ElderCare
If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be
written upon the heart.  The spirit should never grow old.  
                    -- James A. Garfield
More than 50 million people will provide care
for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family
member or friend during any given year.
    As the senior population grows, eldercare issues have come to the forefront for most
    families today.  In fact, may individuals now have dual responsibilities -- caring for their
    own children while simultaneously caring for aging parents, relatives, or friends.  Elders
    and their families are faced with very difficult and confusing decisions that must be made,
    often times with the sudden onset of an accident or illness.  And, as more and more
    families are spread out and living farther away from their relatives, over time these issues
    have become more and more complicated.

    Family members of an elder need to address many questions.....

      How long can they safely live alone?  
      What kind of home-based services are available?
      What can of help can we afford?  
      What can we expect insurance to cover?
      What residential options are available if needed?
      Does my elder need advance directives, such as a living will?
                                    
    ....and these questions are just the beginning of the numerous issues involved with
    eldercare.  Elders have physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, practical, social, and
    financial needs that must be met in order for them to enjoy a fulfilling quality of life. And
    attempting to address these needs for an aging relative can put tremendous stress on other
    family members and caregivers.

    In these situations, obtaining help from a professional with experience in eldercare can be
    very beneficial.  Oftentimes seeking assistance from a qualified social worker or case
    manager, as well as an eldercare lawyer, can help provide family members with guidance
    with essential decision-making.

    Another important fact that all elders and their families must realize is that having advance
    directives established is crucial.  While the decision to draft a living will or designate a
    health care representative can be overwhelming, elders without these directives in place
    prior to the onset of an illness have to face the reality that others will be making important
    decisions for them which may or may not be in accordance with their own true wishes.  In
    addition, family members often have conflict over what course of action should take place
    in a crisis, compounding further the ultimate stress of the situation. Families with aging
    relatives can benefit greatly from the guidance of an eldercare professional to help bring
    resolution to these difficult issues.

    Laura has recently joined Beth Tobin, MSW LSW in providing geriatric care management
    services through Elder's Journey.  Elder's Journey provides support to older adults and
    their families in creating and maintaining their desired lifestyle by providing choices and
    guidance for individual decision-making.  Elder's Journey achieves this mission by meeting
    with older adults and their family members, offering one-on-one consultation to discuss
    their unique physical, practical and emotional needs.  Elder's Journey coordinates in-home
    caregiving services, advocates for elders and their individual needs, and provides
    guidance and planning tools for future choices involving financial, legal, health care and
    housing decisions.  
       
        For a comprehensive geriatric care assessment, please contact Elder's Journey at
        812-334-2389.   Beth and Laura will be happy to assist you!