A Call to Order Professional Organizers: Helping Seniors Feel at Home

As our loved ones age, many prefer to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. This desire for independence, however, comes with the responsibility of ensuring their living environment is safe and secure. By taking proactive steps to prevent accidents and address potential hazards, we can help our older family members maintain their independence while minimizing risks.Conducting a Home Safety AuditThe first step in creating a safe living environment is to perform a thorough home safety audit. This involves carefully examining every room and area of the house, paying close attention to potential hazards that could lead to accidents or injuries.Stairs and WalkwaysStart by inspecting the stairs and walkways. Ensure that handrails are securely fastened and extend the full length of the staircase. Look for any loose carpeting or floorboards that could cause tripping. Remove throw rugs or use non-slip backing to prevent slipping.Bathroom SafetyThe bathroom is a common site for accidents. Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub to provide support. Consider adding a shower chair and a non-slip mat to reduce the risk of falls. Ensure the bathroom is well-lit and easily accessible, especially during nighttime hours.LightingAdequate lighting is crucial for preventing accidents. Install bright lights in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms. Consider using motion-sensor lights for nighttime navigation. Ensure that light switches are easily accessible and clearly visible.Emergency PreparednessBeing prepared for emergencies is essential for older adults living independently.Emergency Contact ListCreate a comprehensive list of emergency contact numbers and place it near every phone in the house. Include numbers for:Emergency services (911)Poison Control (1-800-222-1222)Healthcare providersFamily members or trusted friendsPersonal Emergency Response SystemsFor added security, consider investing in a personal emergency response system. These devices, worn as necklaces or bracelets, allow the user to quickly call for help in case of a fall or other emergency.Fall Prevention StrategiesFalls are a significant concern for older adults. Implementing fall prevention strategies can greatly reduce the risk of injury.Regular Health Check-upsEncourage your loved one to have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider. These visits can include fall risk assessments and recommendations for exercise programs designed to improve balance and strength.Proper FootwearEnsure that your loved one wears appropriate footwear inside the house. Non-slip slippers or shoes with rubber soles can provide better traction on smooth surfaces.Mobility AidsIf your loved one uses a cane or walker, make sure they use it consistently and correctly. Ensure that these aids are in good condition and properly adjusted to the user's height.Fire SafetyProtecting against fire hazards is another crucial aspect of home safety for older adults.Smoke AlarmsInstall smoke alarms on every level of the home, including inside and outside sleeping areas. Check the batteries regularly and replace them as needed.Escape PlanDevelop and practice a fire escape plan with your loved one. Ensure that all exits are clear and easily accessible.Medication ManagementProper medication management is essential for preventing accidental poisoning and ensuring that prescribed treatments are followed correctly.Organized StorageKeep medications in a well-organized, easily accessible location. Consider using a pill organizer to help track daily doses.Medication ReviewRegularly review medications with a healthcare provider to ensure they are still necessary and to check for potential interactions.Creating a Support NetworkWhile these safety measures are crucial, it's equally important to establish a support network for your loved one.Regular Check-insSet up a system for regular check-ins, either in person or by phone. This not only provides social interaction but also allows you to monitor their well-being.Community ResourcesResearch local community resources that can provide additional support, such as meal delivery services, transportation assistance, or social programs for seniors.Professional Home Care ServicesIf your loved one requires more extensive assistance, consider professional home care services. Companies like Caring Mission can provide individualized care plans tailored to your loved one's specific needs, ensuring they receive the support they require while maintaining their independence.By implementing these safety measures and creating a strong support system, we can help our older loved ones continue to live independently in their own homes with greater peace of mind. Remember, home safety is an ongoing process that may require periodic reassessment as needs change over time. With careful planning and attention to detail, we can create a safe and comfortable living environment that promotes both independence and well-being for our aging family members.

