAN HELP?

I recently took in my grandchildren to raise and I'm overwhelmed. Are there resources available to help me with these challenging children?

You are not alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Census, more than 2.5 million grandparent-headed households are raising 3.9 million children. In all cultures and regions, an unprecedented number of relatives are stepping in to raise family members. In order to make this task easier, ElderServe provides a Grandparent Support Group that addresses legal and financial concerns, a support network with other caregivers, referrals to other sources and opportunities for family activities.

I am the CEO of a company and have noticed an increase in the number of employees missing work to care for aging relatives. Is there something I can do to help them out?

Elder care is quickly replacing childcare as a major concern for employers. The National Family Caregiver Survey (1997) estimates that the cost to U.S. employers in lost productivity is between $11.4 and $29 billion per year. A seminar for employees on elder care is a good place to begin. SeniorLink, an elder care consultation offered through ElderServe, can provide valuable information to employers dealing with this increasingly visible issue.

My recently widowed aunt has found out she must move. What housing options are available for her?

You should feel better knowing that there are many housing alternatives, based on the income level and the capacity of your aunt. Elderly housing ranges from the least restrictive condominium communities to assisted living communities, where your aunt can have several different levels of care. Low-income seniors are eligible for a variety of government subsidies, including Section 8 and public housing. Other forms of housing are available through religious groups and government.

I am getting on in years. What government services are available for senior citizens like me?

There are many governmental programs designed to help the elderly. The key is to find the best fit with your particular situation. If you have worked since the 1930's, you should be eligible for Social Security and Medicare. If you fall into the low-income category, programs such as SSI, Medicaid, and subsidized home care may also be available. The best places to begin your research is at our section entitled, OTHERS WHO SERVE THE ELDERY. This will connect you with web government agencies designed to aid senior citizens like you. Another good place to call is your local Social Security office.

I'm confused. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Good question. Medicare is the government insurance program for all Americans who have reached retirement age. The program provides inpatient and outpatient health care coverage.

Medicaid is a medical assistance program designed just for elderly people with little or no income. Medicaid is not automatically granted. You can applied for coverage through your local Medicaid office.

What is the most important consideration in seeking care for my aging relative?

The most important consideration is for elderly people to be partners in the decision on care. No plan will be successful without respect for their desires and their willful participation.

How do I know when my elderly parents are no longer able to drive?

Losing driving privileges is often the biggest blow to independence for an elderly person. Yet, as we age, poor vision and slowing reaction times can turn our need for independence into an accident waiting to happen. A geriatrician can help determine if your parents can safely continue to drive. ElderServe may be able to offer some referrals.

My parent needs help with chores around the house. What should I look for in a health home aide?

This first issue is compatibility. Your parents should feel comfortable with the person, or persons, they let into their house. There are some important questions to ask, including:

• Does the agency maintain references on the workers it sends for interviews?
• Does it perform criminal background checks?
• Is the aide bonded?
• What kind of backup does the agency provide if the aide you select does not show up?
• Does the agency have workman's compensation coverage?
• What method does the agency have for developing care plans?
• How does the agency make sure that its aides are following care plans and notifying physicians when something seems to be wrong?
• Does the agency consult with the patient and family concerning the client's progress? Does it allow the family to inspect clinical records?