Navigation is an important skill required to work through the many issues and options involving older adults and their health care. 
United States of America (Press Release) February 22, 2008 --
The complexity of the issues makes safe passage challenging even when mental faculties, mobility, personal support and financial means are in place. Absent these resources and capabilities, help is needed.
Historically, and to a large extent today, the responsibility of caregiving for older adults needing help has been assumed by family members. When all works well, burdens are shared and outcomes are positive. But when siblings are spread throughout the world or have different views of financial and time support required, the impact of caregiving is often disproportionately felt. Resulting caregiver stress becomes a problem in itself. And when there is no family, support needs can be overwhelming.
Many situations are complex. Cognitive decline, especially Alzheimer’s Disease, creates problems that may require major caregiver attention while in a private residence. Often the demands on the caregiver become overwhelming and require intervention or respite for the caregiver. If the time comes to move to a memory unit in a retirement or care community, the emotional and financial impacts of the decision require competent advanced planning. In dealing with other medical problems, safety and health support become major criteria in deciding if a challenged senior should remain in his or her home.
Some support exists for older adults with health issues and caregiver support. Information and support groups are provided by nearly all illness-specific agencies and local, state and federal government agencies. Faith-based programs provide additional support. Good starting points for researching particular situations are the Administration on Aging, the National Alliance for Caregiving and the National Aging in Place Council.
Some health problems requiring in-home nursing services are covered by Medicare or possibly other insurance if ordered by a physician under the insurer’s rules. And social workers and nurses linked to hospitals are often able to provide limited services following a hospitalization. Also, home health companies provide services that may either be covered by insurance or require private payment.
A fairly new category of additional assistance is available from geriatric care managers when financial resources allow. These care managers range from local self-employed nurses and social workers to specialized national companies with local operations that provide necessary services that help older adults and their families navigate their health care worlds.
Historically, and to a large extent today, the responsibility of caregiving for older adults needing help has been assumed by family members. When all works well, burdens are shared and outcomes are positive. But when siblings are spread throughout the world or have different views of financial and time support required, the impact of caregiving is often disproportionately felt. Resulting caregiver stress becomes a problem in itself. And when there is no family, support needs can be overwhelming.
Many situations are complex. Cognitive decline, especially Alzheimer’s Disease, creates problems that may require major caregiver attention while in a private residence. Often the demands on the caregiver become overwhelming and require intervention or respite for the caregiver. If the time comes to move to a memory unit in a retirement or care community, the emotional and financial impacts of the decision require competent advanced planning. In dealing with other medical problems, safety and health support become major criteria in deciding if a challenged senior should remain in his or her home.
Some support exists for older adults with health issues and caregiver support. Information and support groups are provided by nearly all illness-specific agencies and local, state and federal government agencies. Faith-based programs provide additional support. Good starting points for researching particular situations are the Administration on Aging, the National Alliance for Caregiving and the National Aging in Place Council.
Some health problems requiring in-home nursing services are covered by Medicare or possibly other insurance if ordered by a physician under the insurer’s rules. And social workers and nurses linked to hospitals are often able to provide limited services following a hospitalization. Also, home health companies provide services that may either be covered by insurance or require private payment.
A fairly new category of additional assistance is available from geriatric care managers when financial resources allow. These care managers range from local self-employed nurses and social workers to specialized national companies with local operations that provide necessary services that help older adults and their families navigate their health care worlds.
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