When a senior is ready to leave the hospital after surgery, illness, or another medical event, the transition to home or another care setting can be overwhelming for both the patient and their family. This is where discharge planners play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth, safe, and well-coordinated discharge process. At Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh, we work closely with discharge planners to help seniors and their families navigate the complexities of post-hospital care and find the right long-term living arrangements.What Is a Discharge Planner?A discharge planner is typically a nurse, social worker, or case manager within a hospital setting. Their main responsibility is to ensure that patients are prepared to leave the hospital and transition to the next stage of their recovery or care. For seniors, this often involves coordinating care and resources to support them as they move back home, to a rehabilitation center, or to an assisted living or long-term care facility.The Key Responsibilities of a Discharge PlannerAssessing Post-Hospital Care Needs:Discharge planners work with doctors and nurses to assess a patient's medical needs after leaving the hospital. For seniors, this might include ongoing therapies, medications, or specialized care for chronic conditions.Coordinating Care and Services:After assessing the patient's needs, discharge planners arrange services such as in-home care, physical therapy, and transportation to medical appointments. For seniors who can no longer live independently, discharge planners can help identify more supportive living arrangements like assisted living communities.Education and Guidance:Discharge planners provide families with vital information about medications, treatments, and care requirements. They also educate families on recognizing warning signs of potential health issues and offer guidance on how to best support their loved one during recovery.Linking Patients to Resources:Many seniors require additional support post-discharge. Discharge planners connect families with local resources, such as senior care services, financial assistance programs, and transportation options.Navigating Insurance and Paperwork:Managing healthcare can be daunting, especially when it comes to insurance and coverage for post-hospital services. Discharge planners help families navigate insurance claims and ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed to secure ongoing care.How Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh Works with Discharge PlannersAt Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh, we understand the critical role that discharge planners play in ensuring that seniors receive the appropriate care after leaving the hospital. We collaborate closely with discharge planners to provide families with personalized, comprehensive support as they consider long-term care options. Here's how we can help:Identifying the Best Senior Care Options:Discharge planners often work with seniors who can no longer safely return home due to their need for more extensive care or a supportive environment. We step in to help families explore the wide range of senior living options, from independent living to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing facilities.Providing Guidance on Senior Care Communities:Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh helps families navigate senior care communities that meet the medical, social, and emotional needs of their loved ones. We ensure that seniors find the right place to call home, with the support and services they require for a high quality of life.Personalized Support During Transitions:We provide hands-on support during the transition from the hospital to a senior living community, ensuring a smooth process. Whether it's arranging tours of local communities, helping with paperwork, or providing guidance on what to expect, we make the transition as stress-free as possible for both seniors and their families.Ongoing Advocacy and Support:Even after the move to a senior living community, our commitment continues. We check in regularly to ensure that the senior is settling in well and receiving the care they need, and we are always available to address any concerns.ConclusionDischarge planners are invaluable in ensuring that seniors receive the care and resources they need after leaving the hospital. At Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh, we work alongside these professionals to ensure that families find the best long-term care solutions for their loved ones. Together, we ensure that seniors transition smoothly from the hospital to a senior living community where they can continue to thrive.If your loved one is preparing for hospital discharge and you're exploring senior care options, Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh is here to help. Contact us today for expert guidance and personalized support in finding the perfect senior living solution.

