Caregiver's Guide 2014

2014

Published by

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FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT NETWORK

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2B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014

Having a family meeting before a crisis situation Why have a family meeting?

Too often a family meeting is delayed until the older adult has a health or housing relocation crisis.

They are frequently held informally through discussion during the holidays or at special family events. However, when family meetings are held because of a crisis or during informal activities, discussion can be fragmented and often not everyone involved is consulted.

It is common for family members to have misconceived or pre-existing ideas regarding the physical and mental capabilities of the older adult. Family members also may be confused about exactly what their caregiving role is going to be. This is why having a family meeting is so important; and why doing so before a crisis situation can help avoid the heightened emotions brought on by stressful circumstances.

Ideally, in a situation of aging parents and adult children, the parents should openly discuss their caregiving expectations with their children. The adult children need to define their limitations as to how much caregiving they are willing to do. All immediate family members should be present in a non-crisis situation.

A good way to bring up the topic of caregiving is to get all close family members and friends, age 18 and older, together to fill out their Power of Attorney for Health Care forms, appoint health care representatives and discuss care preferences. The forms, which are free, can help stimulate discussion about the older adults’ care and housing preferences. They can be found at http://www.dhs.wiscon-

sin.gov/forms/advdirectives.

Is a family meeting always needed? Some families who frequently communicate by telephone or face-to-face and understand the need to “share” caregiving functions may not need a family meeting. However, this scenario is rare. A family meeting can still be a nice way to check on whether or not everyone feels they are being treated fairly or kept in the communication loop.

How do you hold a “family meeting?” The meeting should be kept as small as possible, only attended by those individuals who will have direct decision-making or care involvement. If the older adult is mentally competent, he or she needs to be involved in all decisions about his or her own care and attend all family meetings.

A basic agenda should be developed to keep the meeting on track. Before the meeting, everyone should be able to give their input on the topics for discussion and no one’s ideas should be discounted. The outline can change and develop with future meetings and as care needs change.

For ideas on important topics to include and discuss see the Family Caregiver Support Network’s handout entitled “Family Planning Is Important”. This handout may be obtained by calling (414) 2208600.

If disputes are expected, the first meeting can be about setting ground rules about behavior, understanding what are convenient times for meetings and goals for meetings. If relationships are strained, a neutral third party such as a social worker or geriatric care manager trained in offering family

meetings may be a good person to have at meetings.

If the only time all family members can get together is during the holidays, schedule a special time, possibly the day after the holiday, for a family meeting. Then whenever discussion about caregiving is brought up, there can be a reminder that it will be discussed “tomorrow.” Everyone can then enjoy the holidays and complete attention can be given to discussing caregiving concerns during the meeting.

FAMILY MEETING CHECKLIST 1.) Invite everyone, including the older adult, who has an interest but keep the meeting as small as possible. Limit attendance to those people who have direct contact with the aging loved one. If this is a planning meeting and not an older adult care or relocation crisis, set the guidelines for future meetings – frequency, respect while talking, length of talking, place for meetings and goals for meetings, etc. The older adult can discuss his or her preferences for immediate or future care and housing. i Also, Advanced Directives known as Powers of Attorney for Health Care and for Finance, when completed, can help give direction when delegating duties and choosing roles.

2.) Everyone in the meeting should be encouraged to participate so that no one can later say, “I didn’t get to talk.”

3.) Listen “generously.” Remember that there is usually more than one way to solve a crisis or situation.

4.) Take notes so that things can be sorted out later and ideas can

be written down if more thought is needed.

5.) Obtain the help of an objective outside party if needed. Many social workers and geriatric care managers are trained to help families negotiate sensitive issues with a goal of having the best possible outcome.

6.) If anger crops up, suggest a break so folks can “cool off ” and hopefully come back to the table a little more willing to work through the challenges.

7.) Be willing to compromise.

Rarely does anyone get to have his or her way all the time and on every point.

8.) Agree to disagree without being “disagreeable” if at all possible!

Common courtesy and civility do matter in keeping things positive in family discussions.

9.) Have more than one meeting if needed and if appropriate so that ideas can be explored, phone calls made and new facts presented before a final decision is made.

10.) End the meeting by affirming the following: i What was decided? i What is left to be decided? i Who is going to do what before the next meeting? i Setting up a time for the next meeting if needed.

Interfaith Older Adult Program’s Family Caregiver Support - 414.220.8600 – www.interfaithmilw.org www.caregiversupportnetwork.org www.living-options.org

OCTOBER 2014

• CAREGIVERS GUIDE • 50PLUS • 3B

2014 Caregiver’s Guide CONTENTS

Caregiver’s Guide Listings..........................................3 Adult Day Services.................................................... 5 Alcohol and Substance Abuse..................................... 5 Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss..................................... 5 Animals/Pet Care...................................................... 5 Assisted Living........................................................... 5 Caregiver Education..................................................5 Consumer Protection.................................................. 5 Dental...................................................................... 7 Driving..................................................................... 7 Employment Services................................................. 7 Elder Abuse..............................................................7 Faith/Spirituality........................................................ 9 Financial Issues.........................................................9 Funeral and Burials.................................................... 9 Geriatric Assessment.................................................. 9 Geriatric Care Management and Support.................... 9 Grandparents and other Relatives Raising Minors....................................................... 9 Grief Resources........................................................9 Health Care Clinics.................................................... 9 Hearing Resources................................................... 11 Home Maintenance / Chores................................... 11 Home Safety........................................................... 11 Homemaking and Healthcare................................... 11 Hoarding...............................................................11 Hospice.................................................................. 11

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Housing.................................................................. 11 Insurance- Medicare................................................ 11 Legal Matters.......................................................... 11 LGBT Caregiving.....................................................12 Lifelines- Medical Alarms.......................................... 12 Long-Distance Caregiving.........................................12 Medicaid/ T-19....................................................... 12 Medical Equipment.................................................. 12 Mental Health and Counseling.................................. 12 Nursing Homes....................................................... 13 Nutrition-Dietitians, Home Delivered Meals................. 13 Older Adult Services-ADRC and Volunteer..................13 Older Adult Services by Volunteers............................13 Podiatry.................................................................. 13 Publications............................................................. 13 Relocation Services.................................................. 14 Respite Care........................................................... 14 Silver Alert Program................................................. 14 Socialization........................................................... 14 Support Groups....................................................... 14 Transportation......................................................... 14 Veterans Benefits ..................................................... 14 Visions Resources.................................................... 14 Websites................................................................. 15

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4B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014

Being an advocate Each Caregiver’s journey is unique, but something we all face is being an advocate for our loved ones. Chances are, you are already an advocate and just don’t think of what you do as advocacy. According to Webster’s Dictionary an advocate is “a person who pleads another’s cause; or someone who speaks or writes in support of something.”

We may not identify our role as an advocate when we first make that call to the doctor’s office to arrange a check-up or have a simple conversation with neighbors to ask if they are willing to continue to help with the snow shoveling again this year. Then again, the role of advocate may be much more obvious when we need to address concerns regarding the health or safety of our loved one while they are recuperating at the hospital or nursing home.

Sometimes we have to be the eyes, ears or voice of a loved one who cannot or will not express their needs or concerns. If their care is being compromised or their rights as a person or as a resident are being violated, we need to make sure our loved ones are seen and heard.

Advocating comes easily to some caregivers but for others it may seem overwhelming to speak up and “make waves, or stir things up.” However, if carried out correctly, advocating for a loved one will result in better care for them and peace of mind for you.

Here are 5 basic skills that can help you be the best advocate you can be: i Reflect: First, reflect and recognize the underlying reason why you advocate. Often, it is out of love, respect and belief in the dignity for the person you care for.

Once the reason or purpose can be

recognized and taken to heart, the emotional impact may not be as difficult or burdensome. i Discuss the Tough Stuff: Make sure you know what your loved one would want. To be assertive on behalf of another person requires understanding that person and respecting their wishes. Medical professionals expect families to have had conversations about life, death and all the stuff in-between in order to provide quality ongoing medical treatment and care. There may be times when you as the caregiver do not agree with the choices of your loved one, but honoring their choices shows respect for the person. That in itself is advocacy. i Communicate: When advocating it is important to be assertive in order to get your concern addressed. It is possible- and is actually more likely- for you to get results without being aggressive.

What we really want is someone to truly listen to our concerns, take them seriously, and do something about them. A useful communication tool to accomplish this is to try using “I” statements rather than “you” statements. For example, think about how you would feel if someone said to you “Why does it always take you so long to respond to my mom after she presses her call light?”

“You” messages unintentionally irritate people because they sound accusatory, blaming, critical or hostile. They can veer a conversation off track because people focus on their irritation or hurt feelings, and not on what you intended to say.

Now, consider if someone said to you, “I am very concerned because my mother tells me she waits

a long time after pushing her call light.” Using “I” messages in a firm and matter-of-fact tone allow us to express our feelings such as anger, frustration, disappointment or concern without “blowing up,” blaming others or causing them to become defensive.

“I” messages can be helpful when you need to raise a problem or concern, ask for help, state your intentions (or what is not intended) and to set limits. Although it may take some time and effort to break old habits, good communication techniques like “I” messages can open the door to effective problem solving and create an atmosphere of working together which can make a difficult situation much easier to discuss. i Be Informed: It is important to develop a knowledge base about medical, social service, legal and financial systems. Find out about the services and resources that are available in your area.

How might they meet your needs and whom should you talk to?

