Q : Where do I begin in search for help for my aging parent?
A : There are many ways to seek guidance, contact an agency that provides Geriatric Care Management that will assess and evaluate the needs of the client. The Geriatric Care Manager will develop a plan and assist family in choosing the service that is most appropriate based on assessment.

Q : How do I know what level of care is needed for my aging parent?
A : Based on assessment which includes evaluating the situation with family such as physical conditions, mental status, mobility, do they need assistance with medications, determine if they are capable of performing the ADL’s (activities of daily living) and any diagnosis from their primary care doctor also is one of the most important.

Q : If I decide to place my Mother or Dad in an assisted living facility and they have dementia or the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s, will they take them?
A : Yes and no. Based on their evaluation/assessment from the facility, the nurse will determine whether they qualify. If they are high functioning, mobile, do not wonder or combative to others they are more likely to be placed with supervision. If the nurse sees changes they will advise family and recommend the Alzheimer’s care unit in their facility. If they do not have an Alzheimer’s unit, they will recommend those available or you can contact a care manager for Alzheimer’s facilities or skilled nursing care for Alzheimer’s.

Q : I am an only child and I don’t even know where to begin to get help with my parents nor do my parents have a will, what do I do?
A :
1) Contact physician and let them know that you are seeking assistance in a care plan for your parents. See what their opinion is, whether they need skilled care, hospice care, assisted living or care in the home.
2) After assessment, have care manager refer to you a reputable elder law attorney who will consult with you regarding wills, powers of attorney for financial and medical, provide additional information on Va Benefits if they are eligible and also assistance with Medicare/Medicaid questions and the process of filing for it.

Q : What do I do if Mother is out of state and I need her to be closer so I can take care of her?
A : First determine what level of care you want for your Mother before moving her. Once you’ve determined this, then contact care manager to setup or provide various levels of care options available in the area they will be moving to. The care manager will set everything up for family and guide them through the process.

Q : How do I have my parent properly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?
A : My first recommendation is contact their primary physician and discuss with him or her condition. Some doctors will provide an approval for diagnosis at a geriatric hospital where they specialize in Alzheimer’s disease where they can monitor and regulate their medication and are given a proper diagnosis and suggest a care plan for them such as Alzheimer’s facility, skilled nursing or an assisted living facility that specializes in Alzheimer’s residents.

Q : What is the difference between a sitter companion and a Certified Nurse Assistant (CAN)?
A : A sitter companion simply is a companion to your loved one. They are there to sit with them and are not required to do services such as CAN. The CAN provides assistance with all the activities of daily living, bathing, dressing, light house keeping cooking, transportation to doctors, running errands, and they are CPR trained and First Aid trained.

Q : What if Mother needs skilled care and Dad is eligible for assisted living, can they be together in the same facility?
A : Yes. This is considered a Community Care Retirement Community known as a graduated level facility. Dad would be able to live in an apartment or studio setting with added assistance with the activities of daily living, fun activities, trips, exercise programs etc. Mother would be at the same facility but in the skilled unit area. Very close in proximity to assisted living area giving them both the security of knowing each other is there and they can see each other 24 x 7.

Q : How do I know if my parent is eligible for hospice care?
A : First, the approval must come from their primary care doctor, and then they must be evaluated by the hospice nurse for eligibility.

Q : I can’t afford personal care for my parents, what else is available to them?
A : Adult Day Care Centers/Senior Centers are offered to most communities providing activities, social gatherings, meals, snacks, nursing on staff. Not all centers provide these services. Contact your local senior center for more information.

Q : I cannot afford assisted living but am looking for a smaller facility with fewer residents. What is available out there?
A : This is considered a Personal Care Home. Usually 3 ~ 5 residents per home in a ranch style home. These facilities provide the same as assisted living but on a much smaller scale of residents and amenities. They provide assistance with all the activities of daily living, meals, bathing, dressing, house keeping, transportation, etc.

Q : Dad has fallen and broken his hip; can he stay at home and receive physical therapy?
A : Yes. The Home Health Care Agencies provide physical therapy and occupational therapy service in the home as well as in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and personal care homes. You have to have the approval from your doctor to receive the therapy first and most cases after approval, Medicare will cover the costs. Your care manager can set up services for family and do the required legwork so it takes the burden off the family.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We can not and do not give medical advice. The information contained in this online site is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge. The information should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or advice of your physician or other health care provider. We do not recommend the self-management of health problems.