Answer:  If you are a professional who helps families plan for or deal with ANY of their elder care matters, then you owe it to yourself to be listed on America's #1 online source for "Elder Care Experts"….

ElderCareMatters.com

ElderCareMatters.com is where you will find more than 2,000 competent, caring elder care experts located across America, including:

• Elder Law Attorneys
• Estate Planning Advisors
• Financial Planners
• Investment Advisors
• Geriatric Care Managers
• Insurance Professionals
• Life Care Planners
• Professional Organizers
• Reverse Mortgage Lenders
• Senior Move Managers
• Senior Real Estate Professionals
•  Tax Advisors
• Aging in Place Professionals
• Daily Money Managers
• And other elder care experts with long and successful careers working with seniors and their families

This is also where you will find some of America's best:

• Assisted Living Communities
• Alzheimer's / Memory Care Communities
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities
• Home Care Agencies

Together, we provide families across America with:

• Unparalleled professional expertise
• Up-to-date elder care information & answers to your elder care questions
• Competent, caring assistance with a wide range of elder care services

So if you are a competent, caring elder care professional who helps families with ANY of their elder care matters, then request today an Application for Membership in the national ElderCare Matters Alliance and get listed on ElderCareMatters.com - America's #1 source for "Elder Care Experts" plus information and answers about a wide range of elder care matters.

Phillip G. Sanders, MBA, MSHA, CPA
Founder & CEO
ElderCare Matters, LLC
ElderCareMatters.com

Answer:  It is my pleasure to provide you with the following list of the 87 different elder care services that are currently provided by the members of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance on ElderCareMatters.com:

1. Accounting Services
2. Adult Day Care
3. Advance Medical Directives
4. Aging in Place Services
5. Alzheimer's / Memory Care Communities
6. Annuities
7. Arbitration
8. Asset Protection Planning
9. Assisted Living Communities
10. Assisted Living Referral Services
11. Bankruptcy
12. Bill Paying
13. Budgeting
14. Caregiving Education
15. Companion Care
16. Conservatorship
17. Consumer Law
18. Continuing Care Retirement Communities
19. Cremation Services
20. Crisis Intervention
21. Daily Money Management
22. Dementia Care
23. Disability Income Insurance
24. Disability Planning
25. Elder Abuse Litigation Services
26. Elder Law
27. ElderCare Planning
28. Estate Administration
29. Estate Liquidation
30. Estate Planning
31. Family Law
32. Financial Planning
33. Funeral Services
34. Geriatric Care Management
35. Guardianship
36. Health Insurance
37. Hoarding Clean Up and Coaching Services
38. Home Care
39. Home Downsizing Services
40. Home Health Care
41. Home Modifications
42. Hospice Care
43. Independent Living Communities
44. Investment Services
45. Life Care Planning
46. Life Insurance
47. Litigation
48. Long Term Care Insurance
49. Long Term Care Planning
50. Medicaid Planning
51. Medical Services
52. Medical Alert Systems
53. Medical Claims Processing
54. Medical Equipment & Supplies
55. Medical Malpractice Litigation
56. Medicare Consulting
57. Medicare Supplemental Insurance
58. Medication Management Services
59. Moving Services
60. Nursing Homes
61. Personal Finance
62. Powers of Attorney
63. Probate
64. Professional Organizing
65. Public / Non-Profit Resources
66. Real Estate Services
67. Rehabilitation Services
68. Residential Psychiatric Care
69. Respite Care
70. Retirement Planning
71. Reverse Mortgages
72. Securities Arbitration & Litigation Services
73. Senior Housing
74. Senior Move Management
75. Senior Move Planning
76. Senior Relocation Services
77. Social Security Disability Services
78. Special Needs Planning
79. Tax Law
80. Tax Planning
81. Tax Preparation
82. Transportation Services
83. Trustee / Fiduciary Services
84. Trusts
85. VA Benefits
86. Wills
87. Wound Care

The goal of ElderCareMatters.com is to provide families across America with the help they need to plan for and deal with their elder care matters.  Let us know if there are other elder care services that you would like to have us list on ElderCareMatters.com – America's #1 source for Elder Care Experts plus information & answers about a wide range of elder care matters.

Phillip G. Sanders, MBA, MSHA, CPA
Founder & CEO, ElderCare Matters, LLC
ElderCareMatters.com
1-877-379-4500

Answer:  ElderCareMatters.com is an elder care resource to help families across America plan for and deal with their elder care matters.  With this goal in mind, we will continue to add more elder care-related services to ElderCareMatters.com in order to make this online elder care resource invaluable for families looking for help in planning for and/or dealing with their elder care matters.

