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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Elder Services offers a one-stop resource for caregivers
By Bea Cowlin, LSW
You are a concerned adult son or daughter with aging parents, and you’re not sure how to address your worries. You notice they are not eating well, and yet are not willing to accept assistance from you or anyone else. You delete some confusion and memory loss, and you might be concerned about their driving skills. Or, you are facing a crisis, where a sudden event has occurred resulting in a hospital admission, with a possible nursing home placement. What do you do? Who do you talk with? What happens now?
The reality for many individuals is that they already are, or will become caregivers for a spouse, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, or another family member. We know that the population is aging. According to a report, “65+ in the United States: 2005,” commissioned by The National Institute of Aging, people aged 65 and over will represent 20% of the total U.S. population in 2030 compared with 12% in 2003. The number of caregivers will rise in accordance with the aging population. By 2050, it is estimated that there will be 37 million caregivers, an increase of 85% from the year 2000.
If you are a caregiver or if you think you will be a caregiver in the future, now is the time to learn what is available in the way of assistance and information.
Your first stop is a call to Elder Services’ Information and Referral Department, which can connect you with information about resources and services throughout the county, across the state, or even nation-wide.
Familiarize yourself with the Medicare/Medigap/Medicaid insurances for elders. What are the eligibility guidelines? What are the benefits and what is not covered? Do you know the difference between Medicare A, B and D? Between Medigap core coverage and supplement 1? An Elder Services’ SHINE Counselor can help answer these questions.
What is the importance of a Health Care Proxy, Advanced Directives, a Power of Attorney, or a Durable Power of Attorney? Do you know the difference between them?
If your loved one is hospitalized, do you know how to ask questions and whom to ask? Make a list of questions and insist on seeing someone who can answer them. Ask for further explanation if you do not understand. Feel confident and empowered in your need to have some reasonable answers, but do not be demanding.
In an emergency, is there an updated list of the following: diagnoses (i.e., high blood pressure, diabetes etc.), medications, surgeries, doctors, allergies, emergency contacts, and dietary restrictions. Elder Services has a checkbook size Caregiver’s Organizer available that fits easily in a pocket or purse, and holds all of the above information and more.
Do you know the difference between assisted living facilities and nursing homes? Are you aware that most nursing facilities offer rehabilitation services where one can go to recuperate from surgery or an illness that required hospitalization for at least three days, and then return home? In many cases this nursing facility stay is paid for by Medicare and supplemental insurance for up to 100 days.
If nursing home placement is a possibility, visit and ask questions. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have a booklet entitled, “Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home,” which is available at Elder Services. You can also access information on nursing homes on our website www.esbci.org. Click on Ombudsman Programs to access information on every nursing home in Berkshire County.
Did you know that Elder Services of Berkshire County offers the following programs: Adult Family Care, Group Adult Foster Care, Personal Care Assistance Program (PCA), Supportive Housing, Home Care, Senior Aide Training and Employment Program, Respite, Meals on Wheels, Protective Services, Money Management, Elder Care Advisor, Private Care Management, and the Family Caregiver Support Program? You can learn more about these programs by visiting our website or by calling the Information and Referral department at 499-0524 or 800-544-5242.
Caregivers who are caring for someone over age 60 can contact Elder Services at the numbers above for caregiver information or for individual appointments.
Bea Cowlin is Elder Services Caregiver Liaison.