Over the last several years I have invested a considerable amount of time learning about the challenges facing families as their loved ones experience failing health or leave us. This blog entry provides a list of the resources I have discovered are available to these families. I am fascinated by the variety of choices to which families can turn and I am sure I have missed a few, if not many. The important lesson is – we are not alone in this journey.

RESOURCES – LIVING OPTIONS

Many residential options are available as a loved one ages, depending on his or her (a) desire to live independently, (b) physical limitations and cognitive capabilities, including –

• At home with or without assistance

• With a family member

• Independent Living Facility

• Personal Care Home

• Assisted Living Facility

• Skilled Nursing Facility

• Memory Care Facility

  RESOURCES – CARE OPTIONS

  Many options for daily activities or more comprehensive care are available for individuals who need additional assistance.

• Family Members

• Senior Centers

• Adult Day Care

• Home Care Services (including companionship)

• Home Health Care Services

• Hospice

  RESOURCES – MEDICAL

  Most specialties in medicine have subcategories for geriatric care. In addition, understanding the scheme of medical treatment can be daunting.

• Hospitalization

• Rehabilitation following hospitalization for illness or injury

• Skilled Nursing Facilities

• Role of Social Workers and Geriatric Care Managers

• Patient Advocates

• Medication Management Protocols

  RESOURCES – PROFESSIONALS

  Professionals serving the senior population abound.

• Attorneys, including

  • Elder Care

  • Estate Planning and Probate

  • Business

• Financial Planners

• Accountants

• Social Workers and Geriatric Care Managers

• Family Therapists

  RESOURCES – NON-PROFITS

  Many non-profits serve the senior care industry, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Aging In Place Council, Amy’s Place to name a few. In addition, virtually every disease and condition (such as American Cancer Society, American Heart Association et.al) is served by a non-profit – way too many to start listing in this brief writing.

  RESOURCES – OTHER

  Many other services are offered to families with issues involving caring for a senior person or following the passing of a loved one. Following is a sampling of such services:

• Daily Money Management

• Patient Advocates

• Down-sizing Specialists, Professional Organizers and Moving Companies

• Home Modification Contractors

• Durable Medical Supplies Providers

• Realtors

• Grief Counselors

• Caring for the Care-Taker Services

• State Ombudsman Office

• State Elder Care Abuse Office

  If your family is unsure what resources are available to assist with care for a loved one or resolve an estate dispute, contact Keystone Conflict Solutions LLC at rebecca@kcsmediation.com or (404) 314-7228 to learn if Mediation or Conflict Management Consulting can provide guidance.