| Geriatric Care Managers Lead Highly Skilled Teams |  |
| Geriatric Care Managers Lead Highly Skilled Teams | |
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Success Story: Two Sisters Re-United - Petronia and Julia |
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by Chris Kantrowitz, MSW, Sr. Care Manager, Ft. LaduderdaleSisters Petronia "Pat," 91, and Julia, 92, lived just blocks from each other, but rarely saw one another. Pat, a single lady with no children, lived simply in a one-bedroom apartment and rarely ventured out due to limited vision and an unsteady gait. Julia, already showing signs of memory loss and self-neglect, shared her two-bedroom home with a family friend and Catholic priest, Father V., who had long ago taken on the role of caregiver and decision maker. He, however, was now showing signs of impaired judgment and self-neglect. Julia’s son knew his mother was declining, but was tentative about how to discuss the need for an assessment with Father V. without offending or alienating him. Having the son present for the assessment paved the way for the work that lay ahead. Quickly, it became clear that both Julia and Father V. were at risk for further decline without some sort of home care support and care management advocacy. Finances were an issue, and the son had to limit our services despite the care plan recommendations. He believed in the SeniorBridge integrated model and appreciated the efforts the team made to work within his budget to offer the minimum amount of services. Father V. refused the home care services, insisting that he could take care of Julia on his own. The Care Managers advocated and intervened as needed and shared with the son our concerns and the small steps we were taking to care for his mom and give him peace of mind. A medical crisis propelled this family into a new level of care and intervention. Father V. was hospitalized and eventually placed in a skilled nursing facility outside Florida. The team instantly recognized that Julia could not live alone and recommended that the son contact his Aunt Pat to ask if Julia could move in with her on an emergency basis. Pat readily agreed and it was soon apparent that she, too, had unmet needs. After explaining these needs to Julia’s son, Pat became a SeniorBridge client as well. The overall change in the lives of these sisters has been remarkable. They are easy companions for each other, and are no longer lonely or isolated. The Care Managers helped the son accept and agree to a daily home care schedule that fits his budget and meets the needs of his mother and aunt. The Care Manager was instrumental in providing medical advocacy at medical appointments and through medication management. Pat and Julia take great delight in the daily arrival of their caregiver and enjoy the attention and socialization she provides. By building trust, credibility, and peace of mind with the son and respecting his financial constraints, the SeniorBridge team has improved the quality of life for these sisters who spent so many years living blocks apart. Now, they are truly united in home and heart. |
About SeniorBridge
Why put the care of your loved ones with SeniorBridge? Our company’s unique approach addresses the total well-being of clients and their families through a comprehensive program that includes assessment, planning, service coordination, advocacy, and direct care by an interdisciplinary team led by a geriatric care manager. Read More About Us |
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