Below are the 72 different elder care services currently listed on ElderCareMatters.com (with more services soon to be added): 

1. Adult Day Care
2. Advance Medical Directives
3. Aging in Place Services
4. Alzheimer's / Memory Care Communities
5. Annuities
6. Arbitration
7. Asset Protection Planning
8. Assisted Living Communities
9. Assisted Living Referral Services
10. Bankruptcy
11. Caregiving Education
12. Consumer Law
13. Continuing Care Retirement Communities
14. Crisis Intervention
15. Daily Money Management / Bill Paying
16. Dementia Care
17. Disability Income Insurance
18. Elder Abuse Litigation Services
19. Elder Law
20. ElderCare Planning / Long-Term Care Planning
21. Estate Administration
22. Estate Liquidation
23. Estate Planning
24. Financial Planning
25. Funeral Services
26. Geriatric Care Management
27. Guardianship / Conservatorship
28. Health Insurance
29. Hoarding Clean Up and Coaching Services
30. Home Care
31. Home Downsizing Services
32. Home Health Care
33. Home Modifications
34. Hospice Care
35. Independent Living Communities
36. Investment Services
37. Life Care Planning
38. Life Insurance
39. Litigation
40. Long-Term Care Insurance
41. Medicaid / Disability Planning
42. Medical / Healthcare
43. Medical Alert Systems
44. Medical Claims Processing
45. Medical Equipment & Supplies
46. Medicare Consulting
47. Medicare Supplemental Insurance
48. Medication Management Services
49. Moving / Relocation Services
50. Personal Finance / Accounting / Tax Preparation
51. Powers of Attorney
52. Probate
53. Professional Organizing
54. Public / Non-Profit Resources
55. Real Estate Services
56. Rehabilitation Services
57. Residential Psychiatric Care
58. Respite Care
59. Retirement Planning
60. Reverse Mortgages
61. Securities Arbitration & Litigation Services
62. Senior Move Management
63. Senior Move Planning
64. Social Security Disability Services
65. Special Needs Planning
66. Tax Law
67. Tax Planning
68. Transportation Services
69. Trustee / Fiduciary Services
70. Trusts
71. VA Benefits
72. Wills

If you need help with your family's elder care matters, you can count on ElderCareMatters.com to provide you with the experts, information & answers you need to plan for and deal with your elder care matters.

Phillip G. Sanders, MBA, MSHA, CPA
Founder & CEO of ElderCareMatters.com
1-877-379-4500

Answer:  Our commitment at ElderCare Matters is to provide families across America with elder care resources (Experts, Information & Answers) to help them plan for and deal with their elder care matters.  To this end, we have no set # of experts that we will showcase on ElderCareMatters.com but rather we are inviting ALL competent, caring elder care professionals across America to become a part of this phenonmenal elder care resource.

ElderCare Matters is where you will find 1,579 Elder Care Experts near YOU (and this # is growing daily) who have years of experience in helping families with elder care matters, including:

• Elder Law Attorneys
• Estate Planning Advisors
• Financial & Investment Advisors
• Geriatric Care Managers
• Insurance Professionals
• Reverse Mortgage Lenders
• Senior Move Managers
• Tax Advisors
• Daily Money Managers
• Other elder experts with long and successful careers working with seniors and their families

This is also where you will find some of America's best:

• Assisted Living Communities
• Alzheimer's / Memory Care Communities
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities
• Home Care Agencies

So if you help families plan for and/or deal with elder care matters and you are a competent, caring elder care professional, then you should be listed on ElderCareMatters.com – America's #1 source for Elder Care Experts plus information and answers about a wide range of elder care matters.

To request an Application for Membership to the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, send an email directly to: info@ElderCareMatters.com

Phillip G. Sanders, MBA, MSHA, CPA
Founder & CEO of ElderCare Matters
ElderCareMatters.com
1-877-379-4500

Answer:  Meeting the needs of your loved one from hundreds of miles away is no easy task. Increasingly, as the population ages, many families are finding themselves in similar situations. Professional geriatric care management specializes in the challenges associated with long distance care giving. This service is designed to ensure peace-of-mind when it is neither feasible nor realistic to be hands-on and act as a locally-based caregiver.  A professionally trained care manager specializes in caring for the aged, injured and disabled, and acts as a consultant and advocate for your loved one, ensuring the integrity of care you demand.  

