Page 3 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - March 2018 - 25-03
P. 3
Senior Times - March 2018 Page 3
EXPECTATIONS SHARED MEANS BETTER CARE
By: Anne Clark, Senior Health Partners
What happens when it’s time for home care or possibly even moving someone to a facility to assist with care for someone you’re currently caring for? Do you have rights? Can you talk about what you like, don’t like, want, don’t want, etc.?
I say absolutely. You are the customer and you really should be discussing with the organization you are dealing with what you really want to see happen. Now with that said, please also remember – typically they are not providing care one-on-one; they have others who are reliant on them as well and the care providers also have others they have to answer to. However, you are still the customer. So I’m going to provide some scenarios to get our thought processes running – while thinking about the fact that there are many ways to get the same end result while taking different routes!
When you have someone come into your home to help with care for a loved one or to assist with routine chores; do you think they will automatically know how you do
things? Do you think the person providing the service was raised and learned tasks the same way you did? Of course the answer is no but we seem to forget this quite often. They have no idea what our thoughts or likes and dislikes are, or how we do things, what our pet peeves are, and of course, the list goes on. Many times we have to take the opportunity to educate those trying to help us. So how do we do that? I would like to think we all take the time to be kind, considerate and explain details in a way that others can understand; however, many times that’s not the case and it’s for many, many reasons. So I will ask each and every one of us – can we take a mo- ment to walk in someone else’s shoes and try to have the patience to help them better understand how the “working relationship” can be better for all of us?
Then might come the time when you know you cannot continue to provide the care for your person at home. Now what? The reality is that this happens with many family caregivers so I would urge you to start your search, research, and planning early. Take your person with you – the explanation can be simple, we’re just planning ahead – just in case. You want to know wherever they may be, they are com- fortable and part of being comfortable is having a say in what’s happening. Look at adult foster homes, assisted living as well as skilled nursing facilities. Remember – not everyone can afford alternate housing so find out an approximate cost to help with the planning. I often receive phone calls and the person on the other end states, “My doctor just told me that my person
can’t live alone, they need 24/7 care. Can I just take them to any nursing home?” The reality is, there is a level of care that has to be needed and there is a financial component. Your insurance doesn’t often cover the cost; they may cover supplies but typically (and remember everyone’s situa- tion is different) insurance is not the source of payment.
Once you’ve decided on a facility and have the arrangements worked out there is another step. The step is being sure (again) there is an understanding of what you ex- pect and you’ve asked as many questions as you can; communicate with the work- ers, make sure you build relationships. It’s important to have two-way communication when it comes to the care of your person. And always try to include the person who will be residing in the facility.
The journey isn’t always easy but we can make it easier for all of us. Remember, the more people feel included, the more they will adjust in a more positive light (not always). Happy March!
Publisher’s note: Beginning your search before the need is urgent is beneficial for everyone. A great resource to help you
get started is the 2018 Senior Housing Directory. You can pick one up at agen- cies throughout south central Michigan or visit online at www.scenepub.com/hous- ing/issues/shd2018. This publication will also address finances, expand on the list of questions to ask, and identify resources and programs that may help with the tran- sition. Copies will also be available at the Senior Health Fair in Marshall on April 5.
MARSHALL SENIOR FAIR •
APRIL 5 •
10AM-1:30PM •
MARSHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL • 100 E. GREEN STREET IN MARSHALL
of Peace of Mind
RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
Pick up your form at Calhoun County Senior Services or download at www.scenepub.com/milesformemories/pdf/helphomeform.pdf.
JOIN US at 10:15am, for an Informational Session in the cafeteria to sign up. Pre register by calling (269) 979-1412 ext 305.
The Miles for Memories Help Home program can give you peace of mind.
Do you, or your loved one, experience moments of confusion? Has the fear of a loved one wandering from home caused you to worry?
❤ The Help Home Personal ID* program comes with a specially designed, waterproof bracelet.
❤ Allows for emergency and medical information to be stored and accessed by emergency personnel.
❤ Provides support for the person in early stages of dementia to continue to be active.
❤ Allows family to access information through a phone app or online.
❤ Best of all, you decide how much information to provide.
TM
The Personal I.D. *Bracelets are funded in part by a
grant through the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT MILES FOR MEMORIES ON FACEBOOK OR CALL (269) 979-1412 ext. 305.