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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Help for caregivers
By Simone Gaunt and Carol Cizek, I & R Specialists
Below are calls Elder Services' Information and Referral (I&R) Department recently received about elder-related problems or issues.
Q. My wife has Alzheimer’s disease, and she can’t be left alone, even for a little while. She has always loved to cook, and if I go out for awhile, she starts cooking, and I am very afraid she will burn herself or cause a fire. It would be wonderful if someone could stay with my wife so that I can get out of the house to get my haircut and do a little shopping. We are not rich, but I have a good pension. I know that many programs have income guidelines, and I am willing to pay for the services, but cannot afford too hefty a fee.
A. Elder Services has a program called Respite that might help. The Respite program is unique, because it provides rest or relief for the caregiver. Respite services can take on many different forms are tailored to fit individual’s needs. Possible services include a companion, personal care, Meals on Wheels, homemaking, home health services, Adult Day Health, and Social Day Care services. Participants pay a percentage of the actual cost of services. Call Elder Services for an assessment of Respite services, 1-800-544-5242 or 413-499-0524.
Q. Recently the police called me! They found my mother wandering around our neighborhood. She did not recognize where she was and did not know how to get home. This was very scary. My mother is physically healthy and could walk a great distance, and worse, she might take my car keys and drive off. What can I do?
A. There is help. The Alzheimer’s Association operates the Safe Return Program, a national system of registration, identification, and support. For a one-time fee of $40, an individual with Alzheimer’s is registered in a national directory and receives iron-on clothing labels and wallet cards to identify him or her. The Safe Return Program operates a 24 hours a day. There is an 800 number to contact when an individual is lost or found. If a registrant is missing, Safe Return can fax the person’s information and photo to local law enforcement. If a registrant is found, a citizen or law official call the 800 number on the identification products to locate the family. For an additional fee of $5. the participant will receive an identification bracelet or necklace. For information, call 1-888-571-7766.
A different option is Wander Watch, a home monitoring system from the Organization for Enhanced Capability (800-733-4334). A base unit is installed in the home, and a waterproof anklet is worn by the memory-impaired individual. When the individual wanders beyond a predetermined “safety range,” an alarm is activated. If the alarm is not reset by the caregiver within a prescribed time, the central alarm station is notified and additional action is taken. The Wander Watch is rented on a monthly basis and the price varies according to the number of options desired.
There are other ways to help an elder who has the potential to wander. For more information, call Elder Services at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.