Get to Know the Outreach Team at Pennsylvania Relay

Last fall, when we interviewed Tanya Castillo, RN, Director, Lifespark Community Home Care, for a blog on the warning signs that an aging parent might need some help, she mentioned broken appliances, dirty dishes, neglected pets, poor dental hygiene, strong body odor, incontinence, and unpaid bills as red flags for family members. We caught up with her recently to find out what adult children can and should do when their older loved one is no longer able to manage on their own.Shame and embarrassment can lead people to rely heavily on neighbors or friends, especially when the senior is afraid that if their child sees whats going on, theyll put me in a home, Tanya said. As a result, you might not realize how dire the situation is, but once you become aware, you really do have to address it.Download our eBook: When Should I Consider Assistance for My Loved OneApproach with good intentionsThe key, she said, is to come from a place of love and good intentions and to let the individual know that you wont force them into anything, but that as their child, youre concerned. We coach the family memberusually the adult daughterto reassure their parent that you want them to stay as independent as possible, and to do that you might need to bring in a little extra help.When meeting with a potential client at the in-person consultation, the Home Care team typically hears one of three responses: Thanks, but no thanks; Ill think about it; or Lets move forward. But the emotional factors behind resistance can be complicated.Financial pushbackOne of the most common defenses against in-home services is cost, even for those who can afford it. Many of the seniors we meet with say they dont want to spend their childrens inheritance, Tanya said. We explain that having a little bit of help now, like a nurse to help with appointments, medications, and bills, is going to keep them healthier and more independent in the long run.Occasionally, its the opposite, where the elder wants assistance but their adult children are pushing back, arguing that every dollar spent on care now means less for them when their parent passes. When we see this type of conflict, either between a parent and a child or between siblings, we try to point out that this is for them, too, she said. Well be there for their parent, so they dont have to take time off of work and so they can be the daughter, not the caregiver.She also reminds family members that the client has the right to spend their money however they wish, as long as theyre alert and cognitively competent. They also have the right to choose to stay in their own home if theyre safe to do so.Daughtermother dynamicTanya shared a story about a woman in her early 70s with severe rheumatoid arthritis whose 97-year-old mother was her caregiver. The daughter called Lifespark and scheduled an in-person consultation, but her mother, who lives in the same building, shut down the meeting, saying that her daughter couldnt afford it and didnt need it.Later, the daughter called back to request another consult, but once again, the mother intervened. Finally, the daughter called a third time, saying that she and her mother had sorted it out and agreed that Lifespark could provide services.Our goal is to keep people off the roller coaster of health care crises, Tanya said. To do that, we explain how services are going to benefit them and how we can be helpful.Couples struggle, tooLifespark also gets calls from seniors who have been their spouses caregiver but are no longer able to take care of them. Were now working with a 99-year-old gentleman with memory loss who was very resistant to having anyone but his 95-year-old wife care for him, Tanya said. Because of his cognitive impairment, he didnt understand why she couldnt do it all, including helping him shower and dressing him.Too often, though, the caregiving spouse gets hurt. Given that this mans wife was five-foot-three and he was six feet tall, it was a risky situation, she said. We explained that bringing in services benefits both individuals by helping to prevent injury.Ultimately, he agreed to services. The couple now has someone coming in weekly to set up his medications, help him shower, and do light housekeeping and shopping, which also benefits his wife, Tanya said.Sudden gaps in careOne of Community Home Cares newer clients is a man with a traumatic brain injury whose wife had been his caregiver until she unexpectedly passed away while in the hospital. The family suddenly needed 24-hour support for him while they looked for a long-term care facility.It was an emotionally challenging situation as he was dealing with the grief of losing his wife and the loss of his independence, Tanya said. He refused to move but due to his brain injury, it wasnt safe for him to live by himself. In this case, family had to step in and make the decision for him.Quality of life decisionTanya acknowledged that home care is expensive and not covered by insurance. But it goes a long way to preventing emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and the need for transitional care. One of things we tell people is, Youve spent your whole life saving for a rainy dayand its raining.For more tips and insights, download our free eBook: When Should I Consider Assistance for My Loved One.To learn how Lifespark can help your loved one live more independently, visit Community Home Care or call us at 952-345-8770.