Knowing where and whom to bring your comments, concerns or praises to is critical to being an effective advocate. i Document: Sometimes the pen really is mightier than the sword. In the medical, social service, legal and financial worlds, “it doesn’t exist or didn’t happen if it’s not written down.” Keep a caregiver journal or notebook and write down everything you do on behalf of your loved one. Record all phone calls with the date, place or person you are calling, the name of the person you spoke to, a contact number and some general notes about the conversation you had. Write down any questions you asked as well as

the response you received and any concerns that were resolved or decisions that were made.

It is equally important to make sure things are being documented on the professional end as well. If there is a care plan in place make sure that any concern, no matter how small, is reflected in the care plan, even if you talked to someone about it. Ask for copies of any paperwork or documents and keep them in a safe place. Finally, never hand over an original document or your only copy. If you absolutely have to turn over an original, make a copy for yourself first. If it comes down to your word against someone else’s your paper trail backup can provide tangible evidence to your claim.

Last but not least, know that at the Family Caregiver Support Network, 414-220-8600, they are ready to assist and support you in your role as your loved one’s advocate.

We understand the types of information you may need, the hats you wear and the emotions that you wade through on any given day.

Just as you are an advocate for your loved one, we are an advocate for you as the caregiver. Come to us for information, resources and support. We are here to help you be the best advocate you can be.

Interfaith Older Adult Program’s Family Caregiver Support - 414.220.8600 – www.interfaithmilw.org www.caregiversupportnetwork.org www.living-options.org

OCTOBER 2014

declines to a diversity of past or Adult Day Centers are designed present medical conditions, nutrito service adults who are experi- tional deficiencies or medication encing a decrease in physical, men- side effects. If you or your loved tal and social functioning and who one is experiencing trouble with may need the protective environ- memory, discuss the problem with ment when their caregivers are at your physician. work or in need of respite. Full and half day services are usually avail- For 24/7 information and referable. Range of services may include ral helpline (English and Spanish), recreational therapy, meals, social contact Alzheimer’s Association services, transportation, personal Southeastern Wisconsin chapter at. care, including bathing, hair and ................................ 1-800-272-3900 www.alz.org/sewi nail care, nursing services, rehaWisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute bilitation therapy and medical services. Fees for Adult Day Services – Milwaukee Project: Education, vary based on what services are in- services, research opportunities, cluded in the fee. Some centers may and resources for Milwaukee’s Afribe able to offer low income persons can American Community a reduced fee based on ability to ...................................414- 219-5083 www.wai.wisc.edu pay. Most centers offering the wide (WAI Milwaukee tab) range of services are licensed by the State. Those that are more informal with more of a recreational model iShould you need community services and or respite, contact your are not licensed. local county resource.

ADULT DAY SERVICES

iContact your local county resources.

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Alcohol and Substance Abuse is at epidemic proportions among the elderly. It remains for the most part, unreported, undiagnosed, or ignored. Most drinkers who started late are affected by social isolation and physical health problems which may include grief or loss, housing, marital or mental health problems.

For a facility locater in Wisconsin go to: www.theagapecenter.com/ treatment-centers/wisconsin or refer to your local yellow pages under Alcoholism information and treatment centers. You may also choose to talk to local county resources.i

ALZHEIMER’S AND MEMORY LOSS

Problems with memory can have many causes that may range from normal age related memory

ASSISTED LIVING

• CAREGIVERS GUIDE • 50PLUS • 5B iLOCAL RESOURCE

Assisted living facilities are for FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS Milwaukee County....................414-220-8600 people who need assistance with Ozaukee County.......................262-238-8120 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), ...............................................262-284-8120 Walworth County.....................262-741-3200 but wishing to live as independentWashington County..................877-306-3030 Waukesha County....................262-548-7848 ly as possible. Assisted living exists State Wide Toll Free..................866-843-9810 to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes. tion and support you need.

The services provided may include www.caregiversupportnetwork. but are not limited to meals, assisorg tance with bathing, dressing, launwww.strengthforcaring.com dry, housekeeping and assistance www.caregiver.com with medications or medication www.caregiving.org monitoring. www.caregiver.org www.CAREgivinghelp.org Assisted Living options include: Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC) independent i Contact your local county apartment units that can provide resource for caregiver education up to four hours of skilled and/or that may be available in your community. supportive care per day.

Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) state li- CONSUMER PROTECTION Consumer Protection works to censed supportive living facilities where five or more adults reside. eliminate unfair or deceptive marThey are staffed 24 hours per day ketplace practices. and can provide three hours of To file a complaint against a busiANIMALS/PET CARE ness contact the Better Business skilled nursing care per week.

Whether you are looking for Adult Family Homes (AFH) a Bureau at................ 1-800-273-1002 listings of animal friendly land- place where three or four adults re- ....................................414-847-6000 lords, information on the impor- side and receive care, treatment or or www.bbb.org tance of spaying and neutering, services that may include up to sevTo file a complaint against a available options when you are no en hours per week of nursing care. nursing home or assisted living falonger able to care for your pet and cility contact the Office of Quality nutrition programs to provide food iCall Family Caregiver Support Assurance at for pets of individuals with low in- Network – Living Options service ....................................414-227-5000 come, contact your local Humane for more information, Concerns with inappropriate call 414-220-8600 or Society. marketing and sales practices of 800-449-4481 or visit Medicare Advantage plan agents www.living-options.org or call Milwaukee.................414-264-6257 contact: your local County resource. www.wihumane.org The Medigap helpline at Elmbrook...................262-782-9261 ................................ 1-800-242-1060 To file a complaint or ask about Wisconsin No Call List prevents www.ebhs.org Waukesha..................262-542-8851 State regulations contact the Office telemarketers from calling for two of Quality Assurance www.hawspets.org years...................... 1-866-966-2255 Washington...............262-677-4388 ....................................414-227-4501 www.wchspets.org Ozaukee.....................262-377-7580 CAREGIVER EDUCATION Caring for an older adult can by highly demanding work. ThroughRefer to your yellow pages for pet related services such as in home out your caregiving journey, you veterinary care, pet sitting, groom- will have questions related to the ing and yard clean up. These ser- many aspects of caring for your vices have often been the answer to loved one. The following websites a number of older adult pet owners and phone numbers will provide you with the education, informaneeds.

6B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014

Caregiver Stress Warning Signs

The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation – www.leezasplace.org The first step in dealing with caregiver stress is to recognize the signs. Common signs that stress may be affecting your health include:

PHYSICAL SIGNS • Disturbed sleep • Back, shoulder or neck pain, muscle tension • Headaches • Stomach/digestive problems (upset or acid stomach, cramps, heartburn, gas, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea)

• Loss of hair • High blood pressure, irregular heart beat, palpitations • Weight fluctuation (gain or loss) • Chest pain • Fatigue • Perspiration

• Skin disorders (hives, eczema, psoriasis, tics, itching) • Periodontal disease, jaw pain • Reproductive problems/infertility • Weak immune system suppression: more colds, flu, infections • Sexual dysfunction, lack or libido

EMOTIONAL SIGNS • Anxiety • Depression • Moodiness/mood swings • Butterflies • Feeling out of control

• Irritability, easily frustrated, road rage • Argumentative • Feeling of isolation • Memory problems and lack of • Job dissatisfaction concentration • Increased substance abuse • Phobias

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please visit www.leezasplace.org and to take a Caregiver Stress Assessment, please visit

We Can Help.

Living Options Service

FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT NETWORK (414) 220-8600

www.living-options.org • www.caregiversupportnetwork.org • www.interfaithmilw.org

OCTOBER 2014

Job Center Southeast For Driver Safety contact www.AARP.org 2701 S. Chase Avenue As we age, our dental care beMilwaukee, WI 53207 comes critical to our over all health ..............................414-389-6607 and well being. Cost is one of the For a Comprehensive Driver’s Readiness Evaluation contactmain reasons older adults do not Job Seekers age 55 and over can seek dental care. Below is a list of Aurora Rehabilitation Centers: get assistance at the following locadental clinics that offer services West Allis Memorial Hospital ....................................414-328-6633 tions: based on income or at discounted Sinai Medical Center Mature Worker Resource Center rates. ....................................414-219-5241 Washington Park Senior Center Milwaukee: 4420 W Vliet Street AIDS Resource Center of WI/ The Alzheimer’s Association Milwaukee, WI Dental Clinic ............414-233-6800 has a variety of information and ..............................414-931-0253 www.arcw.org/dentalclinic/ materials.

Guadalupe Dental Clinic, Inc Interfaith Older Adult Programs ....................................414-286-8895 For 24/7 information and referral helpline- contact Alzheimer’s Asso600 W. Virginia, Suite 300 Milwaukee, WI 53204 Independent Care Health Plan ciation at ............... 1-800-272-3900 ..............................414-291-7500 (ICare)........................414-231-1067

DENTAL

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Significant numbers of workOzaukee Marquette University Dental ing caregivers often need to make Workforce Development CenterClinic..........................414-288-6790 Ozaukee County Spanish.......................414-288-1520 adjustments to their work life, from reporting late to work, reducing 5555 West Highland Road www.mu.edu/dental hours or giving up work entirely.