For instance, at FirstLantic Healthcare, we conduct a thorough assessment of the client’s needs, evaluate his or her ability to function independently, review his or her physical, emotional, and social well-being, as well as financial viability and medical condition. We develop and discuss a plan of care, arrange for the appropriate services, and fully implement the plan, which can be as extensive or as minimal as the situation warrants. Services include:

-          Client advocacy

-          Comprehensive evaluations and assessments

-          Special needs trust and disability management

-          Crisis intervention

-          Supportive counseling

-          Medication management

-          Budget preparation

-          Attendance at appointments

-          Coordinating care and community services

-          Residential placement assistance

-          Guardianship monitoring and/or avoidance

-          Legal support through complementary documentations

Care managers are nurses or social workers, specialists that understand the intricacies of the healthcare system.  If and when you make the decision to hire a professional management company, be sure they deliver the right combination of service, professionalism and kindness. It makes all the difference in providing you a sense of security and alleviating the anxiety and concerns of taking care of your loved one in the best possible manner.

To find  competent, caring elder care professionals across America who are located near You and can help you with your elder care matters, go to: www.ElderCareMatters.com - A FREE online resource to find elder care experts plus elder care information & answers to your elder care questions.

Bart Delsing, Owner & Chief Operating Officer
FirstLantic Healthcare, Inc.
Delray Beach, Florida  33445
561-243-7979
Member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter 

Answer:  I just met with a son and his mother to review the change she has experienced with the ability to care for herself. It was a great meeting in that his mother expressed to me where her concerns were and the son expressed his concerns. Together we came up with a plan to help with meals, assistance with her bath, some brain fitness activities and a weekly jaunt to the local pool! She wants to stay at home as long as possible and needs more support to stay safe. 

What you are experiencing with your mother is at the heart of what Professional Geriatric Care Managers do. We evaluate the status of the elder, listen to their needs and coordinate a plan of care for them with the support and understanding of the family. 

A good first step would be to call a Geriatric Care Manager for an initial evaluation of your mother ideally with her support and approval.

To locate competent geriatric care managers who are located near YOU and can help you with these types of elder care matters, go to: www.ElderCareMatters.com - A FREE online source to find elder care experts plus information & answers about a wide range of elder care matters.

Amy Cameron O'Rourke, MPH, CMC
The Cameron Group
Orlando, Florida  32803
1-888-896-2010
Member of the ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter

Answer:  We educate, evaluate, navigate, advocate–

We are very good at preventing complicated crisis that can create an unnecessary decline in function for the elder. So many older adults want to stay in their home and with various levels of support this is achievable. In fact, many older adults do well with “Assisted Living at Home”-which is what the Care Manager creates with the family and the elder as part of the team. 

If the finances do not allow the elder to remain at home with health care, the Care Manager can help select a community for the elder and teach the family how to secure the best and most appropriate services within the facility. We can also file for appropriate benefits that will assist in paying for that care. 

We teach families how to “navigate” the health care system—It is widely believed that the health care system is fragmented-hospital care, nursing home care, assisted living care, home care—so many systems to understand and effectively navigate. We help select facilities and then help the family work within the system for the benefit of their loved one. An important component is what services are covered by Medicare and what services become the responsibility of the parent. 

Some families can’t agree on what to do for their parent. Care Managers provide an objective view and help the families come to an agreement on a plan of care. 

Some families simply don’t know what to do and need advice, guidance and direction throughout this stage of their parent’s life. 

It’s hard to put this into words, but there is frequently a level of anxiety that is present in a child with an aging parent. There are so many unknowns, and uncertainty in helping the parent.  We are able to help lower anxiety by providing helpful information and resources that make this a meaningful time for both the child and the parent. 

There is more—Let me list other services Care Managers offer: 

• Accompany on Dr. appointments providing the physician a written summary of the status of the elder;
• Help ensure compliance with Drs. Orders (Changes in medication, labs needed etc.);
• Communicate with family members after a Drs. Appointment;
• Make appropriate Drs. Appointments-streamline appts for the elder;
• Securing services at home when requested or desired-physician care, lab, x-ray, podiatry-;
• Prevent hospitalizations-frequent hospitalizations can often be caused by poor nutrition, hydration, non compliance with medications, falls—all preventable situations;
• Communicate with families at a distance as to how things are going with parent;
• Conduct family meetings via conference calls;
• Twenty four hour emergency support-if something happens to a parent, we meet at the hospital and advocate for the elder in the hospital;
• If a move to a facility is needed-can help select a facility appropriate to the elders’ budget, location and personality;
• Help the elder stay at home and stay independent as long as possible with the coordination and supervision of companion or home health aide staff;
• Secure benefits to pay for care;
• Understanding Medicare, Medicare HMO’s, Medicare D, Long Term Care Insurance, and discovering other little known benefits that help pay for care. 

