The help you need in this time of change.

Questions for Independent Living Solutions

Can a Care Manager help decide if our parent needs an Assisted Living or a Nursing Home?

Yes. Geriatric Care Managers work with all levels in the continuum of care, including in-home care providers, retirement communities, assisted living residences, longterm care facilities, day programs, and community activity programs. They are familiar with the providers within each local community.

Care Managers conduct Assessments to determine the functional level of the older person. This means understanding the capabilities of the person to complete the tasks associated with living independently, as well as their ability to be safe and reliable when left alone. Assisted Living residences can provide a certain level of service to people with physical or cognitive impairments, but are limited in their ability to provide nursing care or constant supervision. Nursing Homes provide both medical care and 24- hour supervision, but are limited in the type of programming they can offer. There are differences in services between Assisted Living residences, as well as between Nursing Homes; the Geriatric Care Manager is familiar with the differences for the facilities in your area.

There may be other options to consider, such as staying home with help and/or attending a day program. At ILS, we outline the options and related costs appropriate for your circumstances, so you have the information you need to make the best decision for your loved one.

My mother is living alone at home, and it is clear to me that she is not keeping up with things as well as she used to. She denies that there is any problem and refuses to even talk about hiring help. Do I have to wait until there is a disaster?

Accepting help is difficult because it is often equated with the first step to being "locked away somewhere." You might start by making sure your mother understands that you want what she wants -- to stay at home, living independently. With that mutual goal, it would be wise to understand what is causing these changes; A thorough examination by her physician would be an important first step in identifying any underlying medical problems.

With careful observation, you may be able to identify specific things with which she seems to struggle, or has stopped doing because they're too difficult (e.g., carrying groceries, gardening). For some things, adaptive equipment may be a good solution. For others, you may still feel she needs help. Identify one or two tasks with which she would consider assistance. Ideally, as she and the "helper" develop a relationship, more tasks can be added to the list. A Care Manager can help you locate appropriate resources within your community.