Page 2 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - July 2019 - 26-07

Page 2 Senior Times - July 2019
LIVING SAFELY AT HOME
By: Tim Mitchell, Fund Development Coordinator, Senior Care Partners PACE
It is widely known that almost all seniors (statistically approximately 90% according to various studies) desire to live at home rather than move to an assisted living facility or nurs- ing home. That is very understandable. Most everyone, at any age, would want to remain in their own home. However, as individuals age, they often are not able to continue to function as independently as they did when they were younger. This may be due to physical issues related to aging, a loss of proper reasoning and appropriate decision making ability, or a combi- nation of these things.
balanced meals? Can they safely operate appli- ances and prepare meals? Have there been any incidents where they have forgotten a meal in the oven or accidentally left the stove on?
to consider other available resources within the community.
It is not unusual for an older adult to deny the decline that is very obvious to others. Denial is a common way many people cope with what they perceive is a loss of independence. Or,
they may attempt to hide the truth from family members. The result is they continue to try to do things by themselves, which can potentially result in unintentional personal harm.
Personal Hygiene. Are they capable of bathing and grooming themselves? Are they bathing frequently enough? Do you detect any body odor, soiled clothing, or a general unkempt appearance? Can they launder their clothing and linens?
Mobility in the Home. Do they have dif- ficulty getting around or taking stairs? Have they fallen in the home? Do they lift their feet when walking or do they walk with more of a “shuffle” step? Are there any trip hazards such as throw rugs? Do they have a plan in place to contact help in case of an emergency?
Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. is one of those community resources here to help your aging family member live safely in their home. After evaluating her mother’s current living situation, one caregiver shared, “Mom made it very clear to me that she wanted to stay in her own home, but I was very concerned about her safety. When I came to the point where I knew I was not longer able to continue to care for her by myself, Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. was the first thing I thought about. As a nurse in the hospital, I saw first-hand how they took care of their participants and it was a level of care I’ve never seen in my entire nursing career. They are very ‘hands-on’ with each participant and I knew that would be the best place for Mom.”
Memory. Are they forgetting where they placed things such as their keys or purse? Do they know today’s date? Do they repeat them- selves consistently?
Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. has an entire team of healthcare professionals that can assist with in-home needs such as medication man- agement, bathing, food preparation, and light housekeeping. There are also certified occupa- tional therapists and social workers who will help implement ways to enable individuals to live safer within their home. Additionally, there are socialization opportunities and entertainment at the center as well as various outings through- out the year. Transportation to and from the cen- ter is always provided at no additional cost.
Many family members discover the lim- itations of their aging loved one only after an incident of harm takes place such as a fall, hospitalization due to mismanagement of medication, or an accident while driving.
Transportation. Are they still driving and should they be driving? Can they react quickly enough when behind the wheel?
Keeping aging family members safe must be the primary concern. Below are some questions that will assist in evaluating if your loved one is in need of help to live safely at home.
Socialization. How often do they get out of the house? Are they isolated from others most of the time? Do they have friends? Do they often have visitors at their house? Are they showing signs of depression?
Medication Management. Do they remem- ber to take their medications at prescribed doses and times? Are there any expired prescriptions? Have they had any medical issues or hospital- izations related to improper usage of medica- tions?
Home Management. Is the house clean or in general disarray? Is the toilet and tub clean? Are there dirty dishes stacked up? Are their stains on furniture or carpet? Is there an accumulation of dust on the furniture? Are there items inside or outside the house that remain in disrepair?
The same caregiver referenced earlier said, “If it wasn’t for Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E., we would have had to put Mom in a long-term care facility. But with their help she is able to continue to live at home just like she wanted and I’m very happy we can honor her desire to be at home. My only regret is that I didn’t enroll Mom in the program sooner.”
Meal Preparation. Do they have an ade- quate supply of food? Are any food products past their expiration date? Are they eating
By evaluating these things you will be able to determine if your loved one is living safely within their home. If they are not, there may be family members or friends who can help with areas where you discover specific needs. Or, you may need
For additional information about the services offered through Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. please call (269) 441-9319 or visit www.seniorcarepartnersmi.org.
Experience the Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. Difference!
THE CARE YOU NEED TO HELP YOU STAY IN THE HOME YOU LOVE!
COORDINATED SERVICES INCLUDE...
• Physical and Occupational • Quality Medical Care • Socialization
Therapy Services • Social Services • Support for Caregivers
• Safety in the Home
Call us to find out if Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. is right for you or someone you love.
(269) 441-9319 or visit www.seniorcarepartnersmi.org
200 W. Michigan Ave, Ste 103, Battle Creek, MI • 445 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI • 800 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI