Elderly Care for Your Aging Loved One What To Do?
by Sharon J. Miles - New Mexico WOMAN

Are you stretched beyond your limits coping with work and a family? What happens when an elderly relative or friend becomes disabled or is simply frail and needs some special attention and care? What can you do? Where do you start? The good news is that there are many programs and community resources available to provide the care your loved one needs, whether it be in-home care, a residential care home, or an assisted-living retirement apartment. In-home care can make the difference between living comfortable, safely, and independently at home, or being prematurely institutionalized in a nursing home.

The programs offered to seniors and the disabled are extensive and provide services to support independent living whenever possible. Programs may be private-pay, government-funded, donation-supported, or reduced fee programs. There are three broad categories of in-home care from which to choose.

Homemakerscompanions provide non-medical assistance with the daily tasks of living such as dressing, grooming, walking and light exercise, taking medications, preparing meals, shopping, light housecleaning, laundry, transportation to doctors, errands and, most importantly, companionship.

Personal Care Attendants are medically trained and certified nurses aides for personal care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, aided transfers, and assistance with walking. They usually provide the homemaker/companion responsibilities also. Both of these services are available from private and nonprofit agencies. Fees range for $12-$18 an hour with three to four hour minimum.

The State of New Mexico offers three Medicaid-funded programs that provide homemaker/companion and personal care services to prevent premature placement in a nursing home and allow individuals to remain at home. There is no cost to the elder if he or she meets certain eligibility requirements, such as a level of personal needs and income. Registration for these programs can take up to two months and have waiting lists, but if your elder meets emergency criteria, he or she might obtain the services sooner.

The State of New Mexico offers three Medicaid-funded programs that provide homemaker/companion and personal care services to prevent premature placement in a nursing home and allow individuals to remain at home. There is no cost to the elder if he or she meets certain eligibility requirements, such as a level of personal needs and income. Registration for these programs can take up to two months and have waiting lists, but if your elder meets emergency criteria, he or she might obtain the services sooner.

A Comprehensive In-Home Needs Assessment Evaluates:

The elder's social skills, independence, and ability to prepare meals, manage medications, arrange for groceries and errands, manage money, keep house, and drive or arrange for transportation

Individual daily needs such as nutrition, personal grooming, bathing, mobility, and mental and medical health

Home safety and equipment needs

Financial ability to pay for various long-term care options

Any legal issues that may exist

Potential need for alternative living arrangements such as:

Assisted Living Retirement Communities (These typically provide apartment, dining, and varying levels of personal care services.) Residential Care Homes (These generally support eight to 10 residents, and offer 24-hour care and supervision.) Dementia and Alzheimer's specialty-care facilities Nursing Homes

GCMs also coordinate and monitor the elder's care on an ongoing basis, communicating regularly with the family and providing support and counseling as needed. This is especially important for a long-distance caregiver's peace of mind.