Mom fell, again! (Durham- Raleigh) - (31)

Today’s family challenge: “Mom fell, again”…what has been her gradual, physical and cognitive decline is now being noticed... Is it safe for her to drive? Can she remember to lock the front door? What about the thermostat? Has she taken her meds today? Who can stay with her? (When family pitches in, they average 20 hours per week.) Solution? Senior living communities answer many important needs: • Nutrition: 3 meals a day with no dishes to wash. • Safety: Front door opens into the hallway of the community. Help with meds. • Transportation: Community provides transportation to medical appointments, shopping and outings. • Social: Familiar company at meals. A variety of activities including gardening, crafts and music. Would a senior living community fit her needs? Which one? Which one will accept her? Which ones have availability? Which ones are affordable? The average cost of assisted living is around $5,500 per month. Who pays? Hint: not Medicare. What happens to her house? the contents? How best may a family stay informed of her status? Having worked through my mother’s progressive needs in aging and, more recently, observed those of my wife’s mom, I now assist adult children who, likewise, are realizing their mom’s capacities are declining and needs are multiplying. I offer to carefully align “Mom’s” individual needs with the variety of senior support options. Certified as a Senior Transition Specialist, I collaborate weekly with care experts and transition professionals. I tour several local communities a month. My value-add includes guidance with needs assessment; comparing costs; what about rate increases? what to ask / notice while touring? I can refer them to specialists in powers-of-attorney, guardianship, veterans’ benefits, decluttering and move management. To defray the costs, I can even look at the suitability of expeditiously selling a family home about to be vacated. My services are pro bono (short from the Latin pro bono publico –for the public good.) My goal is to provide helpful information, answer questions, and offer guidance and encouragement in a compassionate and respectful manner. If you or someone you know may want to do some proactive planning for safety and overall well-being, I would be happy to share what I am learning. Bridgetender Senior Services 919-641-1401 Bridgetenderseniorservices.blog