Frequent falls or unexplained bruises
Unexplained weight loss of 10 lbs. or more in a 12-month period
Forgetting to take medication/overdoses of medication/mistakes in taking medication as ordered/abusing medication
Bizarre or deviant behavior
Getting lost while driving or walking
Extreme suspiciousness
Loss of interest in social activities/social isolation
Neglecting to pay bills or cash checks
A small kitchen or bedroom fire
Not eating properly or regularly
Abusing alcohol/drugs
Unsafe driving/ getting driving violation tickets frequently and/or involved in driving accidents
Confusion/judgment in question/increased forgetfulness
New balance or mobility problems and refusing to use cane or walker
Health complaints/symptoms, but refusing to see the doctor
Forgetting things cooking on the stove or turning on burners or appliances and forgetting to turn
them off
One spouse overwhelmed or in poor health caring for a dependent spouse
Complex medical or psychological problems or chronic health conditions that require ongoing
oversight
Family members struggling to meet the needs of their loved ones, exhausted, or overwhelmed
Family members living at a distance, or disagreeing over care solutions
How can the Aging Life CARE™ MANAGER help when my mother continually fires the home health care aide?
First, we talk with your mother to understand her reaction to having an aide. Next, we talk with the aide to help him/her understand the situation. If necessary, we discuss the problem with the agency providing the aide to find an alternative.
I do not live near my mother and am concerned that she has become very isolated.
We can visit your mother regularly and find ways to reduce her isolation.
My mother’s doctor says that she is depressed and should see a therapist. Isn’t she too old?
People of all ages can benefit from therapy and do not have to suffer with depression.
My father’s apartment is loaded with old newspapers, empty bottles, and other things. Is this typical of old age?
It is common. Hoarding is a symptom of a serious problem and also can be a danger to the individual. There is the potential for falls, fires and bugs from garbage. We can assist in working with your father to resolve the behavior or finding people who specialize in hoarding issues.
My sister and I have differences as to the best way to help my mother. We have always had difficulties getting along, but now it is worse. What can we do?
We call this family mediation and it is a common challenge. We have proven techniques to help you learn how to better communicate and develop solutions which are agreeable to both of you.
I am my mother’s caregiver and I am facing the decision of whether she can stay in her home or should move to assisted living. I do not understand the options, what can I do?
We can help you understand the options. We will also evaluate your mother and help you to develop a plan for either staying in her home or going to assisted living.
I do not live near my mother and I know that she has allowed her Home Aide to use her ATM card to get cash. I am not comfortable with this process, but my mother insists. What can I do?
We can work with your mother to discuss the situation and then contact the bank to change the process for withdrawals.
My mother has never had to manage her money or pay bills. She is very confused and frightened about this. What can be done?
We can assist your mother and perform the basic money management, bill paying, Medicare payments, etc. for her and also inform you of the work.
My father has many medical appointments and medications. He has difficulty going to HIS DOCTOR’S office and managing his medication. Does he need to go to a nursing home?
Probably not. If the major problem that your father has is difficulty going to doctor’s office and managing his medication, we can escort him to his appointments and set up a system for him to handle his medication regimen.
My mother has early stage Alzheimer’s and relies on my father as a caregiver. My father is not well and is becoming frailer. He refuses to allow help in the house. What can be done?
We can come in and do a detailed assessment and plan of needs. After this, we can discuss it with you and your parents in order to identify the best solution.
My father has moved to an assisted living facility and is having major problems adjusting to the place. Is there anything that can help him?
Yes. This is an example of someone who could benefit from psychotherapy. The therapist can help him with his concerns and his resistance.
My mother is being discharged from the hospital and we have to find a nursing home. Can someone provide assistance?
Yes. We are familiar with nursing homes and similar facilities and can help identify an appropriate new home for your mother, and also work with the hospital social worker to develop an appropriate discharge plan.