(P.O. Box 547) For individuals 54 years of age Mequon, WI 53092 MATC Dental Hygiene Clinic and under contact: Phone..................262-238-2880 ....................................414-297-6573 For information on all State of FAX......................262-238-2890 Wisconsin Job Centers Milwaukee County Veteran Service www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/ Walworth ....................................414-643-1727 directory/wda02/1810.htm Walworth Job Center Milwaukee 10 E. Centralia Street St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Dental Milwaukee County Residents/ Elkhorn, WI 53121 Clinic..........................414-383-3220 Phone..................262-741-5180 www.columbia-stmarys.org/ caregivers of any age can get job search assistance at the following FAX......................262-741-5275 Ann_Seton_Denta locations: iContact your local County Washington Northeast Comprehensive resource for another clinic in your Workforce Development Center Job Center community.

Washington County 1915 N. Martin Luther King Dr 2200 Green Tree Road Milwaukee, WI 53212 For a list of Title 19 dentists in your West Bend, WI 53095 ..............................414-267-3291 area contact the Greater Milwaukee Phone..................262-335-5300 Dental Association at FAX......................262-335-5321 Job Center Central ....................................414-276-9911 4030 N. 29th Street Outside the Milwaukee area Waukesha Milwaukee, WI 53216 contact ................... 1-888-338-6852 Workforce Development Center ..............................414-203-8500 Mobile Dental Care Waukesha County ...........................262-786-4819 x222 892 Main Street Job Center Northwest Pewaukee, WI 53072 ..............................414-760-6060 DRIVING Phone..................262-695-7800 ..............................414-385-6920 Driving is affected by a variety FAX......................262-695-7890 Hire Center of health issues. If you have conwww.milwaukeelabor.org cerns about your loved one’s drivFor individuals 55 years of age and about_us/hire_center.cfm ing abilities contact: older call: Southeastern Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Driver Services Medical Attn: Older Worker Coordinator Division at.............1-608-266-2327 125 N. Executive Drive, Suite 102

• CAREGIVERS GUIDE • 50PLUS • 7B iLOCAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Milwaukee County....................414-220-8600 Ozaukee County.......................262-238-8120 ...............................................262-284-8120 Walworth County.....................262-741-3200 Washington County..................877-306-3030 Waukesha County....................262-548-7848 State Wide Toll Free..................866-843-9810

Brookfield, WI 53005 Phone:................ 262-821-4444 Southeastern Area Agency on Aging serves all four counties.

They also have a caregiver support program that can supply additional information. iContact your local county resource for Family Caregivers for employment or caregiver reimbursement options.

ELDER ABUSE

Wisconsin Statute 46.90 states that “Elder adult at risk” means any person age 60 or older who has experienced, is currently experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse: Physical Abuse Emotional Abuse Sexual Abuse Treatment without Consent Unreasonable Confinement or Restraint Financial Exploitation Neglect Self-Neglect For Definitions of each of the above: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aps/ public/definitions.htm#adultatrisk To report a suspected case of elder abuse or neglect, call your county resource center.i For Milwaukee County call the Aging Resource Center at ....................................414-289-6874 www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aps/index.htm

8B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014

The “I” In Caregiver A member of the Family Caregiver Support Network Advisory Committee once said that as a caregiver people always ask how your mother or father, husband or wife is, but rarely ask how you are doing, so, how are you doing? You are the I in caregiver and only you can answer that question.

Caregiving even for the most independent individual can be and most often is lonely. It is lonely at times even when we have help because it is such an individual thing.

Let’s take the two sisters both willing to assist mom with her groceries. One believes in getting her out and into the store as an outing while the other cannot handle the amount of time it takes to read the new product labels so she prefers to shop for her mother. Sound familiar? Lonely is not a bad thing as long as the feeling of being alone does not create the stress associated with feeling isolated.

Caregiving brings change into our lives. Change brings on stress and impacts our lives in ways we may not even realize. The type of stress we live with depends on whether we have selected a role as victim, survivor or navigator.

Which role do you think you are?

Navigator is where you need to strive to be.

A critical thing to understand about “caregiver stress” is that it is not for sissies. (Wow? A double whammy of i’s.) Stress can not be taken lightly if we want to remain both healthy and our body actually responds in predictable ways:

i All of our senses are heightened. i Our hearing can be more acute and our eyes can dart from side to side. i Our blood pressure and pulse increase and our heart can race. i We breathe more quickly but with more shallow breaths. i Constant stress lowers our immune system. i Our thyroid speeds up and we can feel jittery. i Because we are jittery we can lose weight or because we do not take time to prepare meals, we gain weight from eating out more and/ or not exercising. i We do not produce as many sex hormones so our sex drive decreases. i W e put out more insulin and no longer metabolize sugar well so we have an increased tendency towards diabetes. i O ur cholesterol increases which can lead to an increased chance of stroke and heart disease.

We need to listen to what our bodies are saying to us. The following five suggestions will go a long way to help maintain physical, emotional and spiritual well-being: Exercise is the easiest and most beneficial thing we can do to help our bodies. A regular exercise routine of even 20 minutes a day helps us feel better physically and mentally. It allows us to be alone with our thoughts and we can concentrate on our bodies so we stay well.

We get busy as caregivers and we may not take the time to think about our nutrition, what we are putting into our own bodies, even though we watch what our loved

ones eat very carefully. We may eat out more, eat more fast food or snack more. We may be upset, lose our appetite and eat less. We feel tired and need energy so we eat more sugar and caffeine. We often forget that it is as easy to cut up an apple as it is to dig into the ice cream, and that a glass of water will go a long way toward keeping us hydrated. In addition, it is important to consume enough vitamins, especially from fruits and vegetables.

Taking care of our mental health lets us blow off steam. There is no road map to caregiving; at times it is constant change. Most caregivers say that only other caregivers get it. So how do we hold our emotions in check? How and to whom do we express our anxieties and still feel safe? Who will listen?

For some caregivers the answer is to join a caregiver support group.

For others, it is seeing a therapist.

(Our office has lists of both.) We once asked a large group of caregivers at a conference what helps them through their days? 85 percent said their “faith.” Most believe they do not walk their journey alone and without spirituality they would not make it through most days. Prayer can be a form of meditation. It causes mental relaxation. People also find their strength through worship, prayer, song and fellowship. Prayer and meditation help to counteract many of the negative symptoms of stress.

Lastly, reclaim you life to include caregiver but not to be only a caregiver. You are the daughter or son, wife or husband who is now also a caregiver. Write down all the

roles that you now have and remember you should have no more than seven, including that of caregiver. Once you have done that, can you …Take a class? Plant a garden?

Walk your dog? Go fishing? Get a job? …and somehow remember there is no i in stress….only in caregiver.

Interfaith Older Adult Program’s Family Caregiver Support - 414.220.8600 – www.interfaithmilw.org www.living-options.org www.caregiversupportnetwork.org

Caregiver’s Code I need to…

Take care of my self physically, emotionally, spiritually; Accept my limitations and be satisfied with doing my best; Recognize and get help, no matter how difficult that may be; Enjoy time away without guilt; Maintain relationships with friends, family, co-workers; Set goals, pursue dreams and remember to live life.

A prepared, informed and supported family caregiver provides better self and older adult care.

OCTOBER 2014

FAITH/SPIRITUALITY

As a caregiver you may draw your strength each day from your church, synagogue, mosque and other faith based groups to help you manage your daily caregiving challenges. iContact your local county resource for Family Caregivers for Caregiver Retreat Information or to find out about respite options that would allow the caregiver to attend church.

FINANCIAL ISSUES

As seniors age, many struggle to keep up with their finances. Some pay their bills late or forget entirely.

It is uncomfortable for children— no matter if they are 30, 40 or 50— to ask if their parents are struggling to pay their bills. Below is a list of tools and resources available that will assist the caregiver with financial issues.

For information on services that may be available through Medicare and Medicaid and information on all benefit programs in Milwaukee County, contact Senior Law Benefit Specialist of Legal Action at ....................................414-278-1222 iContact your local county resource for Family Caregivers or for Benefit Specialists in other counties.

Money management services are available through Aurora Center for Financial Wellness at ....................................414-345-4437 ....................................414-482-8801

FUNERAL AND BURIAL

Preplanning a funeral allows an individual to express their views in the selection of services that best fit their beliefs and desires.

Preplanning can save a family 50% or more on funeral and burial arrangements.

iFor information on how to talk with your loved one about funeral arrangements, contact your local county resource for Family Caregivers.

throughout the country. iContact your local county resource for a list of Care Managers in your area.

Consumers may locate geriatric care managers throughout the UnTalk with your funeral home of tied States by visiting www.caremachoice about the burial assistance nager.org program offered through your county.

GRANDPARENTS AND iFor more information contact OTHER RELATIVES your your local county resources.

RAISING MINORS Researchers tell us that grandIn Milwaukee contact the Benefit parents and other relatives raising Specialists of Legal Action for burial children 18 and under are one of trust information......414-278-7722 the fastest growing types of families in America. This is due to a number GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT of reasons - death, divorce, mental Progressive memory loss, a health, crime/jail, drugs and aldecline in eating or isolation from cohol. The courts would prefer to family or friends is not a normal remove a child from their biologpart of the aging process, and of- ical parent(s) and place them with ten family members are the first a family member if at all possible. to notice that something is wrong. This situation knows no racial or Early detection and intervention is economic boundaries. It is esticrucial as many symptoms are re- mated that 1 in 12 children are beversible. A Geriatric Assessment ing raised by a ‘grandparent’. The offers a comprehensive approach to National Family Caregiver Prodealing with the problems, which gram has been asked to work with includes a multidisciplinary team Grandparents 55+. to diagnose and treat all types of memory and health issues. Below iContact your County Aging / is a list of geriatric clinics or talk Family Caregiver Program for with your family physician about possible respite options, support groups, workshops and other local options available in your area. resources.

Froedtert Memory Disorders Also in Milwaukee contact: Program ....................414-805-3666 Gary Dobbs Family Center ....................................414-265-2222 Aurora Center for Senior Health ....................................414-219-7300 Grandparents Support Group ....................................414-671-0566 Kids Matter GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT ....................................414-344-1220 www.kidsmatterinc.org Geriatric Care managers can provide coordinated care Legal and social service information management for caregivers who AARP w w w. a a r p . o r g / f a m i l i e s / live near or far. They have extengrandparents sive knowledge about quality, costs, and availability of services in your Parenting Network Helpline community and can connect you ....................................414-671-5575 www.theparentingnetwork.org with the services that will be right for you or a loved one. Profession- The Women’s Center - Waukesha al Geriatric Care Managers gener- ....................................262-542-3828 ally charge a fee and can be found

• CAREGIVERS GUIDE • 50PLUS • 9B iLOCAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Milwaukee County....................414-220-8600 Ozaukee County.......................262-238-8120 ...............................................262-284-8120 Walworth County.....................262-741-3200 Washington County..................877-306-3030 Waukesha County....................262-548-7848 State Wide Toll Free..................866-843-9810

GRIEF RESOURCES

It is natural to grieve the death of a loved one before, during and after the actual time of their passing. The process of accepting the unacceptable is what grieving is all about. For support groups and to learn about resources for anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, grief at death, chronic illness and loss, symptoms and stages of grief and helping those who are grieving, visit: www.cargiver.org

Caregiver Education Fact Sheets; caregiving issues and strategies; grief and loss.

If you have been involved with a hospice program, take advantage of their grief education and support. Or contact Horizon Home Care and Hospice Grief Resource Center ....................................414-586-8383

HEALTH CARE CLINICS

Many times individuals earn just enough income to be ineligible for Medicaid coverage, yet do not receive health insurance through their employers and cannot afford to pay for “out of pocket” health insurance. Often, these individuals are forced to seek treatment at local emergency rooms and become saddled with medical bills that they are not able to afford. Free or reduced fee medical clinics fill the gap in healthcare access for the uninsured. iFor a list of free or reduced fee clinics in your area contact your county aging services or 211.

For a list of free medical clinics in your area contact www.freemedicalcamps.com

10B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014

The Caregiving Experience Why is the Caregiving Experience Different for Everyone?

Did you ever notice that your caregiving experience is different than that of even a very close sibling or friend? Have you wondered why your father will not let anyone in to help with mom? Information from www.extension.org tells us that caregiving experiences are just as unique as the people involved.

Each caregiver has different needs, feelings, challenges and rewards.

And each family member’s relationship with the care receiver is unique, influencing expectations and the overall caregiver experience. Much has been learned about the differences in these experiences as the result of a growing body of research. For example: i Men tend to think about and approach caregiving differently than women. i Husbands and wives differ from adult children or other relatives in what they do, how they do it, how long they do it, and when they consider letting others help.

Each of us forms personal expectations of ourselves as caregivers. These expectations are shaped by past experiences and observations, societal rules, our cultural heritage and our own family rules.

Caregiving can affect us in multiple ways. It can cause changes in physical and emotional health, finances, and time available to participate in other family, social, work, leisure or community activities.

Caregiving can be stressful at times. Yet, people who perform the same task may have very different experiences. One person might feel

very uncomfortable emptying a commode, while someone else may not give it a second thought. Caregivers also experience different types and levels of stress over time.

Rhonda Montgomery, PhD, has been studying family caregiving experiences for more than 20 years with her colleague Karl Kosloski, PhD. Out of their work has emerged a theory called Caregiver Identity Change. It says the caregiving experience over time involves a process of change in activities, responsibilities, and in the partner-like relationship between the caregiver and person receiving care. It also involves a change in the way the person giving care views him or herself in relation to the person being cared for. This new role grows out of the earlier relationship between the two care partners.

The Caregiving Journey Changes You The caregiving role unfolds over time as the caregiver takes on greater responsibility, helping with everyday household affairs, personal care and decisions. Caregiving involves an identity change process. At some point, the person providing care begins to identify himself or herself as a caregiver in addition to being a wife, a son or other kind of relationship. The journey is different for each person in terms of when and how we begin to identify ourselves as caregivers.

Caregivers who are providing assistance for a short period of time may never see themselves as a caregiver, while those providing care for years may see themselves and act more like a caregiver than spouse

or adult child. This is reflected in a statement repeated by many adult children: “I feel as if I’m the parent now and not the child.” They have assumed a caregiving identity and lost their identity as an adult child to their parent.

Personal rules and expectations play an important part in how we each feel about what we are doing in the caregiving role. Montgomery and Kosloski find caregivers experience increased levels of stress when a mismatch occurs between what they are doing and what they think they should be doing on behalf of the individual receiving care. Often, the source of distress is not the activity itself, but how the caregiver feels about it. The first step to lowering caregiver distress is to identify its source. Once this happens, caregivers can work toward reaching a new comfort level. A number of strategies have been shown to help reduce caregiver distress: i Adjusting or modifying the expectations we have of ourselves. i Changing what we are currently doing--perhaps by making room to let others help or by letting go of some current responsibilities. i Changing the way we view or judge our own actions.

Share Your Caregiving Journey with Others through Research Montgomery and Kosloski’s research on the differences in caregiving experiences continues to move forward with the help of a national caregiver registry called the League of Experienced Family Caregivers.

The purpose of the League is to help create better services and resources

to support family caregivers.

Caregivers share their knowledge and insights by completing brief questionnaires in one of three ways--telephone interviews, mailin surveys or online. More than 1,000 caregivers are currently enrolled. If you would like to join log on at: www.familycaregivers.uwm. edu or call toll free 800-410-2586.

Reprinted with permission from the UW Extension’s “extension” website.

Interfaith Older Adult Programs Caregiver Support 414.220.8600 – www.interfaithmilw.org www.caregiversupportnetwork.org www.living-options.org

CAN YOU ANSWER “YES” TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS? Are you concerned about an older adult who lives nearby or at a distance, either at home or in a facility?

Do you help with grocery shopping, housekeeping, rides, doctors appointments, bills or insurance?

Do you help with feeding, bathing, dressing or supervision?

Are you concerned about someone who isn’t taking care of him or herself?

Are you using all your own sick leave or vacation time to help or care for someone?

WE CALL THAT CAREGIVING.

OCTOBER 2014

HEARING RESOURCES

HOMEMAKING AND At least 25% of individuals over HEALTHCARE

the age of 65 report problems with hearing. Persistent failure to understand what is being said can lead to frustration, discouragement and embarrassment. Two of the most common consequences of hearing impairment in the elderly are depression and withdrawal.

Contact the Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for information on the wide variety of services offered.. ....................................414-604-7202

HOME MAINTENANCE / CHORES

Although the average elderly individual would prefer to remain in their own home; frailty, chronic illness, and disability often prevent this dream from materializing. Below is a list of programs available to help the elderly remain in their homes.

Volunteer chore services and resource information:

Independence First (main office) i ....................................414-291-7520 For volunteering see older adult services on page 15B. iA resource serving people with disabilities in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha Counties: Your county resource may have other options available to you.

HOME SAFETY

Each year older adults are injured in and around their homes.

Many of these injuries result from hazards that are easy to overlook but easy to fix. iContact your county resource for a list of agencies that will do home safety assessments and offer home safety check lists.

Contact the family caregiver support network website at www. caregiversupportnetwork.org for a home safety check list.

iSee your local yellow pages under “Hospice” or talk with your County resource.

Today’s older adult wants to grow old at home, the place he/she feels most comfortable. Assistance HOUSING Southeastern Wisconsin has with homemaking, personal needs and transportation can help an older a wide variety of housing options.

Contact your county resource to adult maintain independence. discuss the options available to you.

Contact the County Resource iContact your county resource to – Living Options Services for infordiscuss options or for resources for homemaking and healthcare mation on all types of living options providers. for older adults ....................................414-220-8600 HOARDING ................................ 1-800-449-4481 Hoarding is generally characwww.living-options.org terized as obtaining and refusing to throw out a large number of Contact United States items that would normally appear Department of Housing and Urban to be worthless, hazardous, or un- Development (HUD) for area sanitary. Living spaces become information on low income housing. significantly cluttered and prevent ....................................414-297-3214 activities for which those spaces were designed. Hoarding can be For information on housing a contentious issue among family available for individuals with members adding stress and frus- disabilities contact Independence tration to an already sensitive issue. First at .......................414-291-7520 While the exact underlying causes of hoarding are unknown, there are iSee your local yellow pages some underlying factors including: under “Hospice” or talk with your OCD, ADHD, Psychosis, and De- county resource. mentia.

• CAREGIVERS GUIDE • 50PLUS • 11B iLOCAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Milwaukee County....................414-220-8600 Ozaukee County.......................262-238-8120 ...............................................262-284-8120 Walworth County.....................262-741-3200 Washington County..................877-306-3030 Waukesha County....................262-548-7848 State Wide Toll Free..................866-843-9810

Information on car, home (non Medicare) health and renters’ insurance. Hours are Mon. 1:00 p.m-4:00 p.m. Tues.- Thurs.8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Railroad Retirement Board 310 West Wisconsin Avenue Suite 1300 53203 ....................................414-297-3961 Retirement unemployment and sickness program Senior Care............ 1-800-657-2038 Prescription drug assistance program for Wisconsin residents 65+ who meet eligibility criteria.

