Do you have a toolbox at home? I do. It’s got all the basics: hammer, screwdrivers, a level, and more.
It isn’t enough for me to add a room onto my house (not that I would know how!), but it helps me take care of many common repairs that come up on a regular basis.
I often use a “toolbox” analogy when talking about how to care for the older loved ones in our lives. Here, too, there are a few basic “tools” that I find myself recommending to our clients again and again.
Like my home toolbox, they don’t fix everything. But they cover a lot of ground and are incredibly useful in many situations.
Here then are my top five…
#1. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
NAELA is a trade organization for elder law attorneys who work to “improve the quality of legal services provided to older adults and people with disabilities.” These folks are more specialized than a general practice attorney or even a family law attorney.
One area where an elder law attorney is especially important is in Medicaid planning. If someone doesn’t have the financial means to pay privately for care, either at home or in a community setting, Medicaid (i.e., MassHealth) can come in.
An elder law attorney can help make sure you have everything necessary in place and are fully informed as early as possible about your finances and eligibility. Preserving assets is especially important when there is a spouse or dependents to consider.
It is also an elder law attorney who helps with essential documents such as Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and Living Will.
#2. The Aging Life Care Association (ALCA)
Commonly known as “geriatric care managers,” in many ways, these professionals pick up where Alyson and I leave off. That’s because while we are experts in placement and referrals, aging life care professionals are social workers or nurses; they interact and engage much more deeply than we do as a liaison with the healthcare system.
This includes things like:
- Creating a plan of care
- Communicating with doctors and health specialists
- Assessing health needs
- Monitoring home healthcare and hospice services
- Reviewing and monitoring medication management
- Mediation and internal family conflict resolution
- Monitoring progress and offering ongoing support
Maybe most important, aging life care professionals are well versed in crisis intervention. This may include providing or coordinating counseling, mental health support, physical or occupational therapy, or other recuperative services.
#3. The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM)
Moving from a long-time family home can be an incredibly stressful event for anyone. Leaving a place where so many happy memories were made can be difficult. This emotional connection is one of the primary reasons people delay a move beyond the point where it makes practical sense.
And that doesn’t even take into account the sheer volume of things — furniture, photos, paperwork, antique china no one really wants, other cherished family items — that need to be sorted through and packed, sold, or given away.
Moving is a daunting task.
That’s where Senior Move Managers come in. They work with families to sort through the home; coordinate with moving companies; manage estate sales; plan donations; and set everything up at the new location — furniture in the rooms, clothes in closets, sheets on the bed, and toothbrushes ready and waiting in the bathroom.
Believe me from personal experience, when a family picks up their loved one for the day and returns them that evening to their new apartment with everything set up and ready to go, it truly feels like magic!
#4. The National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Among other things, the NCOA acts as a central hub for seniors, families, and caregivers for local resources that help manage money, maintain health, and improve independence.
The NCOA, as well as each Massachusetts town’s Council on Aging, works to provide information on things like housing, transportation, legal aid, and social programs. Many offer on-site classes like exercise, creative arts, and computers, along with volunteer opportunities and group trips. Some have social adult day programs.
Overall, the NCOA is a wonderful resource for helping seniors make local connections and feel connected within their communities.
#5. The Alzheimer’s Association
Despite its name, this organization is not just for loved ones with Alzheimer’s — it supports families affected by any form of dementia (Alzheimer’s is just one type).
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a free, 24/7 helpline that is answered by specialists and clinicians. These professionals offer confidential support and information and have knowledge regarding medications for dementia, symptoms, and safety, as well as strategies for reducing caregiver stress and accessing legal and financial resources.
Help is Available
These five organizations are essential tools for those of us doing our best to support and care for older adults in our lives. These organizations are there to help; please take advantage of them.
And, as always, feel free to get in touch with Alyson and me directly. We are glad to assist.