I hope this isn’t overwhelming, but I believe we provide such a valuable supportive service to the elder and their families it is difficult to stop with one line or two.

Hourly fees range from $85.00 – $250. per hour depending on the area of the country. Assessment fees range from $450.00-$1,200.

Amy Cameron O'Rourke, MPH, CMC
The Cameron Group
Orlando, Florida  32803
1-888-896-2010
Member of the ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter

Answer:  How fortunate for your friend that she had you to provide care for her when she needed it. I have seen many situations like this and I find them so sad. I am not an attorney, so please know that my advice to you comes from experience only and not a license to help with legal issues. My general advice to you is to seek an attorney who would be willing to communicate with the family for you. I work with attorneys certified in elder law and would start there. If this is the wrong area of law, these attorneys can point you in the right direction. 

If there was anything in writing from her to you, this would help your cause. If there were any witnesses to your conversations or to your working relationships, this would also help you. If she is aware and alert, you might consider having another conversation with her. If she has any friends that knew the two of you maybe one of them would advocate for you. 

I hope this helps, good luck and many blessings to you for reaching out to help an elder.

Amy Cameron O'Rourke, MPH, CMC
The Cameron Group
Orlando, Florida  32803
1-888-896-2010
Member of the ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter

Answer:  No, the ability to stay in Assisted Living in Florida has not been abolished. If an elder wants to die in their home (Assisted Living is classified as home) they have the right to stay in Assisted Living. As her need for care increases (i.e. she becomes dependent or “bed bound”) she can remain in Assisted Living; however, she must pay privately for the extra care she needs. 

Assisted Living facilities are licensed to provide assistance with care. When an elder needs total care Assisted Living facilities are required to discharge the elder to a more appropriate setting, usually a nursing home; the only exception to this rule is when the elder is on hospice. When an elder is on hospice and needs total care they are allowed to stay in the facility but must pay extra for the care needed. Assisted Living facilities are not licensed or staffed to provide total care.

I hope this answers your question!

Amy Cameron O'Rourke, MPH, CMC
The Cameron Group
Orlando, Florida  32803
1-888-896-2010
Member of the ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter

Answer:  Keeping an elder out of the hospital while dealing with their multiple pathologies and can be challenging. Elders are frequently admitted to the hospital for the following preventable reason:  falls, undiagnosed infection, dehydration, and non-compliance with medicine. 

Once an elder is hospitalized, a rapid decline in health can occur. The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is so true in the too-often occurring syndrome of frequent hospitalization and rehabilitation stays for an elder. With careful monitoring of fluid and food intake, daily exercise and a closely supervised medication regime, hospitalizations can be prevented. 

These interventions can be implemented daily or every other day, depending on the elder’s need, by family members, professional staff, or a combination of both.  Adult children of an elder might say “My Mom or Dad won’t accept help.”  This is a natural response for a frail elder faced with losing some independence. We would advise bringing in an objective third party (professional care manager) to assist in these discussions and the implementation of care to achieve the desired outcome which, for most elders, is to stay at home and out of the hospital for their remaining days.

To locate competent geriatric care managers who are located near YOU and can help you with these types of elder care matters, go to: www.ElderCareMatters.com - A FREE online source to find elder care experts plus information & answers about a wide range of elder care matters.

Amy Cameron O'Rourke, MPH, CMC
The Cameron Group
Orlando, Florida  32803
1-888-896-2010
Member of the ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter

Answer:  Your family is in a very difficult situation and it appears that you have been unable to find anyone who can help you locate a suitable home for  your step-father.

If you are not able to get help from a state agency as to where he might be cared for, one other thing you can try is to to locate a geriatric care manager in your state who has a specialty in psychiatric  assessments. This person should be able to give you more specific information on the housing options that are available for your step-father.

To locate some outstanding geriatric care managers in your state who may be able to help you with this elder care matter, go to: www.ElderCareMatters.com/statechapters.htm

Dagmar M. Pollex, Attorney at Law
The Law Offices of Dagmar M. Pollex, P.C.
Braintree, Massachusetts  02184
781-535-6490

Member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, Massachusetts chapter

Answer:  There are a number of different solutions, depending on her medication routine, what is causing the difficulties, etc.  When we do a geriatric care assessment, this is often one of the areas explored and it is not unusual to find problems, which as you well know can be very adverse.  We tailor recommendations to the solutions that fit for the individual.

A couple of resources I can share that might work.  First, you’re probably aware of simple pill boxes, where medications are laid out as to when to be taken.  A family member or a R.N. from a home care company can do this.  If your Mom can handle taking the medications from the pillboxes correctly, this can work.  Some clients need additional reminders, and maybe it is feasible for someone in the family to call and help with this.  Some pharmacies and services also package pills in easy-to-use dosages (one of our local pharmacies delivers them right to the client, packed in easy to tear off packets with all the pills for a specified time).

