Would I find value in using a care manager?

By Jennifer Pilz, MSPT, CMC

I am having trouble communicating with my parents about their desires for care.  It is so emotional. Is there someone who can help with this?

Riverside Care Advisors has seen situations similar to yours before.  When a parent has to learn to switch roles and rely on a child, things often get messy.  It is not a comfortable situation for anyone.  It can be extremely helpful to have a neutral third party involved.  RCA can evaluate the situation for what it is and leave behind all of the emotion.  Sometimes answers are easier than they seem.

It would be helpful for someone to go with my parents to medical appointments.  It’s hard for me to take time off work?

 Riverside Care Advisors can attend doctor’s appointments.  We have the medical knowledge to communicate with the physician about concerns being brought as well as following up on recommendations that are made.  We can help ensure that appropriate follow-up appointments, and specialist recommendations are made.  RCA comes ready with a pre-completed form to give to the doctor, and we fill out a second form with all tests performed and recommendations made for the elder and/or the family to review.

I am not sure if my parent needs to move into another living situation.  Is there anyone who could give me a second opinion?

 Riverside Care Advisors will assist with a thorough evaluation of the current living situation.  This evaluation will look at the big picture, including; safety, mobility level, financial and medical situation, age of the elder, and all of the details.  This helps to create an individualized look at each unique situation and help you create a plan that meets your needs.  RCA can assist in selecting the best fit when a move becomes necessary.  

I am worried that my parent is forgetting a lot and I don’t know how to evaluate the situation alone.

 Riverside Care Advisors can screen and evaluate the elder’s current cognitive situation.  If more testing is appropriate, we can guide you to the most competent professionals to perform them. RSC can help you get down to what is really going on.

I need help finding the right community services for my parent and I don’t know where to start.

 Riverside Care Advisors can help you determine whether your parent qualifies for free or discounted community services.  We can help connect you to those services and maximize community resources.

I want to feel confident that my parent’s pre-planning documents are in place.

You may be uncertain if your parent has advanced directives and advanced planning documents in place and up to date. Riverside Care Advisors can help review those documents and connect you to top-notch Elder Law Attorneys who can assist you with the legal work.

I am not comfortable discussing financial issues with my parent. I am concerned about how to pay for their care.

Long term care is very expensive!  Most people don’t realize how expensive it is until they have already entered the maze.  Riverside Care Advisors can bring a non-emotional, fact finding approach to a sensitive topic.  RCA will help you look at your individual situation and make recommendations based on your financial needs.   We will refer you to the appropriate estate and long-term care planning professional when appropriate.

I think a plan would be useful to relieve some of my own anxiety about what might happen to my parent in the future.  I feel overwhelmed with my parent’s care.

 At Riverside Care Advisors, a plan that meets your individualized needs is our speciality.  We take into consideration all the parts of the puzzle; finances, legal, emotional, social and medical needs and put them together in a cohesive plan for you.  The plan includes step by step recommendations towards achieving the goals set after looking at the individual needs in each situation.