Elayne Forgie, CMC,President/CEO

In-home care has come a long way in recent years. Seniors living at home are able to hold on to the feeling of independence while having the help they need with every day life. Being in familiar surroundings can be therapeutic in so many ways. Often the caregivers are family members at first, but before long, a new level of help may be needed. If your loved one needs or soon will need extra help, what are your options?

The decision on the level and frequency of care will often be based on health conditions as well as the realities of daily life. In-home care can be provided on a daily basis, or the caregiver may live-in to provide round-the-clock availability. How well a person is able to handle the "activities of daily living" will be a basic question. Does your loved one need regular help with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, or transferring? The amount and frequency of assistance needed, plus the need for monitoring medications, will indicate what level of in-home care is best for your loved one.

When you select an elder care service provider, make sure that a designated geriatric care managers, like those with the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center, will work with you and create a plan that meets your loved one's needs and those of your family.

To learn more about our services, please visit www.eldercareathome.org  or call (800) 209-4342 for a complimentary in-home consultation.