There’s no place like home! Over 75% of older adults wish to remain at home. Of course! To make sure the proper services are in place, we conduct an initial assessment and create a care plan based on what we find. You receive our recommendations for support, as well as cost-saving considerations, all tailored to your values and priorities.
We create a care plan after assessing the following:
We conduct a home safety evaluation, paying attention to issues that could create problems. Are there too many stairs for a person with arthritis, or balance problems? Is the lighting adequate for persons with vision loss? How safe is the bathroom? (This is the most dangerous room in the house, accounting for almost 80% of indoor falls.) Are crime prevention strategies in place? How easy is it to access public transportation or ride-sharing when it comes time to stop driving? (Most of us outlive our ability to drive safely by seven to ten years.)
We give you a comprehensive review of how well suited the home is for current challenges and those ahead. If you would like help getting estimates for remodeling, we can assist with that. We are quite knowledgeable about the quality of local contractors and their understanding of the needs of older adults.
Return to topThe older we get, the more involved we get with the medical system. Our assessment reviews known conditions and medications and any yet-to-be resolved problems. We are looking very specifically for situations that could make it difficult to remain independent at home.
Based on our assessment, we might recommend visits to specialists we know and trust. Or medication reviews to spot any conflicting prescriptions or problems with taking medications as ordered by the doctor. The plan could include coordinating care from multiple providers. We can attend doctor appointments to be sure recommendations are understood and followed. To avoid moving to a facility, we can even recommend caregivers that come into the home.
In addition to physical health, we also look at mental and emotional well-being. Quality of life is extremely important. Depression is tragically high among older adults, especially those who live alone. We have experience working with a variety of approaches that bring joy back to living.
Return to topConditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson’s seriously threaten an older adult’s ability to remain safely at home. We work with our clients to determine the source and severity of their dementia and then match their condition with appropriate therapies and support services.
Many of our Life Care Managers are certified dementia practitioners. In fact, we specialize in dementia care. From finding the best doctors and treatments, to suggesting adult day centers or enrichment activities, we make sure that our clients are not only safe, but provided with stimulation matched to their abilities at every stage of their condition.
Return to topComfortable as it is to stay at home, isolation and loneliness are big issues, especially for those who live here in Florida, often far from their families. Research shows that lack of a social network can take years off an older adult’s life, the equivalent of smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. Some people are naturally loners, and that’s fine. But often the solitude is a result of transportation issues, the death of a spouse, or needing a buddy to help break the ice in a social setting.
As part of our training, we stay abreast of the many different types of activities available for older adults in our service area. We are expert at finding outings that are a good match to interests and can provide company until comfort with the group is high enough to attend solo.
Return to topAging in place is more expensive than moving to a facility where care is shared among many residents. We can work with your financial advisor to get a realistic picture of the funds available and make appropriate recommendations commensurate with your preferred living situation. We are also adept at matching eligibility for benefits programs and suggesting technology or other alternatives that can save money and preserve assets.
Most people do not realize that Medicare does not pay for many of the services people require in their later years. Medicaid programs may, but you must plan early—as much as three to five years before you have the need—in order to maximize benefits. We can help you find an estate planning attorney who is well versed in asset protection. But you have to start years in advance.
If you or the person you care for would like to age in place, give us a call at 386-864-2304 or schedule a free, initial consultation.
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