Now or Later: Assessments of Elderly Living Situations
When is it time for assistance?

Sometimes we are too close to a situation. It is overwhelmingly emotional, with many complicated factors, and we can’t figure out the best solution for ourselves or our loved one. In many instances, this is exactly what happens when an older adult, or couple, is living independently with no outside assistance. Do I or does my elderly loved one need more assistance than I’m admitting to myself?

Denial, emotional barriers and sometimes a lack of close family members often leave elderly adults living in unsafe situations. Elderly people tend to have reduced physical capabilities, which lead to increased dependence on others; however, every individual begins to need assistance at a different time in their life. This is due to a long list of variables including genetics, current home layout, proximity of family members and overall health.

Assistance does not necessarily mean ‘nursing home’ and comes in many forms. Oftentimes, older adults are scared of admitting that their health or mental capabilities are slipping. They don’t want to leave the home that they have lived in for 20, 30, or possibly 40 or more years. The good news—many times they don’t have to!

Involving a healthcare organization that specializes in geriatric care management is an effective way to get an unbiased assessment: What aspects of daily living do I really need help with?

An assessment is a simple on-site visit, completed by a care manager who reviews the current life care needs of the client and develops a plan of care with the client, the family and any other significant caregivers.

Oftentimes, elderly adults begin to need help in the areas of medication management, household tasks, financial management and transportation coordination—and many times that means that the individual can stay in-home, receiving care from a professional without stepping a foot outside the door, or moving to an assisted living facility.

In-home living assistance services can include:

• Companionship

• Housekeeping Tasks

• Errands and Shopping

• Meal Preparation

• Personal Care Services

• Medication Management

• Telemonitoring

• 24-hour Security Monitoring and Emergency Response

• Geriatric Care Management Services

• Transportation to and from Appointments

Just as with any other health-related issue, every situation is unique, but if you find yourself wondering, “Do I or does my elderly loved one need more assistance than I’m admitting to myself?” then it may be time to seek geriatric experts to guide you to your answer. With the right help, independent living can be achieved much longer.