Veteran’s Insurance Information .......

................................ 1-800-669-8477 Veteran’s Affairs Regional Office 5000 W. National, INSURANCE - MEDICARE Milwaukee, WI 53295 iContact your local county reFor information on different .............................. 1-800-827-1000 souce for assistance. types of insurance options, see the For information, resources and list: Wisconsin Medicaid professional tools visit www.milwaukeehoarding.wee- Medicare information, ordering For assistance with Title 19 and SSI-E applications and financial bly.com Medicare booklets, and information assistance for individuals 60 and about health plans, contact older contact the Benefit Specialist HOSPICE ................................ 1-800-633-4223 through your County resource.

The hospice philosophy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week recognizes death as the final stage of life and seeks to enable patients Medigap / HMO Hotline / Spousal LEGAL MATTERS There are a variety of personal to continue an alert, pain-free Impoverishment................................. life and to manage other symp- ................................ 1-800-242-1060 legal matters regarding health and finances which need to be taken toms so that their last days may Provides Information on Medi- care of. This can best be done by be spent with dignity and quality, care Insurance, Long Term Care surrounded by their loved ones. Insurance Home Health Care Insur- an Elder Law Attorney. Elder Law Hospice care can be given in the ance and other health insurance that Attorneys specialize in age related patient’s home, a hospital, nursing might be available prior to Medicare. legal matters and problems including qualifying for public benefit home, or private hospice facility. Community Insurance programs, long term care, estate Typically, an interdisciplinary Information Center planning, advance directives and health care team of doctors, nurses, 700 West Michigan Street, guardianship issues. Your local social workers, home health aides, Suite 350, 53233 clergy, therapists and trained vol- ....................................414-291-5360 county resource may have a list or call: unteers care for you.

12B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014 Milwaukee Bar Association’s Referral Service....... 414-274-6768 www.findmilwaukeelawyers.org

May discuss legal matters and or seek a referral to an attorney in Milwaukee and surrounding counties.

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys...................703-942-5711 www.naela.com

LGBT CAREGIVING

As American’s live longer, greater attention is being paid to the concerns facing aging adults and caregivers. Some unique considerations arise for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people dealing with aging. For information on topics such as finding supportive health service providers, dealing with your employer, and caring for an LGBT spouse, domestic partner or friend, the following resources may be helpful: The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center........................414-271-2656 ...................................292-3070(SAGE) www.mkelgbt.org (SAGE tab) www.caregiver.com Under caregiver education fact sheets, “Special Concerns of LGBT Caregivers”

LIFELINES - MEDICAL ALARMS

Telephone monitoring systems assist seniors in their home in case of a medical emergency. When a subscriber activates a monitoring pendant, the monitoring agency immediately contacts the subscriber as to inquire the type of assistance needed. Emergency Medical Technicians and personal emergency contacts are notified if the subscriber is unable to respond.

Contact telephone monitoring agency for listing of other monitoring services offered as well. iContact your county resource for more options.

18-59 contact your ADRC. See “Older Adult Services ” ADRC If you are providing care or section in this directory.

You may apply for Medicaid assistance to a person who lives an hour or more away, you are by mail, telephone or in person. To “long-distance caregiving”. You obtain an application or apply in may be paying bills on line, ar- person, contact your county aging ranging for services and appoint- service number. ments over the phone, commuFor information on the Medicaid nicating with service providers; a program contact their website at care center, the bank, a pharmacy, http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/medneighbors, friends, relatives or even icaid/index.htm driving or flying in when there are appointments or “emergencies”.

Please know that you are not alone If you are unsure of where or how in your efforts. There may be as to obtain an application or need many as 7 million people caregiv- help in completing an application, ing at a distance in the US. Pro- call Recipient Services at................. . grams and services are growing in ................................ 1-800-362-3002 the understanding of your efforts and dilemmas. Don’t be afraid to MEDICAL EQUIPMENT The Independence First Moseek out the National Family Carebility Store, formerly Wheelchair giver Support Program (NFCSP) in your community or the community Recycling Program (WRP), is an of your care receiver for informa- non-profit program that offers low tion, assistance to access services, cost, refurbished and sanitized moeducation, support, respite and bility and medical equipment to those who lack the resources to acsupplemental services. quire new equipment. It also offers a selection of low-cost new equipWisconsin Caregiving ................................ 1-866-843-9810 ment. www.wisconsincaregiver.org Greater Milwaukee Area, Eldercare Locater 3720 N. 124th Street, Unit F ................................ 1-800-677-1116 Wauwatosa www.eldercare.gov ..............................414-988-5333 Publication: So Far Away gma@ifmobility.org National Institute on Aging # 105496............................800-222-2225 Independence First Assistive www.nia.nih.gov Technology Geriatric Care Managers ....................................414-291-7520 www.caremanager.org www.independencefirst.org iContact your local county Experienced staff has informaresource for NFCSP services, addition on assistive technology and tional suggestions and assistance in seeking help to move someone adaptive equipment. The Try-Acloser to you.

Gadget Center offers 700+ items to try. Formal and informal assessMEDICAID/ T-19 ments, advocacy, information and For assistance with Title referral, and equipment trials are 19 and SSI-E applications and services available through this profinancial assistance for individuals gram.

60 and older, contact the Benefit Specialist through your county Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).

For those

LONG-DISTANCE CAREGIVING

iLOCAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Milwaukee County....................414-220-8600 Ozaukee County.......................262-238-8120 ...............................................262-284-8120 Walworth County.....................262-741-3200 Washington County..................877-306-3030 Waukesha County....................262-548-7848 State Wide Toll Free..................866-843-9810

iContact your county resource for more options.

MENTAL HEALTH AND COUNSELING

For both the caregiver and or the care receiver.

Nearly 20% of those who are 55 years and older experience mental disorders that are not part of normal aging. Most common disorders are anxiety, severe cognitive impairment and mood disorders.

The rate of suicide is highest among older adults compared to any other age group.

Nearly one out of every four U.S. households provides care to a relative or friend aged 50 or older.

Studies show that caregivers experience a sense of burden and estimated 46% are clinically depressed.

Center for Psychological Services ....................................414-288-3487 at Marquette University Mental Health Association in Milwaukee County.........414-276-3122 Resources for prevention in mental health.

NAMI Wisconsin, Inc. Greater Milwaukee Office ....................................414-344-0447 State Office............ 1-800-236-2988 Waukesha Office.......262-524-8886 www.NAMIwisconsin.org Advocacy, Referral, Support Groups, was founded for people with mental Illness and their families. NAMI also has educational programs. Everything is free of charge.

OCTOBER 2014

iContact your local county resource for Family Caregivers for other counseling services within your community.

NURSING HOMES

Nursing Homes and Health Care Centers are skilled nursing facilities designed to meet the needs of persons convalescing from illness or surgery or to provide longterm care which is not appropriate for a hospital or available through other alternatives. All persons entering a nursing home do so under physicians’ orders. Their care is supervised by nurses and other professionals under the direction of a physician. Facilities may offer special programs in rehabilitation, mental health, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s, hospice and subacute care. Along with meeting long term care needs they may offer outpatient services for rehabilitation, respite care (1-28 days) and short term or recuperative care (190 days).

Call to ask questions about nursing home regulations or file a formal complaint about a facility in southeastern Wisconsin.

services (home care/chores, home delivered meals, transportation, housing, financial assistance, elder abuse and much more), helps people understand the various Medigap Hotline long term care options available to ................................ 1-800-242-1060 them, helps people apply for proInformation on spousal impov- grams and benefits, and serves as erishment, nursing home insurance the access point for publicly-fundand other ways nursing home care ed long term care. These services may be paid for. can be provided at the ADRC, via telephone, or through a home visNursing home inspection reports/ it, whichever is more convenient to provider search website the individual seeking help. www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/bqawww.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/ consumer/search.htm Milwaukee County NUTRITION-DIETICIANS, DRC............................414-289-6660 MEALS ON WHEELS/ (age 18-59) HOME DELIVERED MEALS ARC............................414-289-6874 A significant number of elder(age 60+) ly fail to get the amounts and types Ozaukee County.......262-284-8120 of food necessary to meet essential Walworth County.....262-741-3200 energy and nutrient needs. There is Washington County evidence that good nutrition pro- ....................................877-306-3030 motes vitality and independence Waukesha County....262-548-7848 whereas poor nutrition can prolong For aging and caregiver rerecovery from illness and lead to a sources anywhere in the country lesser quality of life. contact the Eldercare Locater iContact your county resource or ................................ 1-800-677-1116 Milwaukee County 414-289-6874 www.eldercare.gov for a list of meal sites and providers of home delivered meals.

OLDER ADULT SERVICES

Family Caregiver Support Network: Living Options services ....................................414-220-8600 ................................ 1-800-449-4481 Assists when exploring options Outside Milwaukee or needing to select a facility by proFor aging and caregiver reviding Federal and State inspection report information, touring check sources anywhere in the counlists and more specific information try contact the Eldercare Locater on facilities (size, rates, smoking, a number at ............. 1-800-677-1116 www.eldercare.gov religious affiliation) in southeastern Wisconsin.

BY VOLUNTEERS

There has been a long standing tradition of “neighbor helping neighbor” in Wisconsin. Because of active lifestyles, it is often volunteers who assist with friendly visits, phone calls, transportation, shopOLDER ADULT SERVICES - ping, chores and other “neighborOmbudsman Program – State of ADRC AND VOLUNTEER ly” activities. Organized through Aging and Disability Resource churches and other community Wisconsin.............. 1-800-815-0015 “Ombudsman” means ‘advo- Centers (ADRCs) provide accu- groups, older adults are assisted cate’. Ombudsman acts as advocate rate, unbiased information on all to remain independent in their in licensed facilities such as nursing aspects of life related to aging or homes. homes on behalf of residents and/ living with a disability. ADRCs are www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/ or their families. Leave a message friendly, welcoming places where including the facility name so that anyone - individuals, concerned PODIATRY your call can be routed to an Om- families or friends, or professionals Foot care is of utmost imporbudsman assigned to the facility you working with issues related to ag- tance in older adults because of the ing or disabilities - can go for infor- need for ambulation and mobility. are referring to. mation tailored to their situation. Circulation to the lower portions State of Wisconsin Office of Quality The ADRC provides information of the body tends to decrease with Assurance................. 414-227-5000 on a broad range of programs and age. Decreased circulation, coupled

• CAREGIVERS GUIDE • 50PLUS • 13B iLOCAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Milwaukee County....................414-220-8600 Ozaukee County.......................262-238-8120 ...............................................262-284-8120 Walworth County.....................262-741-3200 Washington County..................877-306-3030 Waukesha County....................262-548-7848 State Wide Toll Free..................866-843-9810

with diminished sensation, can lead to skin breakdown and infections. Older adults are less agile and may experience difficulty in maintaining good hygiene of the feet. Many times podiatry services are covered by insurance, depending upon your medical condition.

At home services are also available. iContact your county resource for more information or talk with your primary care physician.

PUBLICATIONS

AARP - American Association of Retired Persons Yearly membership & receive the monthly newsletter “Bulletin” and the “Modern Maturity” magazine, free brochures & discounts.

Membership Processing Center P. O. Box 199 Long Beach, CA 90801 50 Plus News Magazine P. O. Box 230 Hartland WI 53029 ..............................262-367-5303 Today’s Caregiver ..............................800-829-2734 A bi-monthly publication providing information, support and guidance for family and professional caregivers. iContact your local county resource for Family Caregivers to subscribe to a free caregiver newsletter within your community.

14B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014

RELOCATION/MOVING

Making the decision to relocate (move) can be a welcome decision or a traumatic one. Many procrastinate because the thought of all the work to move, even where to move, is overwhelming. There is a complete series of resources available to provide assistance all along the way.

County social workers and other professionals can help determine the best level of care. Placement services, most of which do not charge a fee, can assist in finding a new ‘home’. A number of realtors have chosen to be certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and other companies are available to assist with packing, and all the details of moving. iContact your county resource.

Family Caregiver Support Network – Living Options Service ....................................414-220-8600 ................................ 1-800-449-4481

RESPITE CARE

Respite service allows caregivers to have free time for themselves while their loved ones receive assistance when needed. Respite services are available in a variety of options, ranging from a few hours to several weeks. They can be offered within the home, group home or nursing home, depending upon the level of care needed. Each service has a different rate of cost, some services offer a sliding scale fee.

who have disabilities and special TRANSPORTATION needs. Care is provided 24 hours a Without effective transportaday, seven days a week for up tion, many individuals cannot acto 20 days. Reservations accepted cess medical appointments, shop for necessities and may be isolated SILVER ALERT PROGRAM in their home. This presents health Wisconsin’s Silver Alert law and safety risks for some and may (Act 264) took affect August 2014. result in the elderly being forced Similar to an Amber Alert, Silver from their homes before they need Alerts will go out by e-mail, cell to be, solely because of the lack of phone, text, or fax through the transportation.

Wisconsin Crime Alert Network to notify the public that an adult with iContact your county resource Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other for transportation options in your permanent cognitive impairment area. is missing. Anyone may subscribe on-line to receive Silver Alerts and VETERANS BENEFITS Crime Alerts for free by e-mail, cell, Eligibility for most VA benefits text or fax. Visit is based upon discharge from active www.wisconsincrimealert.gov military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active SOCIALIZATION service means full-time service as Exposure to social and phys- a member of the Army, Navy, Air ical activity improves cognitive Force, Marine Corps, and Coast performance and sleep quality in Guard. Generally, men and women the elderly. Maintenance of social veterans with similar service may engagement and avoidance of so- be entitled to the same VA benefits. cial isolation are important factors Benefits will also be based on conin maintaining cognitive vitality in flict, time served and if a sustained old age. There are many opportu- injury had occurred. nities for social interaction which include adult day programs, senior Kenosha County Veteran’s centers, friendly visitors, and tele- Service Office phone reassurance, to name a few. 8600 Sheridan Rd., Suite 700 iContact your county resource to discuss appropriate options or for a list of programs in your area.

Kenosha, WI 53143-6516 ....................................262-605-6690

Milwaukee County Veteran’s Service Office SUPPORT GROUPS For both the caregiver and the VA Hospital Grounds, Bldg. 6 care receiver, support groups can 5000 W. National Ave. help with the well being of one’s Milwaukee, WI 53295-0002 iContact your county resource physical and mental health. A sup- ....................................414-266-1234 for respite services and or a list of port group is one way to share your facilities that offer respite. troubles, exchange ideas and gain Ozaukee County Veteran’s new information. It can offer an Service Office Facilities that offer respite, you atmosphere of understanding and 121 W. Main St., PO Box 994 do not need to live in Milwaukee support.

Port Washington, WI County.

53074-0994 ....................................262-238-8326 iContact your local county reSt. Ann Center for Intergeneration- source for information on the al Care many support groups in your area. Racine County Veteran’s ....................................414-977-5024 Service Office Based on assessment, provides Alzheimer’s Support Groups 1717 Taylor Ave. both adult day and overnight ser- ....................................800-272-3900 Racine, WI 53404-9996 vices to people 18 years and older ....................................262-638-6702 www.alz.org/sewi

iLOCAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Milwaukee County....................414-220-8600 Ozaukee County.......................262-238-8120 ...............................................262-284-8120 Walworth County.....................262-741-3200 Washington County..................877-306-3030 Waukesha County....................262-548-7848 State Wide Toll Free..................866-843-9810

Walworth County Veteran’s Service Office PO Box 1001, 100 W. Walworth Elkhorn, WI 53121 ....................................262-741-4222 Washington County Veteran’s Service Office 432 E. Washington St. Rm 1047 West Bend, WI 53095 ....................................262-335-4400 ....................................800-616-0446 Waukesha County Veteran’s Service Office 500 Riverview Ave., Rm. G138 Waukesha, WI 53188-3680 ....................................262-548-7732

VISION RESOURCES

As we age, the quality of our vision diminishes naturally. Most changes typically are not severe, and a new prescription for glasses or a few adaptations, such as improved lighting, may be all that is needed. Eye care is important. Only a doctor can detect certain vision changes when you cannot—before symptoms become noticeable.

Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped ....................................414-286-3045 ................................ 1-800-242-8822 Sends books postage free, loans cassette players and much more at no charge.

Vision Forward ....................................414-615-0100 Local outlet for equipment, offers advocacy and organizations for the blind. iContact your County resource for services in your area.

OCTOBER 2014

• CAREGIVERS GUIDE • 50PLUS • 15B

Juggling a Job and Caregiving Can Work Each Caregivers journey is unique, but An employed family caregiver has a minimum of three jobs: 1) self-care; 2) work duties; and, 3) helping or caring for an older adult. For the family caregiver who has a spouse and/or children, there is the fourth job of caring for these family members.

Whether family caregiving means periodically helping, handson care or concern about an older adult who lives in an assisted living or nursing home facility, there are demands on your time. It may involve coordinating older adult care services or medical appointments, going to medical appointments with your older adult, planning for future care and handling minor and major emergencies. This likely takes time away from work or creates “presenteeism”.

Most employers are aware that caring for older adults is common and growing. If caregiving is becoming a personal concern, speak to your supervisor or your company’s human resources professional about the company’s policy for making phone calls during work hours, taking time off for caregiving

WEBSITES

Interfaith www.interfaithmilw.org (support for family caregivers tab) Family Caregiver Support Network www.caregiversupportnetwork. org County Aging Services:

Milwaukee

www.county.milwaukee.gov/Aging

Ozaukee

www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/Aging/

Walworth

www.co.walworth.wi.us

duties and what you are required to disclose when taking personal and sick days or hours. Also, check out your rights under the Family Medical Leave Act if it is available to you as an employee. Depending on your situation, you may want to discuss your caregiving situation with your immediate supervisor or human resources manager. Talk with them about possible options for time and flexibility.

Being organized helps you prioritize what needs to be done and may reduce the time dedicated toward actual care which allows you time to enjoy being with your older adult, family and friends. It also indicates to your employer that you are trying to control the effect of caregiving on your job. Be sure as part of your organization to include time for your personal interests. A family caregiver can only be good for everyone else – family members and work – if self-care is a priority.

As they say on airplanes, put your own oxygen mask on before helping others!

Here are some tips that may be helpful in keeping up with personal care and family caregiving:

i Make “to do” checklists: Having things in writing can often help keep a person organized and make duties that seem “larger than life” less stressing and more manageable.