For other clients, especially with cognitive deficits, a more extensive solution may be needed.  There are some wonderful technologies, such as electronic pill dispensers that are pre-loaded and dispense the meds. at the scheduled time.  They typically sound a reminder and have different settings to help avoid missed dosages turning in to overdoses.  Additionally, some of the emergency response systems (fall buttons) have options for medication reminders.  Some clients may need more hands-on, personal assistance.  A home care aide trained in medication assistance can be there to serve as a personal reminder.  You may want to talk to a home care agency about your Mom’s specific needs and see if a reasonable plan can be worked out…with 10 prescriptions, timing may be tough so it may require some creativity or a combination of options.

I always like to go back to the basics too.  I would suggest bringing this up with your Mom’s doctor (or doctors?) and asking if there are any ways to streamline the medication routine.  When pills are prescribed over time (and sometimes by different specialists), the doctor doesn’t have a really good picture of how complex this can be, and obviously at this point there have been adverse effects which make this a priority.  Can any of the pills be eliminated?  Can some of them be taken at the same time, or a larger dosage be taken less frequently?  If a review hasn’t been done recently, it is probably a good idea anyway with such a large # of medications.  There are consultant pharmacists who specialize in medication reviews.

To locate experts in your state who can help you with this elder care matter, go to: www.ElderCareMatters.com/statechapters.htm

Shannon Martin, M.S.W., CMC
Aging Wisely, LLC
Clearwater, Florida  33756
727-447-5845

Member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter

Answer:  A geriatric care assessment is a useful tool for any family caring for an aging loved one (for an overview of components & the process you may wish to read http://www.agingwisely.com/the-positive-results-of-a-comprehensive-geriatric-assessment/). 

What outcomes can one expect from an eldercare assessment?

• A comprehensive picture of the situation and a solid understanding of current status, future needs and things to anticipate.
• A road map for moving forward, with very specific recommendations that can be carried out by family/responsible party, or with a care manager's assistance if desired.
• Cost projections, budgets and means of assistance with various recommendations and needs.
• Alternatives so that clients and their responsible parties can prioritize and direct the goals and future care planning.

How does a family or client benefit from a professional geriatric assessment?

• COST SAVINGS: expertise to help clients access services and benefits, find less costly options and avoid costly mistakes.
• TIME & STRESS SAVINGS: benefit from the professional’s knowledge of resources & systems, unique solutions to your concerns.
• IMPROVED FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS/CAREGIVING EXPERIENCE:  an objective picture helps families to come to agreement and makes caregiving easier.
• CONFIDENCE:  knowing they understand the options and can make the best choices armed with all the information.

The cost of an assessment will vary as care managers set their rates independently.  Prices vary by area of the country, expertise/experience and scope of services.  At Aging Wisely, for example, we offer clients a flat rate, comprehensive assessment which covers diverse areas and provides a complete set of recommendations.  At times, we do an even more in depth assessment for legal cases which involved extensive research and confirmation of information from various parties.  However, we also offer families the opportunity to do a more limited assessment of a particular area if that is appropriate to their situation. 

A brief, introductory type of assessment may be offered for a rate of $200-300 whereas a more comprehensive assessment may include many hours of work and can be a great value at $500 or more.

To locate experts in your state who can help you with this elder care matter, go to: www.ElderCareMatters.com/statechapters.htm

Shannon Martin, M.S.W., CMC
Aging Wisely, LLC
Clearwater, Florida  33756
727-447-5845

Member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter

Answer:  Here is the definition of a geriatric care manager from the NAPGCM (National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers): “A professional Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) is a health and human services specialist who helps families who are caring for older relatives”.  Most importantly, a geriatric care manager provides the expertise to help you and your family more smoothly navigate the path of eldercare.  An experienced care manager can assess the situation, provide recommendations that save you a lot of time, money and potential headaches and anticipate potential issues and concerns. 

The services of a geriatric care manager are especially important for families at a distance, as you mention in your case.  You can hire the care manager to be your “eyes and ears” locally and your loved one’s advocate, which provides great peace of mind.  Having someone with professional training means he or she can spot issues that, for example, a neighbor or friend may not be equipped to do.  The care manager understands local services and resources and can often identify solutions to issues which may have your family bogged down trying to solve.  Typically care managers are on call 24/7 for clients and can be there to manage a hospitalization or other urgent situations and communicate to you.

