Pamela D. Wilson - The Care Navigator

I recently interviewed a bartender and a beautician, both working with the public for years.  Both considered “therapists” for persons who sit at the bar or come to have their hair done.  Listen to Barb and Paul share their caregiving lessons and the one secret weapon they both possess - a unique skill of listening to what their clientele really says underneath the obvious.  Listen to The Caring Generation http://www.tinyurl.com/ylhffty program on 2/28/10 to learn more about these amazing individuals who have so much to offer.  You might learn something.

Recently I admitted a client to a hospital where the physician immediately wanted to change medications without asking about medical history. Fortunately with this client I had years of experience and extensive background that I was able to provide. For family members if you find yourself in this situation be sure to step in and provide whatever information you have so that your loved one is not put through unnecessary changes due to lack of information.

Is your loved one experiencing depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder or other mental health issues? Often individuals experiencing these issues have little insight into the situation. While it’s extremely difficult for family members it’s important to be empathetic and seek professional help. Don’t feel you have to manage alone, consult a professional.

When moving parents or loved ones it’s important to choose a mover familiar with the stresses of the situation. There are many moving companies for “things” and few moving companies for “lives”. A move for an older adult is stressful. Choose a moving company who understands the complexities of the situation and will work with you and your loved one to move a life well lived not just furniture well used.

Are you procrastinating or delaying a decision because you just don’t know what you need? Often lack of education or information places us in a rut that can last until a crises causes us to make a decision. Gather information, consult professionals and move past your ruts in order to avoid crises planning.

Choosing the right care community can be a daunting task. Small, medium sized, large, low cost, high cost, independent, assisted - there are so many varieties. Start planning early and you’ll have time to make a decision that will stick for the long run.

In 1997 AARP established a relationship with United Healthcare to sell Medicare gap insurance under the name AARP/Medicare Complete from Secure Horizons. According to a Washington Post article published 10/27/2009, AARP’s association with United Healthcare delivered $400 million in revenue which represents more on an annual basis that monies generated from membership. AARP is also spending $37 million lobbying in Washington for a government run health care bill that will put more money in their pocket. Who does AARP represent? The healthcare industry or vulnerable seniors who seek information, education and advocacy. It’s unclear. What’s your opinion?

Your parents live across country or in a city miles away. You’re aware they need help but you feel helpless. Offer them local support for services they require and if they don’t have the financial assets to pay, share costs with brothers and sisters. Then start making a plan for “what ifs”. What if mom and dad’s health becomes worse? What if mom or dad passes away? What if?

Many older individuals with or without parents lack a long term vision of care. Many times immediate needs are addressed i.e. assistance with bill paying, medication reminding, meal preparation, while longer term issues of health are not addressed. It’s these longer term issues that have the greatest potential to result in unexpected crises as time passes and health issues escalate.

Family members with memory loss can present difficulties when they are in the stage “in between”. They may realize they have some memory loss but not to the degree of reality. Thus they argue about a need for care when they may be wearing out a family caregiver. They resist taking medications because there is nothing wrong. They want to drive a car when it’s unsafe. It can be exhausting unless techniques are learned to work with the situation rather than against it.