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The Long-Distance Caregiver
By Christopher J. Gearon, Contributing Editor, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report
July 14, 2009

Kathy Randall, LCSW, Certified Care Manager/Geriatric Care Manager

I can help you and your aging parents. I will:

• Help you plan before a crisis.
• Assist with difficult situations or crises.
• Provide peace of mind.
• Tap into a variety of community resources.
• Cut through red tape.
• Hire caregivers.
• Make a Dementia Care Plan and continue to  update it.

Age @ Home Elder Care Management helps by:

• Making long-range plans to prevent crises.
• Creating a financial plan to preserve our client’s resources as long as possible.
• Helping clients and their families feel strong enough to achieve their goals.
• Using an interdisciplinary approach that addresses all of the client and family needs as fully as possible.
• Finding and hiring the best caregivers and continuing to supervise them.
• Providing assistance in creating, implementing and monitoring a Plan of Care to ensure it continually meets the needs and desires of the client.
• Helping to choose the right retirement facility when remaining at home is no longer practical or appropriate. And continuing to monitor the client in the facility during the adjustment period and after to ensure the best quality of life possible.

Case Study

Mrs. M. is 79 and lives alone in her own home. Her adult daughter, Nora, who lives in San Francisco, is concerned about her mom, who is increasingly confused and forgetful. On Nora’s last visit to San Diego, she took her mother to the doctor, who suspected some form of dementia. He suggested a full work-up and recommended that Nora, who has a demanding career, work with Age @ Home geriatric care manager Kathy Randall to monitor Mrs. M. and her changing needs.  After the assessment, which included a cognitive evaluation, Kathy set up a neurological evaluation and accompanied Mrs. M. to the appointment. The neurologist diagnosed Alzheimer’s and started medications to slow the progression of the disease.  Kathy Randall recommended some caregiving services for cooking, light housekeeping and errands. She also asked Nora to make sure the advance health care directive, including a durable power of attorney, was up to date.  Mrs. M. remains safely at home with some support and social interaction. She attends a weekly early-stage Alzheimer’s support group. Daughter Nora reports her phone conversations with her mother are more upbeat. Mrs. M., with the help of her daughter  and care manager, Kathy Randall, is enjoying a safe and happy life in her own home.