How do you care from afar when your loved one is elderly & chronically ill? (Part 3 of 5)

This is part 3 of my long-distance family caregiving series. In parts 1 and 2, we discussed Sally’s health challenges, the lack of a long-term care plan, the stress associated with her care, and the steps I used to help Sally and her son. First, I conducted a long-term care survey with an in-home care assessment. Secondly, I built a care team based on Sally’s long-term care survey results. I call this team Sally’s Committee. Sally is 85, has diabetes, has heart, bladder, shoulder and gait problems, and wants to remain at home. Her husband was a retired wartime veteran, and her son lives out of state and does not have a plan nor the required tools and legal instruments to care from afar. Sally’s care team consists of a care manager, and I serve as the care manager and care navigator. My role is to coordinate all of Sally’s needs as identified in the long-term care survey.

Next on the team is an elder care attorney. That person’s role is to create the power of attorney documents and legal instruments her son will need to direct her care and manage her estate. The third professional service that I brought in was the caregiving team of Comfort Makers. The role of Comfort Makers is to bring assisted living services into Sally’s home so she does not need to move into a facility since it is her wish to remain at home. Next on the team was the home modification, access, and mobility specialist. His role is to modify the house for beauty, access and safety while adding value to the home. The last professional was a veteran agent to help Sally obtain the VA aid and attendance benefit when she becomes financially eligible.

Next time, we will discuss how I designed the care to fit a five-year budget. If someone you love needs chronic illness management, please call or email me at any time, and by all means, stay well and stay safe.

– Katie Klem, Owner, Comfort Makers, 503-369-2460