Also, if a worry wakes you up in the middle of the night, try writing it down. You’ll feel free to go back to sleep knowing that you will see the reminder in the morning. i Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask siblings, other family members or caring friends to help you with caregiving duties. Also, communicate to your spouse and children the type of help you need to take time for caregiving, and meet your family and personal needs. A family meeting can be helpful with discussion and acceptance of tasks to prevent family conflict. Professionals are available to facilitate if necessary. i Pursue community services or pay for help: If your or your older adult’s budget allows, check out paid in-home care services or having a geriatric care manager coordinate care. Delivered meals and other community services – free and for pay – may help. Contact the Family Caregiver Support Network

Washington

AARP www.aarp.org/families/caregiving National Alliance for Caregiving www.caregiving.org National Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org Wisconsin Caregiver www.wisconsincaregiver.org

www.co.washington.wi.us/adrc

Waukesha

www.waukeshacounty.gov/adrc Living Options www.living-options.org Elder Locator www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare/ Public/Home.asp Social Security www.ssa.gov Medicare www.medicare.gov/caregivers

to discuss your help options 414220-8600. i Make your older adult aware of your limitations: The older adult you care about may not realize constraints you may have at work. Communicating this helps eliminate confusion and potential resentment about why you can or can’t help in certain circumstances. i Group appointments and help duties: If you group, for example, medical and hair appointments in an afternoon, or help with groceries and housekeeping for a few hours an evening or weekend day, caregiving duties may seem less demanding of your time. Grouping time may also make it easier to coordinate efforts with your employer and other family members. i Consider assisted living, adult day care or other care facilities: Depending on the level of care

needed, there are many assisted living housing and adult day care options available. Moving to housing with care services or using adult day services can be a positive change for an older adult, including more socialization and activities providing mental stimulation that wouldn’t

16B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014

Staying at Home Responsibly Cost Sheet/Expenses Family Caregiver Support Network For Family Members and Friends Who Help or Care For Older Adults Compare the costs of bringing private pay services into the Home vs. Assisted Living at $2,200-$5,000 a month and Nursing Home care at $5,000+ per month.

Service Provided*

Home Delivered Meals (1-2x/day, 7 days a week)

Cost Per Day/Hour/Service

$6.00/Meal

Cost Per Week

Total $57.00-$99.00 $57.00-$78.00

$168.00-$336.00 +$60.00 Shipping (If shipped weekly) Total $228.00-$396.00 $228.00-$312.00

$18.00-$34.00

$72.00-$136.00

$7.00 Round Trip (Taxi Rides Transportation Using Milwaukee County’s Transit Plus May Exceed This Amount) (2x/week) (414) 343-1700

$14.00

$56.00

Adult Day Service (2x/week)

$100.00-$150.00

$400.00-$600.00

1x Installation Fee of $50.00-$99.00 (Sometimes Waived) Chore Service for Snow, Leaves $10.00-$25.00 etc. (1x/week) Medication Monitoring System 1x Installation Fee of $99.00 through Life Line

$7.00-$9.00

$35.00-$45.00

$10.00-$25.00

$40.00-$100.00

$12.50

$50.00

Grand Totals

$275.50-$421.50

$1,109.00-$1,695.00

Homemaking and/or Personal $19.00-$26.00 Care (1x/week) (Usually 3 hr. Minimum) Bathing Service (1x/week)

Life Line Alert Service

$18.00-$34.00/Bath

$50.00-$70.00/Day

$42.00-$84.00 + $15.00 shipping/week

Cost Per Month

Don’t forget to add up the other costs of living at home such as utilities, taxes, home maintenance etc. in addition to these supportive services. Then compare the total to a facility that offers it all under one roof. The Family Caregiver Support Network’s Living at Home Expense Sheet (Next Page) can be helpful in adding up the costs you already incur living at home.

Remember that with supportive in-home services you can adjust the type and amount of care to your needs. Your monthly totals may be different than the example above based on which services, how many and how much you choose or can afford to use. *There may be government assisted or volunteer services available to help offset the costs of some of these services. Contact the Family Caregiver Support Network (414) 220-8600, or the local Aging Resource Center of Milwaukee County (414) 289-6874 for more information on what may be available. **As supportive care needs increase to skilled care needs or if 24-hour care becomes necessary, a higher skilled assisted living or nursing facility may be a viable alternative to meet the senior’s needs safely.

OCTOBER 2014

• CAREGIVERS GUIDE • 50PLUS • 17B

Living at Home Monthly Expense Sheet Family Caregiver Support Network For Family Members and Friends Who Help or Care For Older Adults Supportive In-Home Care

Home

Mortgage/Rent Property Tax Homeowners/Renters Insurance Association Fees Home Security Home Maintenance/Repairs Invisible Mortgage* Monthly Total

Meals Homemaking/Personal Care Transportation Adult Day Services Life Line Alert Service Chore Services (lawn, snow, etc.)

Medication Monitoring System Monthly Total

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Entertainment

Utilities

Water Electricity Gas/Fuel/Oil Trash Groceries, Cleaning Supplies and Hygiene Items Monthly Total

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Cable TV, Internet, Phone Hobbies Shopping-Hair/Skin/Nail Care/Clothing Dining Out Gifts (birthdays/holidays etc.)

Monthly Total

$ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $

Monthly Totals

Home Utilities Entertainment In-Home Care Monthly Grand Total

$ $ $ $ $

*The “Invisible Mortgage” or “Lost Interest” is 5% of the selling price of your house divided by 12 months. If you stay at home you are losing X amount of investment income, per month.

We Can Help.

Living Options Service (414) 220-8600 www.living-options.org www.caregiversupportnetwork.org www.interfaithmilw.org

18B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Home Health Care DIRECTORY “At Your Service” Inc.

Serving Dodge, Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha Counties. Bridges Home Healthcare offers personal care, 414 Genesee St., Delafield, WI 53018 Contact Person: Tom Genetti baths, etc., companion/daily check and skilled nursing, PT, OT, SLP, and 262.646.8668 MSW. Medicare approved with paperwork done on insurance claims. Our www.weare-atyourservice.com staff includes RNs, PT, OT, MSW and Home Health Aides. Benefits of Our company services Waukesha County and the surrounding com- home health care offer personalized care plans for each individual client. munities. The services we offer include housekeeping, respite care, cook- It keeps you in your own home with the skilled care that you need. Reducing/feeding, telephone reassurance, overnight care, personal care, baths, es hospitalizations, eliminates the need to find transportation for persons etc., administer medication, check medication compliance, companion/ that cannot safely leave home. The future of home care is one of the fastest daily check, conversation and companionship, medication reminders, growing areas of healthcare. Skilled care received in the home is far less transportation, errands, grocery shopping along with paperwork on insur- expensive than care in a facility. Monitoring of patient needs is much more ance claims. Our staff includes a registered nurse. “At Your Service” Inc., efficient and thorough with a skilled home care agency. provides an affordable alternative for those individuals who wish to remain in their homes and live a fulfilling healthier and happier life. We help all of Bright Star of Central Milwaukee 5594 N. Hollywood Ste 210, Milwaukee our clients to experience quality of life, maintain independence and most Contact Person: Andy Eyers importantly, peace of mind. As for the future, we see 10,000 people turning Phone: 414.944.0281 65 every day for the next 15 years. Most of who will want to remain in their www.BrightStarCare.com homes. There will be a huge need for both qualified caregivers and dependServing Milwaukee County Bright Star offers housekeeping, respite able, flexible and affordable home care companions. care, cooking/feeding, telephone reassurance, overnight care, personal care, baths, etc, administer medication, check medication compliance, Bridges Home Healthcare companion/daily check and skilled medical services. We have a registered 1121 E. Sumner St., Ste B, Hartford Contact Person: Lisa Nealey nurse on staff and we do paperwork on insurance claims. The benefits of Phone 262.673.6600 home health care a offer personalized plan of care in your own home. www.bridgeshh.com

There is no place like home.

That’s why MCFI Home Care helps people remain safe in their home by providing: Medically oriented tasks

 

Supportive home care



Personal care services Companionship

 

Supervision



Respite care

MCFI Home Care is: Medicaid Certified

Call 888-381-5696 toll free, 24 hours a day www.mcfi.net

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION • OCTOBER 2014

• CAREGIVERS GUIDE • 50PLUS • 19B

Home Health Care DIRECTORY Bright Star – West Bend

quality care, trustworthy with a solid reputation in the medical community. One hour visits available. Helps prevent medical emergency and offers peace of mind.

W227 N16841 Tillie Lane Circle, Jackson Contact Person: Rick Lincoln Phone: 262.677.9200 www.brightstarecare.com/west-bend

Bright Star - West Bend services Ozaukee, Washington and Dodge Counties and is Joint Commission Accredited. We offer housekeeping, respite care, cooking/feeding, overnight care, personal care, baths, etc., administer medication and check medication compliance. We do paperwork on insurance claims and have a registered nurse. Benefits of home health care offer help with daily activities that become increasingly difficult, additional supervision is needed throughout the night and outpatient procedure is performed. When you or a loved one faces a circumstance you need services that only an industry leader can provide.

