Sandi Gunnett, BS, Director of Staffing and Recruiting

As an employee of Eldercare Services and a consumer of Geriatric Care Management Services, I can empathize with anyone going through an emergency, status change, or strategic decision-making with a loved one. I often hear from clients or their families, what do I do first? Whom do I speak with, where do I find resources? Where do I begin?

When a member of our family is experiencing a crisis we often hesitate to obtain expert advice or help with his or her care plan or plan of action. Although, if we were experiencing a financial crisis or legal crisis, most of us would not hesitate to seek advice from a professional that relieves our burden, builds confidence, and helps us to avoid poor economic results.

When a family member in another area of the state was experiencing a health crisis, I asked for and received a referral to a Professional Geriatric Care Manager. The Geriatric Care Manager helped us to ensure that my family member received the level of care and concern that I could not provide personally without losing major time at work or at home. We cannot always be in two places at one time.

The Care Manager partnered with us to seek and provide answers to the questions we had, represented us when we could not be present, and advocated for my family member.  This ensured that our family member’s values, not the Care Manager’s, were represented.

The expertise was invaluable in obtaining a better outcome, ensuring better quality of life, and helping us to avoid costly financial mistakes often created by inappropriate placements or expenditures. The Professional Geriatric Care Manager was a valuable resource in a crisis and now as an ongoing basis. We do not feel replaced or delegated to a lack of authority or ability with our family member but empowered to make well-thought-out logical decisions that are based on expert advice or resourced information. The Professional Geriatric Care Manager is like the all-purpose tool in your bag.

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

“Clean out a room, change your schedule and your social life- Mom is moving in.” 

 Your mother has had a change of status and can no longer live alone. You think it is best that she move in with you because you just retired and have the time to care for her.

 The desire and the passion to care for those we love sometimes pulls us to make decisions that can have a negative outcome to us and to our aging parent.

 Before you decide to have a senior family member move in to your home, there are many facets to consider and organizations that can assist with the process.  Do your homework, look at all the pros and cons before changing all of your lives.  Is the decision going to add to the quality of life for all involved?  Will it distract from what gives your life meaning or that of your parent?

 Eldercare has a checklist of important items to think about before making such a decision.  It you would like this checklist, send us your name and address and we will mail it out to you.

Intergenerational families can live together successfully but all parties must have their needs met and find peace in the arrangement.   However, sometimes families just haven’t explored all the options first and make this decision without knowledge of our supportive services.

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

It has been my honor, over the past 25 years, to help people make hard decisions such as giving up a home of 50 years for a retirement community or a downsized condo.  One comes to this decision from various paths; economic reasons, health concerns, loss of spouse or wanting to relocate near adult children.  Sometimes, just because home maintenance is too much and the senior wants to travel or have less of the “have to do” chores in their life.

 What I do know is that people who are socially engaged live longer and happier lives according to research.  That individuals who have purpose and meaning in their lives are healthier than their peers without purpose.  I also know that people who have had major losses through death of spouses or friends that continue to have meaningful lives live longer as well.

 So, if you or someone you love is facing this dilemma you should consider having at least one hour with a Professional Geriatric Care Manager who can help you with your list of pros and cons before making a major move.  It is often beneficial for the elder to have this conversation with an objective professional; so the end result is your decision and not influenced by family members’ or friend’s value systems. 

 More and more Baby Boomers are thinking long range and looking at options early in their “autumn” years.  Better to be prepared than have to make decisions in a crisis.