It sounds as if this could be very beneficial for your family.  You can start right here on www.ElderCareMatters.com looking up professional care managers in her local area and having a conversation with them about their backgrounds, how they would approach your situation, etc.  A consultation or assessment would be a good start to get some recommendations and consider if and how ongoing services might be worthwhile for your Mom’s continued wellbeing and your peace of mind.

Shannon Martin, M.S.W., CMC
Aging Wisely, LLC
Clearwater, Florida  33756
727-447-5845

Member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter

Answer:  This is one of the more common challenges families face as loved ones age, because the car and driving symbolize independence to most people.  The best advice is to start these conversations early, when possible.  For example, discuss and make plans when a loved one gets a diagnosis of a chronic condition that may impact driving, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, M.S. and conditions of visual or mobility impairment.  It may help to talk about what others have done and explore some transportation options together.

In having a conversation with your loved one, consider your approach.  Who might your loved one listen to about this issue?  You may wish to discuss an approach with your siblings and work together.  Sometimes this is best done during a transition or when something has changed, such as after a hospital stay or surgery.  Think of these as “windows of opportunity”.  A couple of good reference books about family discussions and approaching issues between the generations are: How to Say it to Seniors by David Solie and Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders by Mary Pipher.

You may wish to talk to your loved one’s doctor about your concerns.  If you serve as your loved one’s healthcare surrogate or have been given HIPPA permission for sharing information, you can likely at least provide your observations to help ensure the doctor is aware.  Physicians will vary in their approach and involvement.

Some communities have professional driver evaluation services available.  These may be found through local hospitals, the VA, Memory Clinics or public aging services.  A driver evaluation can be particularly useful because it is a measurable test done by a neutral party.  Evaluators may recommend modifications which will allow the person to continue driving safely.

If you reach an impasse with a loved one and have serious concerns (which most likely means there are legitimate things you have observed to cause concern), check your state’s provisions for reporting an unsafe driver.  Many states have anonymous reports that initiate a review process.  Contact the state DMV for more information. 

In some cases, your loved one may continue to drive even if legal driving privileges have been revoked.  This can be especially challenging, though local law enforcement may be able to help.  It may be necessary to remove the car, especially for someone with dementia who may forget that driving privileges have been removed.  

If a loved one is going to give up driving, it is essential to set up services so that he/she can still be involved in activities and not feel stranded at home.  Staying as active as possible helps an elder’s physical and mental health and feeling dependent on neighbors and family can be detrimental to well-being.  The services available in each community vary, but you can start with your local Area Agency on Aging or Department of Aging. 

Most communities have some senior transportation services and for most individuals, a combination of friends and family helping along with services such as free and low cost public options, taxis and hired drivers can provide for the range of transportation needs.  Keep in mind when looking at paid services that, according to the Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, car ownership costs are the second largest household expense in the U.S.  Owning and operating a car costs an average of $8,000/year or about $600/month.  Help make sure your loved one is comfortable with the services and make it easy for them to use them.  For example, post the phone #s and explain any rules or limitations or help with set-up and paperwork.

A geriatric care manager can help your family through this process.  From facilitating conversations to assessing the individual’s abilities, needs and options to setting up services, a care manager will have experience and resources in this area.  An elder law attorney is another valuable resource, from planning ahead so your loved one has decision making provisions in place to initiating a guardianship process or exploring legal options when needed.

To locate experts in your state who can help you with this elder care matter, go to: www.ElderCareMatters.com/statechapters.htm

Shannon Martin, M.S.W., CMC
Aging Wisely, LLC
Clearwater, Florida  33756
727-447-5845

Member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter

Answer:  If you are an elder care professional and you would like to "get the word out to thousands of families across America in a cost effective way about how you can help them plan for and deal with their issues of aging", then you should join our 1,250 elder care experts as a lifetime member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance.  And, now, if you are one of the next 250 members, you will receive a 25% discount off the regular lifetime membership price.

This 25% discount is available only to the next 250 elder care professionals who join the national ElderCare Matters Alliance.

So if you are a competent, caring elder care professional – take advantage of this special 25% discount offer and pay only $337.50 for a "lifetime membership" (and there are no annual membership dues, ever!) to the national ElderCare Matters Alliance.

To request an Application for Lifetime Membership, send an email directly to: psanders@eldercarematters.com

Phillip G. Sanders, MBA, MSHA, CPA
Founder & CEO
ElderCare Matters, LLC
1-877-379-4500
www.ElderCareMatters.com

If you are an elder care professional and you would like to "get the word out to thousands of families across America in a cost effective way about how you can help them plan for and deal with their issues of aging", then you should join our 1,250 elder care experts as a lifetime member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance.  And, now, if you are one of the next 250 members, you will receive a 25% discount off the regular lifetime membership price.

