FAQs

My parent is declining and I know I need to do something. Where do I begin?
It is important to start with a thorough assessment of your parents needs. A Care Manager is educated and trained to perform a thorough assessment of needs in the following areas: health and safety; legal and financial issues; medical history; daily living activities; and emotional and psychological functioning. Recommendations are then made regarding implementation of an initial plan of care.

I think my dad is becoming incontinent and I don’t know how to talk to him about it. What do you recommend?
A Care Manager can provide individual consultation with you and help you develop some simple strategies of communication. We can also be a liaison to the primary care physician to see if medication would be helpful.

We think mom needs to go to assisted living, but she doesn’t want to move. How do we handle this?
Sometimes having a family meeting is a helpful place to start. A Care Manager can perform valuable mediation services to help everyone come to a consensus. If mom has adequate financial resources, a Care Manager can develop a Care Plan that outlines what community services would best meet the needs your mother has and help you with a cost analysis of staying home versus moving to assisted living.

I live out of the area and am concerned that my dad isn’t remembering to tell his doctor the symptoms he is having. Can you help with this?
A Care Manager will attend all medical appointments, advocate for your father’s needs and provide a follow-up medical visit summary via fax, e-mail or phone call.

I want some type of evaluation done on my grandmother but she says she doesn’t need any help. What should I do?
This is a common problem and Care Managers are very helpful in developing a positive strategy and approach to this often difficult situation. Clients often report, “this was more fun than I thought it would be!” and “mom responded quite well to a professional telling her what would be helpful.”

Mom needs to downsize since she can’t handle yard work anymore. How do we know what level of care she may need?
A professional Care Manager can provide you with a basic understanding of levels of care, how much they cost and what services they provide. Our professional staff also provides assistance in planning and overseeing a move to and from a primary residence, retirement complex, assisted living or skilled nursing facility.

My dad refuses to discuss making someone his durable power of attorney for health care decisions. What happens if he gets really sick?
The elderly are often unaware of new confidentially laws that restrict family members from being able to speak to their physician. They also may have some deep fears of losing control. Care Managers have a great deal of success in providing needed education about end-of-life issues and are often able to assist in getting the health care directive filled out.
What local services are available to improve quality of life for my loved one?

Can you determine if my loved one’s home is safe for them?
Sheboygan County offers numerous resources. No two situation are alike and care must be tailored to meet each unique situation, and the resources and personnel selected must be a suitable match.
What are things a care manager might do?
1. Assess the level and type of care needed and develop a care plan
2. Take steps to start the care plan and keep it functioning
3. Make sure care is received in a safe and disability friendly environment
4. Resolve family conflicts and other family issues relating to long term care
5. Become an advocate for the care recipient and the family caregiver
6. Manage care for a loved one for out-of-town families
7. Conduct ongoing assessments to monitor and implement changes in care
8. Oversee and direct care provided at home
9. Coordinate the efforts of key support systems
10. Provide personal counseling
11. Help with Medicaid qualification and application
12. Arrange for services of legal and financial advisors
13. Manage a conservatorship for a care recipient
14. Provide assistance with placement in assisted living facilities or nursing homes
15. Monitor the care of a family member in a nursing home or in assisted living
16. Assist with the monitoring of medications
17. Find appropriate solutions to avoid a crisis
18. Coordinate medical appointments and medical information
19. Provide transportation to medical appointments
20. Assist families in positive decision making
21. Develop long range plans for older loved ones not now needing care

What are some of the red flags that special attention may be required?
It is normal for aging parents not to want to burden their children, so they may under report their concerns. If they had a fall and their memory is declining, they may not remember to report the incident or the injuries sustained. Phone calls from family members are treasured moments, so time is spent on happier topics such as how the grandchildren are doing and how your job is going. It is likely that signs of decline may not be detected during those conversations.

If you are planning a family trip in the near future, here are some Red Flags that often give valuable clues that special attention may be needed.

The general condition of the home.

Is there more clutter than usual?
Do the counters and tables seem to be accumulating old mail or bills that appear unopened?
Does the refrigerator have old or outdated food in it?
Are there any signs of burned food on the stove?

Clothing worn daily might give you clues about failing eyesight or memory.

Is there food or stains on the clothing indicating neglect or that the clothes are not washed when needed?
Are the medication containers up-to-date? Does this person know what condition each medication is being prescribed for?
Is there confusion about the date, time or place where they live?
Does the person verbalize paranoia (i.e. people stealing things from them?)

Driving safely can be a concern.

Does the senior’s car have marks, scrapes, or dents you don’t remember from your last visit?
Any clues or signs that medication, physical or psychological symptoms may be impairing the person’s ability to drive safely?