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Costs and Benefits

January 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

In 2010, a woman named Debra came to me seeking help. Her mother, Mrs. Landan, was recently discharged from the hospital, having experienced a major change in her functional status. Mrs. Landan, 88-years-old and widowed, lived in Florida while her daughter, Debra, lived and worked out of the country. Debra wanted to be by her mother’s side after her discharge from the hospital, but it was not feasible given her job and location. It pained her not to be with her mother, but then she learned what a Care Manager from Feinberg Consulting could do, and this is how both Debra and Mrs. Landan were able to find peace of mind.

Since Feinberg Consulting was hired, we’ve set up services and equipment to support Mrs. Landan and have continued to provide her with coordination, monitoring of care, medical services, and emotional support. We’ve helped her deal with a number of medical setbacks. Sleep disturbances, hallucinations, depression, severe itching, infections, and anxiety have plagued her over the past two and a half years. She also went from being ambulatory to requiring the use of a wheelchair. The Care Manager has helped the family through every change, keeping Debra updated and Mrs. Landan in good spirits.

Feinberg Consulting’s Care Manager has continued to ensure that Mrs. Landan’s quality of life is optimum, given her health needs. The expertise provided has made it possible for her to remain in her home. One of the services Debra and Mrs. Landan most appreciate is the detailed coordination. The Care Manager arranges so that medicines, groceries, clothing, and house upkeep are all handled in a way to make Mrs. Landan feel at ease. And when Mrs. Landan feels at ease, her daughter does too. What neither of them expected was how important their Care Manager proved to be in keeping their costs efficient. Without a Care Manager, Mrs. Landen would have moved to a private room at a nursing home facility in Florida – at a cost of nearly $93,440 annually (The 2011 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, and Home Care Costs). Since hiring her Care manager two and a half years ago, billable costs have averaged $22,872 a year. By choosing a Care Manager, Debra and Mrs. Landan have saved over $100,000.00 in just under three years.

Another high cost they faced was emergency travel. Having a Care Manager has helped Mrs. Landan’s whole family cut down on the costs of these last minute travel expenses. The average cost per emergency flight is $1300.00, plus the cost of taking time off work and other miscellaneous expenses. When Debra is able to come into town, the Care Manager ensures Debra gets the most out of her visits with her mother. The Care Manager sets up appointments, like the signing of the Living Wills, so that Debra and Mrs. Landan can quickly complete the necessary tasks and move on to quality time together. Debra, Mrs. Landan, and the rest of their family have expressed how grateful they are for being able to focus on the thing that really matters most – normal time with each other.

At Feinberg Consulting we offer services in care management for families in all different situations. If you think that you or a loved one could benefit from care management services, please call Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm to “Ask the Care Manager” about information regarding care related issues. All calls are private and you may choose to remain anonymous. The number for this hotline is: 1-877-538-5425 ext. 120. “Ask the Care Manager” provides a safe place to gain information, a listening ear, and a qualified and caring professional to help evaluate your situation and provide recommendations based on their extensive experience. Take control and contact Feinberg Consulting for your care management needs.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living, Counseling Services, Elder Care, Family Caregivers, General Health, General Interest, News, Rehabilitation

Caring From a Distance

December 20, 2012 Leave a Comment

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), nearly seven million Americans care for an elderly relative from a distance.

NAC found that long distance caregivers spend an average of $8,700 a year providing support to their loved one. That figure is nearly twice as much as those who live nearby. Travel accounts for most of the extra burden and since most long distance caregivers cannot visit frequently, or provide care in the home; the situation can become quite difficult to manage both financially and logistically.

Caregiving is often a long-term task. One of the most difficult aspects of long distance care is knowing when care is needed. What may start out as an occasional social phone call can eventually turn into regular calls about arranging respite services and managing medical information. Caregiving from afar is no easy undertaking. And what happens in an emergency? Some helpful tips to keep in mind while contemplating caring from a distance are:

  • Creating a contact list of individuals in regular contact with your relative who can be reached in an emergency. Make sure to have at least one person close by who can check in on them if necessary.
  • Make sure to collect important information such as:medical records,a list of medications, insurance carriers and account numbers, a list of all assets and debts, relevant legal documents such as healthcare directives, wills and power of attorneys, and finally, know the location of important documents like birth certificates or a deed to the home.

