An Unhappy Holiday Surprise

While visiting for the holidays, many out-of-town relatives may notice changes in an elderly loved one that raises questions about his or her ability to live independently. Maybe Dad kept forgetting to take his medication, your aunt’s normally spotless house was cluttered, or mom said it was becoming difficult to use the stairs. But living far away presents challenges to providing help on a daily basis. Ron D’Aquila, RN, Co-Founder and Vice President of Assisted Living Services, Inc. (ALS) in Meriden, reassures families that professional caregivers and new technological solutions allow seniors to remain safely at home.

“Every January we see a jump in phone calls inquiring about in-home care,” said D’Aquila. “It can be overwhelming to figure out if a senior needs help, how to get help, how to handle talking to their loved one about getting help, and how to assess how much help is needed.”

D’Aquila offers warning signs that may indicate an elderly person needs additional help around the house or increased medical care:

· Forgetfulness/confusion

· Neglect of physical appearance or basic hygiene

· Neglect of medical needs

· Trouble performing routine tasks or chores

· Personality changes

· Inability to handle finances, pay bills

· Unsteadiness, clumsiness or recent history of falling

“It’s important to address the situation as soon as possible,” urges D’Aquila. “We offer a free home evaluation anywhere in Connecticut. That will determine the level of care, ranging from a Personal Emergency Response System or other technology that can augment care…right up to needing a 24-hour live-in caregiver.”

Oftentimes an ALS professional will recommend their unique CarePlus Program - a combination of care from a trained CNA or Home Health Aide supplemented with the state-of-the-art technological device that offers the best solution. The technology is completely free.

Assisted Living Services, Inc. is also making it easier for families to personally care for loved ones as a credentialed provider of the “CT Adult Family Living /Foster Caregiver Program.” This Program, under the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, offers training and compensation for family caregivers that live in the home and help to reduce the risk of the client having to go into a skilled nursing facility for care. The direct provider may be a relative of the participant as long as they are not a legally liable relative (such as a spouse). Even non-relative live-in caregivers can qualify.

In its role, ALS provides the oversight that helps caregivers succeed, including orientation, education, training, and on-going support with the “tools” needed to be comfortable and successful at caregiving. Under the program, the caregiver can receive a tax-free stipend of over $500 per week / $26,288 per year.

As a credentialed provider, Assisted Living Services, Inc. will

• Provide the caregiver with orientation, education, training, and on-going support by a Registered Nurse that visits regularly (usually every 6 weeks, or more frequently if needed).
• Ensure that the home is properly maintained as required by the State.
• Make sure the Foster Care provider is meeting the health and safety needs of the participant.
• Pay the caregiver weekly and offer direct deposit for convenience.
• Provide respite coverage for Foster Caregiver. Time off / vacation is available.
• Enlist resources, such as a Certified Dementia Care Specialist, to assist in certain circumstances.
• Utilize the company’s unique and innovative program called CarePlus that combines caregiving and technology to help address client needs at no additional cost.
• Provide technological devices that help reduce the risk of falls, improve medication compliance, or improve access to emergency care.

“It is more critical than ever for Connecticut families to discuss medical care in light of cuts to the Medicare Savings Program” advises D’Aquila. “Since the new state budget lowers income eligibility limits, many seniors may forgo medications or delay seeking care because they cannot afford to pay medical expenses that Medicare doesn't cover, such as premiums, deductibles and co-pays.”

Assisted Living Services, Inc. and Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. are based in Meriden, Connecticut with branch locations in Clinton and Fairfield. The company has over 400 employees serving clients across the state. Learn more by visiting www.assistedlivingct.com or calling 203-634-8668.