Cedar Home Health & Hospice 5505 County Rd. Z, West Bend, WI 53095 Contact Person: Carrie Schepp Phone: 262.306.2691

Cedar Home Health & Hospice services Waukesha, Washington, Fond du Lac, Dodge, Ozaukee and Sheboygan. Services we offer include housekeeping, respite care, cooking/feeding, telephone reassurance, personal care, baths, etc., supportive care, case management and hospice. We are Medicare approved and do paperwork on insurance claims. Staff includes a registered nurse and medical director. Benefits of home health care include

In-Home Care For Older Adults

SM

Home Care Medical, Inc. – Corp 5665 South Westridge Dr, New Berlin Milwaukee Retail Store, 4818 S 76th St, Milwaukee

SHEBOYGAN RETAIL STORE,

2922 S Business Dr, Sheboygan

WEST BEND RETAIL STORE,

1709 S 18th Ave, West Bend www.HomeCareMedical.com www.HomeCareMedicalShopOnline.com

Serving Southeastern Wisconsin since 1974, Home Care Medical, Inc. provides home infusion, enteral nutrition and hospice care; rehab technology; respiratory care; home medical equipment and supplies; and bracing and compression garments. Home Care Medical, Inc. is the WAMES (Wisconsin Association of Medical Equipment Services) HME Provider of the Year award recipient in 2013 and 2012. Accredited by the Joint Commission and an active member of WAMES, the MedGroup and AAHomecare, Home Care Medical’s mission is to enhance the lives of those we serve.

20B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Ultimate Man Cave Chair

Home Health Care DIRECTORY Home Care Services

9429 72nd St., Kenosha Contact Person: Greg Phone: 262.657.8467 www.homecarewisconsin.com Serving all of SE Wisconsin, Home Care Services offers housekeeping, respite care, cooking/feeding, overnight care, personal care, baths, etc, administer medication, companion/daily check, shopping and medical appointments. Benefits of home health care include, stay in the comfort of your own home, one-on-one assistance, immediate availability of help, flexibility (stay on your own schedule) and affordable (less than a nursing home).

$599 Golden Technologies Lift Chair* Now through the month of October, take advantage of our $599 Golden Technologies Lift Chair (Model GOLPR200 regularly priced at $844).

– Made and assembled in the U.S.A. – Multiple fabric options – FREE in-home delivery/set-up Stop by one of our three Retail Stores today in Milwaukee, Sheboygan or West Bend and let us help you put the finishing touches on your Man Cave.

We are your local Lift Chair experts!

Lending Hands Healthcare Inc.

Chestnut

Milwaukee Retail Store 4818 South 76th Street | Ph 414.423.8800 Sheboygan Retail Store 2922 South Business Drive | Ph 920.458.5768 West Bend Retail Store 1709 South 18th Avenue | Ph 262.957.5501 Shop Online www.HomeCareMedicalShopOnline.com Facebook www.facebook.com/homecaremedical Twitter www.twitter.com/HCM_Wisconsin *While supplies last. Lift Chair inventory varies from store to store.

625 Walnut Ridge Dr., Suite 104 Hartland, WI 53029 Contact Person: Jane Khen Phone: 262.369.8000 7665 N. Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI 53217 Phone: 414.751.7090 www.lhhomecare.com Lending Hands Healthcare, Inc. serves Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha, and Washington counties. Services offered include housekeeping, respite care, cooking/feeding, overnight care, personal care, baths, etc.,

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION • OCTOBER 2014

• CAREGIVERS GUIDE • 50PLUS • 21B

Home Health Care DIRECTORY companion/daily check and accompany to doctor appointments. Medicaid approved, will fill paperwork on insurance claims also. Staff includes a registered nurse. The benefits of home health care help the elderly and disabled people stay independent as long as it is possible, by providing quality services (in client’s home).

We offer In-Home care that really works for you.

We understand that making the decision to bring a caregiver into your home is not an easy one. That is why we are committed to making the home care process as stress-free as possible. With the services that Lending Hands offer, you are always in control. We work with you to develop a plan of care that fits your lifestyle and select a caregiver that you feel comfortable with. So you never have to worry about your decision to go with Lending Hands Home Healthcare as your home care provider. Our team of Certified Nursing Assistants work under the direction of our Nurse Manager to deliver top quality care solutions to you and your loved ones. All of our caregivers are screened, licensed, insured, supervised and receive continuous training in areas specific to home care and the clients we serve.

MCFI Home Care

Contact Main Office: 414.290.0050 mcfi.net MCFI Home Care offers housekeeping, Respite Care, cooking/feeding, overnight care, personal care, baths, etc, administer medication, check medication compliance, companion/daily check and Registered Nurse tasks like: Hoyer transfers and blood sugar checks. Our staff includes a

registered nurse and we are Medicaid Certified. Benefits of home health care include 24/7 on-call staff. MCFI serves 16 counties throughout and we work with many insurance carriers. We are always looking for personal care workers and offer competitive wages. You may qualify to be a paid caregiver, call us for details.

Quality Home Health Care, Inc.

W125 S7554 Coventry Lane, Muskego 414.315.3717 - Kim 414. 315.0504-Lynette Contact Persons: Kim M Jrolf CAN Lynette Stefanec, RN BSN, RCS Quality Home Health Care is committed to providing its patients with the highest quality care. Services provided include housekeeping, respite care, cooking/feeding, telephone reassurance, overnight care, personal care, baths, etc., administer medication, check medication compliance, companion/daily check. We are a health care service provider that provides in home skilled and non-skilled nursing services to individuals in the comfort and privacy of their own home. We are staffed with registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, companions and housekeepers. Our staff is available 24/7 to provide you or your loved one that personal care that is deserved. Quality Home Health Care promotes appropriate, adequate, effective and efficient health care to all its patients. The future of this type of service will grow as the population reaches maturity.

22B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Home Health Care DIRECTORY Rent-A-Daughter, LLC

12660 W. North Ave., Brookfield Contact Person: Jean Henke Phone: 262.754.0550 Rent-A-Daughter serves Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. Services offered include housekeeping, respite care, cooking/feeding, overnight care, personal care, baths, etc., check medication compliance and companion/daily check. For almost 30 years, our mission has been to come alongside older adults to help them live independently by providing non-medical home care. Rent-A-Daughter caregivers becomes an extension of the Homeand Carecompassion Service 10-13:Layout 9/18/13 3:11 PM own Pagefamilies.

1 love that people1 receive from their As for the future, we see the needs of the elderly population increasing.

❃ Are you concerned about the well-being of your loved ones? ❃ Looking for a comprehensive and affordable in-home care for your elder?

Home Care Services is your answer.

Call 888-697-4800 Visit www.homecarewisconsin.com for more information

ResCare Home Care

13700 W. National Ave., New Berlin, Contact Person: Cathy Kossow 262.814.1884 www.ResCareHomeCare.com We serve Washington, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha, Walworth, Jefferson, Dodge, Green Lake, Fond Du Lac and Sheboygan. Services we offer include housekeeping, Respite Care, cooking/ feeding, telephone reassurance, overnight care, personal care, baths, etc., administer medication, check medication compliance and companion/ daily check. We are Medicare approved and do paperwork on insurance claims. Our staff includes a registered nurse. The benefits of home health care for our clients, is keeping them in the comfort of their own home. The future outlook for these services is seeing more and more seniors having the ability to stay in their home with the assistance of home care services.

Quality In-Home Care Serving Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee & Washington Counties

Our Personal Care & Home Support Services • Bathing • Grooming • Personal Hygiene • Dressing • Transferring • Positioning & Mobility • Food Preparation • Therapy Assistance • Medication Reminders • Dementia Care

Waukesha 262.369.8000

• Respite Care • RN Home Support • Client Check-in • Light House Cleaning • Laundry • Pet Care • Grocery Shopping • Incidental Transportation • Companionship • Appointment Escort

Milwaukee 414.751.7090

www.lhhomecare.com

Licensed, Insured & Experienced Staff

A community that comes to you With home-based Cedar Supportive Care, friendly, reliable Cedar Community staff provide one-on-one, non-medical services.

Call 262.306.2691 for help designing a service package, from light housekeeping to friendly visits to taking you on errands, to fit your needs. Start small with a minimum hour-long visit! In most cases, you’ll see a familiar face each time, always on time – and we honor the price structure quoted. Cedar Supportive Care’s trusted staff participate in the rigorous quality standards, screening and training for which Cedar Community is known.

Services available across six southeast Wisconsin counties including Washington, Dodge, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan.

Cedar

home health  hospice  pathfinders cedarathome.org

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION • OCTOBER 2014

• CAREGIVERS GUIDE • 50PLUS • 23B

Home Health Care DIRECTORY St. Camillus Home Health

10101 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wauwatosa 414.259.6310 St. Camillus Home Health Agency provides compassionate, personalized care in your home, serving Milwaukee and Waukesha County. We provide skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. These services are often covered by Medicare, Medicaid or Private Insurance. We also provide Home Health Aides and Homemaker Companions to help with bathing assist, mobility assistance, nail care, medication assistance, exercises, incontinence care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry and accompaniment to appointments. We have experience caring for people with dementia and we also provide 24 hourin-home care.

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24B • 50PLUS • CAREGIVERS GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014

A Helping Hand When You Need it Most Support for Family & Caregivers

Do You Care For

• an older adult • a loved one with dementia • a grandchild • a relative with a disability?

The long hours and hard work of caring for an older adult can be challenging yet rewarding. Interfaith offers services and resources that can make caregiving easier. We’re here to help you, as well as the one you’re caring for.

“The help I’ve received has enabled me to effectively care for my mother at home while still maintaining my career. I learned I can have a life aside from my role as caregiver by utilizing respite services and other resources.”

Tom N.

FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT NETWORK

(414) 220-8600 www.interfaithmilw.org www.caregiversupportnetwork.org www.living-options.org