The Role of a Geriatric Care ManagerThe share of the United States population over the age of 65 has risen to 16%, and it is expected to climb further to 23% by 2060. People are living longer, and that means that people also have more specialized health care needs.Aging life care calls for a different kind of attention, as various conditions and syndromes begin to present themselves. Depending on which conditions those are, the situation can get complicated pretty quickly. In some cases, it might be worthwhile to consider hiring a geriatric care manager.As we and our loved ones age, we usually end up needing support from the people around us to make sure our needs are met. Family members in particular tend to shoulder this responsibility. But there are many reasons that might make it difficult to have a good support network in place. The most common reason is that family caregivers simply live too far away to provide reliable senior care management.In this context, geriatric care managers can be thought of as "professional relatives." If a family member is not able to provide long term care, geriatric care managers can help provide any and all services related to elder care. They are usually licenced nurses or social workers who are trained in aging life care, and they organize care plans and advocate for their patients needs.If you hire a geriatric care manager, you will be able to count on them to navigate the complexities of the health care system. It can also be helpful to have someone who can make decisions from a neutral point of view, as family caregivers sometimes have to make difficult decisions that are deeply personal.The primary responsibilities of a geriatric care manager are:Coordinating elder care between multiple service providersDeveloping both short and long term care plansHelping manage emotional concerns, stress, and anxietiesHelping manage transitional careHiring additional caregivers as necessaryMake home visits and evaluate living conditionsOngoing assessment of aging life care needsAll of this helps take the pressure off family members and ensures that geriatric care management is always under control.When to Seek Support With an Aging Life Care ExpertThere are many cases in which families are perfectly capable of managing aging life care for someone they love. But it can be challenging to know when you might be taking on more than you can reasonably expect to handle. As discussed above, one of the most obvious challenges is that family members do not live near the person who needs their care. But other complications are not as straightforward.You should consider hiring a geriatric care manager when:You need help with a complex issue. Lots of medical conditions can lead to the kinds of behaviors that should really be handled by aging life care professionals. Issues related to dementia, verbal abuse, or physical violence are among these.Your loved one will not talk to you about their health. Whether it is out of concern for privacy, a soured relationship, or an inability to describe what they are experiencing, older adults sometimes do not let relatives help them. A geriatric care manager gives them someone they feel comfortable talking to about their health. You are having trouble communicating with service providers. Geriatric care managers have a better understanding of where other aging life care professionals are coming from, so if you have run into a wall in negotiations or are not able to get the information you are looking for, your care manager is in a position to communicate more effectively.You do not know what to do. Caring for a loved one can be complicated for reasons beyond their health. We always want the best for them, but sometimes there are multiple pathways and it is not clear which one will be best. Geriatric care managers can provide their objective point of view to help your loved one receive the senior care that is right for themFinding Geriatric Care ManagersA geriatric care manager does not have to hold a state level license. But because many of them come from fields in health care, they elect to maintain their credentials. Care managers who come from social work often have to have active licensure in order to practice in their state.So on the one hand, a lack of certification or licensure is not necessarily a deal breaker. On the other hand, it is important that they can demonstrate their experience as aging life care professionals. If you are hiring a geriatric care manager, be sure to ask about the following:Do they have direct experience with managing issues specific to your loved one? This is especially important to cover in cases of severe injury or cognitive decline.Do they have experience with crisis care management? If your loved one is prone to seizures or is at high risk for falls or heart attacks, aging life care professionals need to know how to handle this type of emergency situation. Also ask them if they are available to respond around the clock, or if they have set hours.How will they communicate information to you? It might seem like a tedious question, but being on the same page about communication methods and styles can save everyone a lot of frustration and confusion.Can they provide references? It can be hard to really understand who you are working with based on their resume alone. Talking to people who know them well is a good way to corroborate your first impressions.How are their costs and fees structured? Senior care can be expensive it is typically not covered under Medicare or most other insurance plans so it is important to understand how much things will cost up front. Geriatric care managers charge by the hour, typically within a range of $75200 per hour.When families turn to aging life care professionals for care management services, they need to know as much as possible about the roles and responsibilities of the people they are bringing into the fold. Geriatric care managers help families navigate the complexities of elder care and relieve them of the stress and anxiety that so often comes along with it. They are experienced in working with a variety of national and local resources, care providers, and care services to ensure the highest quality of life possible.Give me a call for a FREE 20 minute consultation at 714-403-7040. source: Keystone Health, 2024. https://keystone.health/geriatric-care-manager-role-responsibilities#table-of-contents