Elderly Odds N' Ends Home Page Senior Care Assistance for Family Members


Do you find yourself confused and overwhelmed with decisions concerning your spouse and/or an aging parent or friend? These uniquely complex scenarios often find individuals stressfully making decisions filled with emotion and fearful of the weight they carry. My role is to 1) Help you understand "the system" and who does what, when, where and why. 2) I have practical resources available to me through my work experience in the Northwestern Ohio Area surrounding Toledo. I offer a variety of consulting services as well as hands-on help. The objectivity of someone not emotionally tied to your loved one can be a valuable tool to be an agent for necessary changes. Intergenerational communication can be a challenge, coaching you on how to talk with your loved one in an impactful way can build bridges to new journeys.

Frequently families assume that a local sibling has the time to oversee all the detail of mom and dad while they are working full-time and raising their own children. Seems a tad overwhelming doesn't it? Other times, they assume because one child is single they have the time and talent to care give an aging parent. NOT NECESSARILY SO. Because of this, I conduct local workshops wherein individuals can learn about the system and the "right reasons" to care for a loved one rather than doing so out of someone else's expectations or a surmised obligation. In addition, this class talks specifically about when is it too much and how do you decide when it is time for a loved one to consider community housing alternatives.

Phone Us Today at 1.419.410-4241

Senior Housing Placement

Home visit and Health Assessment are essential for Housing Placements. Many families are unaware when it's time for alternative housing. Ideally staying at home is best for the most; however, not always a safe practical financial option. There are many elements to making this decision such as talking with spouse and/or children. Is your need temporary (rehabilitative) or permanent? Are you trying to bridge some gaps? Are you concerned about your finding a "good" community? Looking for a place that will offer your loved one the quality care you seek, not the health care system minimal. I am aware of many of the communities in NW Ohio for aging adults and can expedite home placement if/when the time arises, introducing you to a simplified sampling of options.

Personal Assistance

Advocacy:
There are times when you as a care giver are overwhelmed with trying to manage day-to-day care and appointments for your loved one. Inside knowledge of "how it works" within a facility or community allows me to alert you when it's time to alert staff, physicians and other medical professionals to gradual changes in your loved ones care. In addition, regular visits from me allow them to stay motivated about their own health care and well being especially if you live out of town. I can coordinate and/or transport to and from their doctor appointments and document outcomes from the appointment for you to stay informed of any progress. E-mail permits me to keep all family members up to date so no one is surprised when a loved takes a turn.

Transportation:
This could include use of personal transport agents as well as me accompanying them for shopping, beauty salon, doctor appointment or other needs.

Home Maintenance:
I can assist with home maintenance by providing a variety of reliable resources for elderly adults to use.

Caregiving

I am able to provide reputable resources for appropriate care for families.

Care Planning and Coordinating

Often times Seniors are unprepared for the costs associated with the various levels of care. Planning consists of a session with or without family compiling all pertinent information into one easy-to-use tool for entry into senior environments. During this time of consultation we can strategize costs associated with each level of care. This may also mean getting on a waiting list at preferred communities and/or completing the application process. This process may include connecting you with professional resources like lawyers, physicians, specialists, reputable home health care agencies, realtors, liquidators, funeral services, and social service agencies. This can be coordinated with information to and/or from your existing financial retirement planning consultant. Medicare can be a complicated system to understand, I can connect you with Medicare D, Medicare Supplemental Policy choices and/or Long-Term Care Insurance options.

Health Assessment by R. N.

While most communities do a health assessment as part of the admission process, I have found it helpful for an initial baseline screening and/or mini-mental exam to be done to keep track of any changes or deterioration on a regular basis. Screenings help keep a pulse on changing levels of care for appropriate placement for your loved one when you feel it is time.

QUICK SURVEY
	1. Are you uncertain about the ability and/or safety of your loved one in caring for themself? 2. Are you concerned about alienating your loved one when you suggest moving from home and don't even know how to approach the subject? 3. Are you squabbling with your family members about what's best for mom or dad? 4. Did you know that the list caring social workers from the hospital provides doesn't give you any input about quality of care? 5. Did you know that 'rehab community' is another name for 'skilled nursing care'? 6. Are you aware that you have a variety of choices available to your loved one as you seek a quality environment for them to lead a fulfilling life? 7. Do you know how to find an objective perspective on the care community you are considering? www.medicare.gov 8. Would you like to know some of the "transitional ideas" available to help you relocate a loved one from home? 9. Are you aware of all the stresses that will come your way should you considering bringing your loved home with you? 10. Are you aware of the financial resources available to your loved one? Do you know how do you approach such a sensitive topic? Do you know how to get the biggest bang for their resources?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, contact me to get more information. Rates are affordable and start as low as $15 per hour for professional guidance.