CAREGIVING TOOLBOX:  Life Enrichment Visits

Aging in Place vs. Senior Living

Yes, senior living can be the answer for many when it comes to loneliness, but parents have the right to make decisions. We are very independent beings and many of our aging parents are not prepared to live in a senior living community. For them, aging in  place is the best option.

Our response to this need and desire? A Life Enrichment program. Here’s what Caring Considerations will do to help reduce isolation.

We Want To Get To Know You

The in-person, Life Enrichment sessions are customized to meet the specific interests of seniors in ways that are meaningful and relevant. Clients typically receive weekly visits, but we will discuss a schedule to meet a loved-one’s desires.

What Are Life Enrichment Visits?

We provide hourly curated engagement, recreation, and social activities as part of a holistic Aging Life Care® plan.

Physical

  • Workout buddy – PT prescribed exercises and seated exercise videos
  • Walking Companion

Creative

  • Writing
  • Craft projects
  • Reminiscing & conversation

Brain Fitness

  • Math Brain Boost
  • Trivia (variety of topics: sports, movies, country specific, holidays)
  • Word puzzles

In our Aging Life Care® consulting practice, we witness numerous lingering issues resulting from the COVID lockdown.  Older adults want to remain independent, but often lack the insight and energy to incorporate more social opportunities.  The isolation imposed by the lockdown is perpetual and increasingly a barrier to  seniors returning to the life they enjoyed prior to the pandemic.

An Added Benefit

When your parent doesn’t want to move to assisted living, but you worry about them, Life Enrichment visits can be a non-threatening “check-in.”  Although we don’t provide personal care, we can provide feedback about your loved one’s overall well-being.

Contact Us

To learn about this program and more, call 571-488-9396 or email us at [email protected].



Home Care and Care Management? Is there a difference?

It can be a little confusing. Both terms use the word care.  When an older adult needs help, we commonly think of someone who can come to the home and help around the house. They are known as Aides (or caregivers, certified nurse’s aides, companion, private duty aides).  While this is true, isn’t it also true that older adults need help with more complex tasks such as advocacy, coordinating services, medication, Dr. appointments, managing finances, emergencies, etc.?  Are Aides expected to perform those tasks?

The answer is no.  A son or daughter would usually perform those higher-level duties. But what if an older adult didn’t have family support?  (We’ll get to that later.)

Here’s what an Aide would be doing:

What is HOME CARE?
An Aide provides meal prep, light housekeeping, shopping with client, laundry, transportation (if possible)
Personal “hands-on” care for the following necessary Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
Bathing, Dressing, Grooming, Walking, Eating, Toileting, Transferring to Bed, etc.
Verbal reminders to take medication, being nearby for safety and companionship
Home Care Agency- RN Supervisors perform the intake, visit client a minimum of every 90 days, schedule, supervise and train Aides.
Agency is responsible for staffing and payroll.
Private-pay/Private-duty Aides are not supervised by an Agency.  They contract and receive payment directly from client or family.

Many family members help with personal care (ADLs) and Care Management. Care Management which can be described as all the other aspects of life: advocacy, care coordination, Dr. appointments, decision support, medication management, and being available 24/7 for an emergency.

 

 

 

 

Here’s what Care Management would be doing:

What is CARE MANAGEMENT?
A professional* will perform a holistic assessment of risks and needs. Medical, social, safety, cognition, housing, social, legal, financial, personal goals, etc. are all documented, and a care plan is developed to improve overall quality of life.
A Care Manager will help coordinate, execute tasks, communicate and provide ongoing education/guidance.
RN supervised Dr. appt.s, 24/7 emergency response, coordination of associated services such as home care, hospitalization, rehab, physical therapy, daily money managers, fiscal oversight, hospice, home modifications, etc.
Communicate care plans and update as needed. Discuss living and care options.
RN manages medications, overall health checks, vital sign monitoring, communicates with Dr.s, and insurance
Reports to responsible party: family, POA, Guardian or Trustee

Consultations are a big part of Care Management. Individuals and families are often faced with a learning curve to solve problems and concerns such as,

  • “Would all of our lives be better if she were in an assisted living?”
  • “How can I get him to accept help?”
  • “How do I handle worsening memory loss ?”
  • “Am I doing the right things?”
  • “Who will be there for me as I age?”

For those who do not have enough family support, there are major benefits to hiring an Aging Life Care™ Professional. As we age it’s important to have healthcare advocacy and other support 24/7. Care Management will help create a team of reputable experts to keep everyone in check and focused on the best results for the client. Think of us as surrogate daughters with vast knowledge in aging well!

Caring Considerations 571-488-9396  [email protected]

*Aging Life Care™ Professional, Certified Care Manager and/or RN, Licensed Social Worker