You Shouldn’t Have to Do This Alone
Families will usually call when they are at their ends. That's when the frustration and tiredness kicks in. Most of the time they are feeling overwhelmed, confused, doubtful, wondering why are they doing so much by themselves.
By the time they reach out, families are debating, loved ones are at odds, decisions have to be made, mom or dad are not eating, falling, not taking their medication, families are getting late night or early morning phone calls from the hospitals, nursing homes or assisted living. It just becomes consuming.
Most families do not realize, you just can not do it alone.
Everyone needs support. You just can not be everywhere, at every moment. One thing I will always explain, if I had someone walk me through discussions with therapists or staff at these locations and understanding that my loved ones need to know they are valued by the people that are hired to care for them and be treated with dignity. Just because they have mental challenges does not mean, they are filling a spot in facility, to be left alone. I wish more people were given the reality of care at the very beginning and not just the commercial statements for 24 hour care, meals, recreational activities, hygiene care, doctor's visits, laundry, etc..
Allow me to walk with you. First, I meet with the families and 'listen' to their concerns, whether it is time management, they believe the care is not being provided as stated, they are looking for a location / home for their loved one, a person to visit during their 'real life schedules' (life does not stop for you or work) I provide a plan that works around your schedule.
This could be touring locations to find the right fit, Filing documents you do not think about, when a love one has challenges, creating a plan. I will provide those questions that do not come to mind when transitioning your loved one from one place to the next. I am the eyes and ears for families when they are overwhelmed and need someone to step in when their schedule does or does not permit. I will sit in meetings to listen and support families on information
overlooked or not asked. I will visit your loved one when you can not, to ensure they're cared for, properly fed, clean and unharmed. Those unannounced visits are important. They are essential, so staff do not become too relaxed.
By the end of this process, the families feel supported, they have an advocate, heard, comfort in knowing they are updated regularly, can rest in knowing someone has their and their loved one's best interest, and not have to worry about if their loved one is cared for properly. Most importantly, they do not have to do this alone. Families often tell me, I can feel the passion you have for elders due to your own personal experiences, it is needed and guided by never wanting someone to feel what my parents did. The biggest shifts I see are; families will not feel overwhelmed, their voices are heard, their loved ones matter.
But most of all....negligence is never okay.
Transitions are smoother when families are informed.
When there is structure, there is less stress.
