Success Stories
I Need Help!
| "Ok, I admit it, I can't keep up this pace. I need help caring for my elderly mother." |
Mrs. Raines was in her 80s and suffered from severe dementia. Her primary caregiver was her daughter, Rita, a senior citizen herself, who had the added responsibility of caring for her 18-month-old grandchild. Rita was visiting her mother, Mrs. Raines, two or three times every day. She tried to prepare meals, address her mom's personal care needs, and assure that medications were being taken as prescribed. The daughter was truly close to a nervous breakdown. Caring for her mother as well as her toddler grandchild was overwhelming her.
The Center's Care Management Staff determined that Mrs. Raines was eligible for Waiver services and things started changing. The Medicare Waiver Program is designed to assist the frail elderly and the disabled who want to remain at home, but may be having a difficult time obtaining the resources and services that would allow them to do so. The goal is to offer alternatives to nursing home care.
For Mrs. Raines, assistance came in the form of twice daily meals, in-home physician services, medical supplies and a visiting nurse to monitor medications and medical needs two days a week. In addition, a caregiver assistant was provided seven days a week who worked a split shift to cover both morning and evening needs. In addition, Rita continued to visit her mother each evening and helped Mrs. Raines prepare for bed.
The family worked closely with one of The Center's nurse and social worker teams to devise the best plan for the entire family. The improved quality of life is evident. At the next Care Management visit, Ms. Raines appeared more alert and oriented. Her medications were under control and her medical conditions were being appropriately addressed. The financial relief, as well as the reduced stress showed on the face of the daughter, who was all smiles and continues to express her many thanks for helping to make her life more manageable.
Ok, we admit it, we want you to call us when you need help! Everyone needs help sometimes and there may be a program that can help you too.
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