Presented by Elaine Poker-Yount Visiting Angels East Valley
WHY I AM HERE TODAY.
Top 10 List
La la la. I m not listening I don t want to.. Role adjustment? Role reversal?
Recognition Anticipation Homework Solutions - Action
Recognition of the Problem Do YOU recognize it? Does your loved one recognize it?
Signs you need some extra help Age Simple physical or mental decline in health Post surgery or procedure Some of desired functions not getting done Some basic functions not getting done Too many doctor appointments Activities / Social events missed not by choice Increased in alertness when you are around Time spent is becoming a chore
ANTICIPATION UN-anticipated things to consider
Powers of Attorney Financial Power of Attorney Help with financial matters, close accounts, change address, changing a phone line Durable Medical Power of Attorney An agent should you become incapacitated in your lifetime, or unable to make decisions for yourself at some point Mental Health Power of Attorney Allows you to be able to place loved one in a behavioral health facility without petitioning the court for emergency guardianship
Advanced Directives: The Blanket Policy What kind of care would you like if you are no longer able to make medical decisions yourself? YOU get to decide. Living Wills What exact kind of medical treatments or sustaining care you would like if you are seriously/terminally ill End of life care ***DOES NOT ALLOW SOMEONE TO MAKE DECISIONS FOR YOU. Durable Medical Power of Attorney This specifies WHO would make decisions for you if you are incapable of making them yourself Mental Health Power of Attorney ***DOES ALLOW SOMEONE TO MAKE DECISIONS FOR YOU.
DNR do not resuscitate Yet one more type of Advance Directive Allows an individual to declare they do not want artificial means of life support utilized if they stop breathing, or their heart stops. MUST be printed on an orange sheet of paper. Typically posted on the refrigerator. Doctors should have it and anyone close. MOST OFTEN USED IF have life-threatening circumstance / chronic condition Bureau of Emergency Medical Services 602-364-3150
TALKING ABOUT THE UNCOMFORTABLE STUFF Getting it out in the open HAVE A CONVERSATION!
The Ground Rules SET THE TONE. Have What works for you? What works for them? What is needed? What is desired? CONVERSATION!!!! Recognize and expect contributions BUT BE REASONABLE Is it attainable / affordable? DRIVING * BRINGING HELP INTO THE HOME WHEN YOU ARE NO LONGER THE BEST OPTION * END OF LIFE WISHES
Hospice Definition concept of care specialized knowledge comfort and dignity team-oriented group controlling a patient's pain emotional, social and spiritual impact bereavement and counseling services
Did you know Hospice is a Medicare Benefit Hospice provided services: Medical equipment, personal care products Home health services such as bathing or disbursement of medicines Social workers Respite care in a Hospice facility
OUR DOCTOR VISITS What s important??? Health Buddy an ADVOCATE ü Another set of eyes and ears! ü To remember and write things down ü To advocate if necessary THE LIST HIPPA paperwork updates
The Life Changing Stuff.. Safe and Sound typically in order of least expensive to most expensive HOME MODIFICATIONS BRINGING SERVICES IN DOWNSIZING? - Communities (NOT facilities) offer Continuum of Care
What s the difference? Medical Home Care Follow-up to hospitalization, procedures, surgery Wound care Medication management Therapy physical or occupational MUST HAVE DOCTOR ORDER CAN BE COVERED BY INSURANCE Non-medical Home Care Companionship Take to appointments take notes Errands / Shopping Meal preparation Light Housekeeping ironing Laundry, change the sheets Bathing, feeding, personal care assistance PRIVATE PAY, AID & ATTENANCE or LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
Things to remember THIS IS EMOTIONAL FOR EVERYBODY
SOLUTIONS
PHOENIX ROCKS! SOLUTIONS Transportation Services Mobile Doctors Non-Medical Home Care Mobile Diagnostics Meals on Wheels Adult Day Care Placement Services Continuum of Care Communities Area Agency on Aging Respite Care Swallowing Specialists Geriatric Care Managers Memory Care Caregiving Coaching Incontinence Products Veteran s Benefits Mobile Hearing Aids Elder Law Attorneys Document Preparers Fiduciaries Naturopathic Doctors Sorting, Organizing, Moving Services Hospices Senior / Multi-Generational Centers
What to look for when bringing Safety/Security ANYONE into your home Insured / Bonded Trusted / Experienced Do your research Background checks Industry regulated AZNHA Stability References Gut reactions Experience AZNHA (Arizona NonMedical Homecare Association) Experience should be relative to the industry Appropriate training CPR, First Aid, Immunizations How long have they been doing it? CHANGE OPTIONS Dementia Care
Top 10 List 1. Role-Reversal 2. Knowing WHEN to engage help 3. Powers of Attorney 4. Advanced Directives 5. Have a conversation 6. Hospice 7. Advocacy (Health Buddy) 8. Home modifications 9. Understanding Home Health 10.Utilizing the Resources
Please call if you have questions or need some specific resource information. Our RESOURCE SOURCE PROGRAM is a free community service. 480-833-8247 elaine@visitingangelsaz.com