Fear and greed are hard to overcome. Why do we let these emotions control our decision-making process when it comes to our financial well-being? Do we fear that when there is a market correction it is a sign of impending global doom? As a part of our emotional make-up, we have a tendency to linearly extrapolate. When things are going bad, they will only get worse, and when things are going well, they will only get better. We know that our past experiences tell us neither scenario is true, but we continue to fall into the same trap time and time again.At some point we have to come to the realization that market movements are part of the investment process, and the only way to prosper long-term is to eliminate the emotions that will make us buy high and sell low. The way to control emotions is to have a disciplined approach. Discipline puts us in control, not our emotions.Controlling our emotions helps us in all facets of life, and is a key element in understanding the Psychology of Investing. Investment decisions are similar to decisions regarding friends and family. Dont try to resolve an issue when emotional, BE DISCIPLINED. The Psychology of Investing is nothing more than an understanding of the emotions that influence our decisions. Buying high and selling low is not the inverse of buying low and selling high, but is an actualization of our emotions. Be disciplined in your decision making. Use fact and reason to the best of your ability and endeavor to understand, and by understanding, control your emotions. The Psychology of Investing is the first chapter in a book titled The Ten Commandments of Investing, a book that offers a unique perspective on investing by Al Weber, Senior Vice President at Raymond James. It is available in electronic format, at no charge, by requesting it at Katie.Burr@RaymondJames.com. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Erin Weber, CFP. Erin is a Financial Advisor with the Weber Group of Raymond James. She may be reached at 878.208.1285 or Erin.Weber@RaymondJames.com.Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC800 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 200, Cranberry Township, PA 16066Any opinions are those of Erin Weber and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See ad on page 112.  

The search for the right primary care doctor can feel overwhelming. Many patients express frustration with long wait times, short visits, and difficulty accessing their physician when they need them most. In todays fast-paced healthcare environment, finding a doctor who prioritizes patient care is more important than ever.   One emerging alternative is Direct Primary Care (DPC), a model that shifts the focus back to the patient by eliminating insurance hassles. Instead of dealing with copays and billing, patients pay a flat monthly fee for direct access to their doctor, longer appointment times, and a more personalized healthcare experience. Availability and Access How long will it take to get your first appointment? Some traditional practices have months-long waits. In contrast, DPC providers typically offer initial visits within a week, ensuring you receive care when you need it. Office Experience Time spent in the waiting room can be a major frustration. In conventional practices, patients may wait an hour or more before seeing the doctor. DPC practices prioritize efficiency, often reducing wait times to just minutes. Time With Your Doctor Short, rushed appointments can leave patients feeling unheard. In many traditional offices, physicians are booked in 15- to 20-minute intervals, limiting discussion time. DPC physicians often schedule longer visits sometimes up to an hourallowing for in-depth conversations, thorough exams, and more thoughtful treatment plans. Communication and Follow-Up Reaching your doctor can be a challenge. Many patients endure long hold times or leave messages that go unanswered. In the DPC model, direct communication is key. Patients often have access via phone, email, or text for prompt, personalized care. Urgent Needs Medical concerns dont always arise during business hours. Traditional practices may not offer same-day visits, pushing patients toward urgent care or ERs. DPC providers aim to accommodate same- or next-day appointments, reducing unnecessary trips and ensuring continuity of care. Choosing a primary care doctor is personal. Look for a physician who is experienced, accessible, compassionate, and committed to your well-being. Asking the right questionsand exploring models like DPCcan lead to a more satisfying healthcare experience.   Editors Note: This article was written by Dr. Rebecca L. Byard, Family Medicine Doctor with Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh. She can be reached at 412-892-9170 or visit their website at wwwdirectcarepgh.com. See ad on pages 2-3.