Most communities have several kinds of assistance available to help older adults live independently at home as long as possible.  These resources can enhance the assistance already being provided by family members or friends, and may include:

Home health care—temporary or occasional care by a nurse or other medical professional

Personal care—help with bathing, grooming, and mobility (from chair to bed)

Homemaker services—housekeeping, cooking, grocery shopping, paying bills

Hospice care—support for those with a terminal illness

Respite care—short –term care that provides temporary relief to caregivers

Adult day care—a specialized service that sometimes includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy as well as socialization/recreation and monitoring of medications. 

Usually people need help in finding the resources and coordinating the care needed.  There are local, volunteer, or government agencies available, but many times, family members need help in assessing the situation and coordinating the resources.  You can access the following services by e-mail at info@arn-us.com or 1.800.984.8407.

         Assessment and placement services

Phone consultation

Financial services (which include crisis management strategies to preserve assets and spouse’s economic security)

Care management services

Personal assistant

Elder law and estate planning attorneys