by Kay Bidwell | Jul 31, 2015 | Family Care
The face of caregiving in NE Wisconsin is undergoing some big changes this summer. The implementation of Family Care is moving case management and funding from the counties to Managed Care Organizations (MCO). This move has created a flurry of activity as adults currently being served through county waiver programs are interviewed through the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), select a MCO, and get re-assessed for specific services. Others are choosing IRIS – a self-directed program that essentially allows an individual to be his or her own case manager and care-worker employer. County Case Managers are finding new positions within the MCOs, ADRCs and IRIS. (How’s that for a little alphabet soup?) All the new acronyms are confusing enough, but the choices for the person needing care can seem somewhat overwhelming. It’s good to see so many of the county Case Managers landing jobs in the new system. Familiar faces will help to ease the transition for concerned clients. The first task of the counties, MCOs and IRIS is to transition existing clients to Family Care/IRIS. October 1, 2015 is the target date for having everyone interviewed, re-assessed and authorized for services. At that time, the county ADRCs will begin addressing the list of those waiting to receive services. The goal is to eliminate the waiting lists and get services to those in need in a more timely manner. Hopefully, the transition will go smoothly and clients will see little, if any, disruption to their services. While some people may see an increase in services provided and others a decrease, there will be an effort to be sure...
by Kay Bidwell | Apr 3, 2015 | aging safely
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, each year over two million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries; one in every three individuals age 65 or older falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, resulting in everything from bruises, cuts & sprains to head injuries and even death. Most fractures are the result of a fall. Even if the fall does not result in physical injury, it may leave the individual with a fear of falling, which may cause him or her to restrict activity level. Less activity means a gradual weakening of muscle and bone, creating a loss of physical fitness, which is more likely to result in falling and injury. The good news is that there are several things you can do to prevent falls and limit the likelihood of injury in case you do fall. 1. The number one item is exercise. Physical activity can go a long way toward fall prevention. And with stronger bone & muscle, a potential fall is likely to cause less damage. With your doctor’s OK, consider activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi — a gentle exercise that involves slow, graceful movements. These activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility 2. Wear sensible shoes with non-skid soles and avoid walking around in your stocking feet. High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall. 3. Some medications—or combinations of medicines—can have side effects that cause dizziness or drowsiness which may make falling more likely. Be sure...
by Kay Bidwell | Jan 13, 2015 | Caregiving
The kids see the need; friends and neighbors see the need, but dad isn’t seeing it at all. Mom has Alzheimer’s disease and Dad is running himself ragged to care for her. The out-of-town family members urge him to get help, but he refuses assistance, wanting to honor his vow to be with her “in sickness and health”. Dad’s health is rapidly declining and Mom is struggling to do all the household chores while meeting his increased needs. The daughters see the strain on Mom, and Mom is receptive to help. But even though Mom’s health is starting to suffer, Dad remains oblivious. He believes that because his wife has always coped, she always will. A son moves back home to care for an aging parent and tries to provide 24/7 care on his own, because “Mom did that for me when I was a child.” His friends have fallen away leaving him isolated, lonely & depressed. Sleep deprivation, irregular eating habits, lack of regular exercise, loss of social contacts and constant worry all take their toll. Statistics show that around 30% of caregivers will die before the person for whom they are caring. Caregivers exhaust themselves, neglecting their own health and well-being. While easier said than done, those witnessing the caregiver burn out need to make a case for respite care. The caregiver needs an advocate to step in and support giving the caregiver a break. That break can come from other family members or friends, or from a hired caregiver. Respite can quite literally be a life saver. Having personal time every day would be ideal, but...
by Kay Bidwell | Jan 3, 2015 | Caregiving
“But will they be kind?” This question was posed by a very independent elderly woman who was new to being cared for. A recent health incident left her unable to shower without assistance. A normally fastidious individual, she was yearning for a real shower – not a sponge bath. And it was important to her that her caregiver be kind. It is difficult enough to bring a complete stranger into one’s home. Harder still to have that stranger assist with the most personal of tasks. Accepting all of this would be so much easier if the caregiver could be a kind person. Her request was hardly frivolous. In truth, those who become caregivers do not enter this field for the great salaries and benefits or for public accolades. Simply put, good caregivers care. Caregivers often become the link to the community for those who are elderly or have disabilities. They communicate with family members or case managers to report any changes that may signal a need for different kinds of assistance. In-home caregivers often run errands or provide transportation for seniors who are no longer driving. Caregivers are strong advocates for their clients, helping to locate the necessary resources to keep individuals as independent as possible for as long as possible. And yes, caregivers are...
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