This 25% discount is available only to the next 250 elder care professionals who join the national ElderCare Matters Alliance.

So if you are a competent, caring elder care professional – take advantage of this special 25% discount offer and pay only $337.50 for a "lifetime membership" (and there are no annual membership dues, ever!) to the national ElderCare Matters Alliance.

To request an Application for Lifetime Membership, send an email directly to: psanders@eldercarematters.com

Phillip G. Sanders, MBA, MSHA, CPA
Founder & CEO
ElderCare Matters, LLC
1-877-379-4500
www.ElderCareMatters.com

Answer:  At the time of diagnosis and in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, counseling or coaching can help both the patient and the caregiver in a number of ways, including:

•  Helping to understand dementia
• Helping to understand how Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed and treated
• Help to educate the patient, family and caregivers about the types of behaviors commonly seen in dementia and what to expect
• Learn new ways to respond to behaviors
• Help to find balance in your life and take care of yourself and the person you love
• Offer ways in which to reduce stress and improve coping skills
• Begin to help you plan for future needs
• Provide ongoing support and guidance
• and provide informational and supportive coaching

Elayne Forgie, M.S., CMC
ElderCare at Home
Lake Worth, Florida  33461
1-800-209-4342
Member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, Florida chapter

Answer:  The experts of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance.

ElderCareMatters.com is now offering a NEW Ask an Elder Care Expert service.

Each week one of our 1,200 experts will answer your family's important questions about elder care matters – from legal, financial, housing, health care, etc.

If you would like to ask one of our Elder Care Experts a question about his/her areas of expertise, just send a short email (a few sentences only please) to:  Questions@ElderCareMatters.com

Every day we will post one of your questions along with an answer provided by our Featured Elder Care Expert of the Week to the homepage of www.ElderCareMatters.com (which is currently visited by thousands of families each week).  Yours may be one of the questions posted.

So bookmark www.ElderCareMatters.com and visit us daily as questions about a wide range of elder care matters are answered by some of America's top elder care professionals with years of experience helping families plan for and deal with their issues of aging.

Phillip G. Sanders, MBA, MSHA, CPA
Founder & CEO
ElderCare Matters
1-877-379-4500
www.ElderCareMatters.com

The ElderCare Matters Alliance is a national organization of 1,200 elder care experts who help families across America plan for and deal with their issues of aging, including providing families with a host of elder care resources that can be found on www.ElderCareMatters.com

If you are a competent, caring elder care professional – you need to belong to the national ElderCare Matters Alliance.

To request a Lifetime Membership Application to the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, send an email to psanders@ElderCareMatters.com

www.ElderCareMatters.com – America's online source for elder care experts who help families plan for and deal with their issues of aging.

Phillip G. Sanders, MBA, MSHA, CPA
Founder & CEO
ElderCare Matters
www.ElderCareMatters.com

Answer:  Infrequent medical care visits are often due to physical or mental impairment that reduces the elder's ability to recognize health issues and seek treatment in a timely way. Sometimes, unable to drive any longer, it is difficult to get to the doctor. Once there, they are likely to give incomplete or wrong information. They might fear seeking help because they do not want to be a burden or worry that their privacy or independence will be taken away. In preparation for their doctor's visit, the RN Care Manager can make a priority list for discussion. Problems such as joint pain, incontinence, confusion and weakness should not be passed off as simply symptoms of aging. A home care giver can accompany the elder to the doctor, keeping his visit to the doctor on track. With the care giver's help, critical instructions about treatment can be written down and followed at home.

Mary E. Peters, MS, CMC, RG
Care For Life, Inc.
Charleston, South Carolina  29455
843-852-9090
Member of the national ElderCare Matters Alliance, South Carolina chapter

Answer:  Caregiving for a loved one can be a very overwhelming and taxing job.  I commend your efforts and think to myself how lucky your mother is to have you and your granddaughter.

My first recommendation would be to report your mother's current living situation to the Department of Children and Families (or Adult Protective Services) and to follow up with them until you receive their final determination. 

I also recommend that you consult with your mother's primary care doctor and stress your concerns.  Determining what is going on medically with her first will help in determining in which direction you need to go.  You can also request that the physician refer your mother to a neurologist or psychiatrist for a comprehensive memory evaluation.  From there you can choose the next direction.

If your mother does not have a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) document already in place, then you may need to get the help of an attorney to perhaps apply for a guardian to be appointed over your mother and her day to day affairs.

