ELDERCARE CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDANCE

The issues surrounding elder home care for a family member are often fraught with social, emotional and financial uncertainties. The clinical team at Privatus offers some of the following guidance on important issues to consider when contemplating the need for in home care:

• Is your loved one(s) living at home with difficulty managing daily activities, probably unsafe due to physical limitations, medical conditions or memory issues?
• Are you concerned about or have seen evidence of improper medication management, poor nutrition or risk of falls?
• Does your loved one(s) deny their need for assistance and/or refuse to spend money for help or in home care?
• Have you observed a change in your loved one(s) hygiene and appearance?

It is never with enthusiasm that someone admits that they are unable to function independentlyand might need in home care. For people who have enjoyed control of an active life with family, work and travel it can be especially difficult. Many, therefore, when faced with aging and/or health issues experience each day as a daunting challenge relying on family and neighbors that may be nearby. Adult children attempting to broach these delicate issues with a loved one often find themselves frustrated, facing resistance and confrontation despite compelling evidence that elderly care at home is needed.

The consequences can be serious. For many people, it is not until a fall or hospitalization occurs that the need for assistance can no longer be avoided. Unfortuantely this transition to care is usually (and needlessly) a choatic, pressured situation that often leads to unsuccessful outcomes and considerable turmoil for the entire family.

Meeting with a Privatus Care Manager before a crisis occurs can lead to smoother transition when elder home care is needed and will be accpeted. Whether for a single complementary consultation or for a weekly "check in" visit, it provides you and your loved one with the trust and confidence in a healthcare professional that will be there when the need arises. It also allows us to develop a baseline familiarity with health care issues, financial considerations, lifestyle and personal preferences.

To learn more about your specifc concerns and questions contact one our experienced Care Managers at 866- 369-5974 or via email at consultation@privatuscare.com today. All consultations are held in strict confidence and completely without obligation.