The first step is an in-home care needs assessment, which will address the following areas:
Social
Does your parent interact regularly with others? Has she changed her social patterns recently – perhaps because of new physical limitations? Are there family conflicts which interfere with optimal care?
Psychological
Is your parent in good mental and emotional health? What can be done to improve her outlook? How does this affect her physical well-being? Does she have the capacity to make her own decisions?
Legal
Have all legal documents been prepared with your parent’s care in mind? Have older documents been brought up to date with your parent's condition? Could inadequately drafted documents cause problems later? Can guardianship be avoided?
Environmental
Does the current home provide a good environment? Are there stairs she has to climb? Is the house secure? Does it need maintenance? What kind of environment is appropriate for her in her present condition? What future needs will she have?
Financial
What are your parent’s income and asset resources? How can we make sure she has the best care she can afford without running out of money? Is she getting the benefits and services she's supposed to get from her insurance coverage?
Medical
Does your parent need medical attention beyond what can be provided in the home? Are there new or increasing concerns over her physical health? Do all her physicians and specialists have the full picture?
When we understand the problems we'll present care options to cover the contingencies for which you must be prepared and point you toward community and government resources. We'll create a plan to care for your parent and implement it by choosing the best care suppliers and overseeing their work. We'll report to you regularly on your parent's condition and the status of the plan.
The result? The time you spend with your parent won't be filled with stress managing physical care or dealing with financial, legal and other complicated details. You can make the most of your relationship during the final years of your parent's life. And your time at home and work will be more productive and less stressful without the worry over your parent's day-to-day care.