Finally, there are professionals that are available in the community who can provide additional resources and support such as Geriatric Care Managers, social workers, support groups, and your local Area Agency on Aging.  I would suggest that you reach out to these local resources in order to get continued support and education in aging related matters.

Genevieve Griffin Faulk,  MSW, LCSW, CMC, C-ASWCM, CSA
Bayshore Geriatric Solutions, Inc.
Tampa, Florida  33619
Hillsborough Office: 813-246-4120  Pinellas Office: 727-586-0044
 

Answer:  I think it is important to address the issue with her, and hopefully therefore avoid a crisis or worsening of the situation.  The specific approach very much depends on the personalities involved.  I think in all cases approaching it from a concerned and loving perspective, with thankfulness for all she does as a caregiver, and an offer that you wish to help.  An example of a statement that might be appropriate would be “Mom, you are doing such a great job caring for Dad.  However, because you’re doing such a great job, we don’t want to be neglectful in helping either and want to make sure we’re doing what we can to support you and Dad.  We thought it would be helpful to sit down and talk about how things are going, anything we might do for you and plan a bit for the future.”

 Ask what her goals, fears, needs and concerns are.  Address some specific concerns you have.  You may have a lot of ideas and know some serious help is needed, but don’t bombard her with ideas/overwhelm her.  Plan a time and setting (and participants) to talk that will be least threatening (and perhaps plan for a loved one to take Dad on an outing or spend time with him while you have the initial conversation with her).  Reassure her that the control remains in her hands, and by perhaps getting a little bit of help, it will offer them the most/best choices.  For example, the idea of a nursing home may be very frightening to her, but perhaps someone coming in to help one day/week to start would be helpful.  You can offer to do leg work for her, but she can make the choices.  For example, if she agrees to getting a caregiver in to help—she can interview the caregivers (confirm this with any agency you contact, they should be able to make arrangement to let you meet potential caregivers—or help match based on criteria you set forth such as experience with dementia, strong housekeeping skills/cooking).  If she is open to looking at facility options or adult day care, for example, arrange tours so she can review.  She may have unfounded fears about some of these things, which you can help allay by sharing the realities.

If you feel you are going to “hit a brick wall”, you may also consider whether an outside party can help you in the discussions.  Who this is depends on her—who’s opinion would she listen to and respect?  The family doctor, clergy, a nurse that has been involved, someone within the family?  Another option is for your family to consult with a geriatric care manager.  He/she can help you strategize, but also explain what the possible options are and be available to answer any questions or concerns anyone has.  Geriatric care managers deal with a lot of reluctant clients and families and have the professional skills to counsel families through these issues.

I would also highly recommend the book, How to Say it to Seniors by David Solie.  It is a great resource and gives some specific examples and approaches to different situations with aging parents.

Shannon Martin, M.S.W., CMC
Aging Wisely, LLC
Clearwater, Florida
727-447-5845

Answer:  Daily Money Managers involve themselves in the tedious job of bill paying for their clients.  This may include paying what ever bills are due, making bank deposits, organizing any and all tax information and preparing it for the accountant, negotiating with creditors as needed, making referrals to lawyers, etc. as is necessary.  They are available to assist the elderly as well as the baby boomers.

Geriatric Care Managers provide assistance to patients/clients and their family members, caring for their physical health needs, mental health needs as arises, assisting with medical visits, explaining anything that was not completely understood by the client/patient as related by a doctor.  Assistance is also given to locate  housing, if necessary, to assist with financial problems or to locate a qualified professional who will take care of financial matters.  Generally what ever the need of the requesting family and or members, the G C M will take care of or provide information to fulfill that need.

www.ElderCareMatters.com includes both of these professional services on its website – a site that receives about 15,000 -20,000 visits per month and helps families across America plan for and deal with their issues of aging.

Barbara Faust, RN, BSN, MHA, GCM
Angels in the Outfields, LLC
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
570-982-1138

Answer:  Sometimes it is difficult to manage an assisted living facility from out of state.  You are not there to make sure they do what they say, and, many times, complaints by phone do not have the same effect as you standing there in person.  What you need to do is either move your aunt to another facility or find a local advocate to be your clone on the ground.  In my practice, we refer families to Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs).  These professionals are licensed nurses or social workers who can become involved in a situation and advocate strongly for a loved one.  They can cost between $100 to $150 per hour, but are worth every penny, especially in circumstances similar to yours.  You can find local geriatric care managers from a local elder law attorney or from elder care resources, such as www.ElderCareMatters.com.

Ben A. Neiburger, JD, CPA
NEIBURGER LAW, LTD.
Elmhurst, Illinois  60126-1438
630-782-1766