By Noel White, Community Outreach Liaison
Living independently at home as we age requires careful planning, especially for those who may not have immediate family available to assist them.
If you find yourself in this situation—a solo ager—or if your family members are busy managing their daily activities, a Geriatric Life Care Manager (GLCM) can be an invaluable resource.
Today, we’ll discuss essential steps to make living at home safer and more practical and provide an overview of how The Option Group’s Geriatric Life Care Managers (GLCM) can help navigate longevity, utilizing their eight core areas of expertise.
Here are detailed steps to help you or your loved one live independently and securely:
Manage Your Health Carefully
To stay healthy and prevent accidents:
- Prevent falls by addressing in-home hazards: Remove loose rugs, secure electrical cords, install grab bars in the bathroom, and ensure proper lighting in all areas.
- Follow a personalized exercise program: Engage in activities approved by your healthcare provider that improve balance, strength, and flexibility.
- Take medications as prescribed and monitor for side effects: Keep a list of medications, use a pill organizer, and have regular reviews with your healthcare provider to manage any side effects.
- Attend doctor’s appointments regularly: Keep up with routine check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations to manage chronic conditions and catch potential health issues early.
- Adjust lifestyle to manage chronic conditions: Follow dietary recommendations, avoid smoking, limit alcohol intake, and get adequate rest to manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.
Make Your Home Safe
Identify and address safety hazards:
- Conduct a home safety assessment: Evaluate your home for potential hazards such as cluttered pathways, uneven floors, and areas with poor lighting.
- Make necessary safety improvements: Install non-slip mats, handrails, and motion-sensor lights; rearrange furniture to create clear walking paths.
- Consider hiring an Aging Life Care Professional: These professionals provide guidance and advice on modifications to make your home more accessible and safer.
Have a Post-Driving Transportation Plan
Plan for transportation alternatives when driving is no longer safe:
- Explore public transportation options: Learn about local bus and train routes, schedules, and any senior discounts available.
- Utilize companion services for rides to appointments: Look into ride-sharing services, senior transport services, and volunteer driver programs.
Utilize Services for Personal Care
If needed, enlist help for daily personal care activities:
- Hire personal care aides for assistance: Personal care aides can help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other daily activities, providing both safety and companionship.
Utilize Services for Daily Living
Get support for daily tasks:
- Seek help with meal preparation, housekeeping, and errands: Consider meal delivery services, housekeeping services, and grocery delivery to reduce the burden of daily chores.
- Connect with community resources for assistance: Local senior centers, faith-based organizations, and community programs often offer support services and volunteer help.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Stay prepared for medical and weather emergencies:
- Keep medical history and emergency contacts accessible: Maintain a file with medical records, a list of medications, and emergency contact information in an easily accessible location.
- Consider a personal emergency response system: Devices like medical alert systems allow you to call for help at the push of a button, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Have a Local Advocate
Ensure support during emergencies and decision-making:
- Identify a local advocate to assist in various situations: This could be a trusted neighbor, friend, or a professional Geriatric Life Care Manager who can check in regularly and assist with emergency situations.
Stay Connected to Joyful Activities
Engage in activities that bring happiness and fulfillment:
- Pursue hobbies, volunteer work, or social groups: Stay active and socially engaged by participating in activities you enjoy, such as gardening, painting, or joining a book club.
Make a “Plan B”
Prepare for alternative living arrangements if needed:
- Explore senior living communities or living closer to family: Research options for independent living, assisted living, or moving in with family members to ensure you have a backup plan if living at home becomes challenging.
Communicate Your Safety to Loved Ones
Assure family and friends of your well-being:
- Share your safety plan with loved ones: Keep your family informed about your plans, safety measures, and any changes in your health or living situation.
- Establish communication systems for regular check-ins: Set up regular phone calls, video chats, or visits to stay connected and provide updates on your well-being.
The Option Group’s 8 Core Areas of Expertise
The Option Group’s Aging Life Care Managers specialize in providing comprehensive support across eight core areas of expertise. These areas are crucial for ensuring holistic care and support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of aging and disability. Here’s how care managers address each core area:
- Health & Disability
- Assessment: Conducting thorough evaluations of health conditions and disabilities.
- Coordination: Coordinating medical appointments, treatments, and therapies.
- Education: Providing guidance on managing health conditions and disabilities effectively.
- Financial
- Budgeting: Developing and managing budgets for healthcare expenses and daily living.
- Benefit Management: Maximizing access to financial benefits and entitlements.
- Estate Planning: Collaborating with legal professionals to ensure financial plans align with future needs.
- Housing
- Assessment: Evaluating current living arrangements and recommending suitable housing options.
- Modifications: Facilitating home modifications for safety and accessibility.
- Transition Support: Assisting with transitions to different housing options as needed.
- Family
- Communication: Facilitating family discussions and decision-making processes.
- Support: Providing resources and guidance to family caregivers.
- Conflict Resolution: Mediating family conflicts related to care decisions.
- Local Resources
- Community Connections: Connecting clients to local support services and resources.
- Referrals: Providing recommendations for healthcare providers, home care agencies, and other services.
- Advocacy: Advocating for clients to access necessary community resources.
- Advocacy
- Rights Protection: Ensuring clients’ rights are protected in healthcare and legal matters.
- Voice: Advocating for clients’ preferences and wishes in care decisions.
- System Navigation: Guiding clients through complex healthcare and social service systems.
- Legal
- Documentation: Assisting with legal document preparation, such as advance directives and power of attorney.
- Consultation: Collaborating with elder law attorneys for legal advice and representation.
- Guardianship: Providing guidance on guardianship and conservatorship matters when necessary.
- Crisis Intervention
- Emergency Response: Providing immediate support and intervention during crises.
- Planning: Developing crisis management plans to mitigate risks and prepare for emergencies.
- Support: Offering emotional support and practical assistance during challenging situations.
For families and caregivers, The Option Group’s care managers empower them to make informed decisions, provide options during crises, and foster a supportive village concept.
Care managers from The Option Group bring expertise that ensure individuals and families receive comprehensive, personalized care and support. By addressing health, financial, housing, family dynamics, local resources, advocacy, legal matters, and crisis intervention, care managers help clients navigate the complexities of aging and disability with confidence and peace of mind.
Conclusion
By following these steps and utilizing the expertise of Geriatric Life Care Managers (GLCM), you can create a safe and comfortable environment at home, ensuring peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
If you or someone you care about needs additional support to help cope, The Option Group is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our professional care management team for assistance.
About The Option Group: Founded in 2010, The Option Group’s compassionate team of experienced Certified Life Care Managers and Educational Advocates provides services for families, their loved ones, medical professionals, and professional family advisors in Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The firm understands the challenges of caring for individuals who need assistance throughout their lifespan due to aging, dementia, disability, or serious illness. Our skilled providers possess over 100 years of combined experience navigating the healthcare maze and accessing hundreds of resources. The Option Group helps families spend quality time with their loved ones, providing clear choices that lead to better care. For more information, visit www.theoptiongroup.net or call 410-667-0266 (MD) or 717-287-9900 / 610-885-8899/ 215-896-6756 (PA) or 302-858-6449 (DE). For Minor & Young Adult Life Care Management or Educational Services, call Mary Jo Siebert at 410-967-0122 or 443-318-4244.