If you perceive that your relative requires additional resources in order to maintain their normal routine, it may be beneficial to consult with a Care Manager who can address any questions you have and help you to anticipate future needs. Your knowledge of family history combined with a professionals ability to assess and anticipate your relatives situation will result in the development a personalized plan for long distance care.

The process begins by having a thorough assessment of your relative’s current status. You need to make sure that what you hear long distance matches the reality of the situation. The assessment will take a close look at the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the individual to determine what their needs are. Once you understand what the issues are, then a care plan can be put in place.

A number of employers are starting to pay for Care Management services and, if your family has long-term care insurance, this might be covered under the policy. A Care Manager not only provides continuous monitoring and support, but can also arrange a multitude of services provided privately or through community resources.

Care Managers can:

  • Screen, arrange, and monitor in home help or other services
  • Assess health and lifestyle concerns on an ongoing basis and report back to you
  • Determine eligibility for community program assistance
  • Review financial, legal and medical issues and offer referrals to specialists to avoid future problems and conserve assets
  • Help move your relative to and from a care home, retirement complex or nursing home
  • Provide consumer advocacy and offer counseling and support
  • Offer insight into which local resources you should  utilize or avoid

There are no simple answers or solutions and each family’s situation is different. Do not forget your own needs, and if you recognize that long distance caregiving is causing you stress, take steps to reduce it for both you and your loved one. Here at Feinberg Consulting, we have helped thousands of individuals, enduring a multitude of different issues, but the single commonality is the relief our professionals provide. Our varied backgrounds allow us to pull in different skill-sets that best match the needs of our clients.

A simple 15 minute phone call can help you identify what options are available, and even if Care Management is not the right next step, we are happy to offer advice.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Elder Care, News

Tis The Season…To Assess the Health Needs of your Aging Parents!

December 13, 2012 Leave a Comment

Today, more than one in four adults in America is caring for a relative who needs assistance (usually an elderly parent). Many times, adult children are cast into the role of care-giver after their parent deals with some sort of medical crisis, or suffers an injury or fall. In these instances the need for help is apparent. But more often, an aging parent’s need for assistance happens progressively. Gradual changes often go unnoticed and are a major risk factor in future accidents, hospitalization, and even total loss of independence.

The holidays are usually a time when we ponder and reflect on past memories. These reflections deepen our cognitive awareness, when it comes to elderly family members, and help us be more observant of the changes in our families. Now that the holiday season is upon us, this is a great opportunity to ensure that our aging parents are doing well and take preventative steps for the future.

What should you be looking for?

  1. Hygiene – Poor self-care needs and bathing habits often are signs that health is declining.
  2. Nutrition – Have they lost weight? Is there spoiled or inadequate food in the home?
  3. Household – Is their home more cluttered than usual? Do you see any unsafe conditions? What is the condition of their mail? Are there piles of bills left unopened?
  4. General Health/Signs of Injury – Is there persistent fatigue? Look for bruises and scratches. Sometimes they can be evidence of falls.
  5. Disorientation – Confusion regarding the date, struggling to find the right words, or even navigating their surroundings. This holds true for operating a motor vehicle as well.

If it becomes apparent that all is not well, be open and receptive to the options available to you. A care manager can help your family put a plan into place, which can allow not only your parents to achieve the best outcomes, but also give peace of mind to you. With proper planning and support our parents can often age in the comfort of their own home.

Click here to read more about what to look for when visiting aging parents this holiday season.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/things-to-look-for-when-visiting-aging-parents-this-holiday-season-180171741.html

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Elder Care, Family Caregivers, General Health, Healthy Living, Life Care, Medicine, News

Announcing May is National Geriatric Care Manager Month

March 22, 2012 Leave a Comment

Announcing New NAPGCM PR Initiative:

May is National Geriatric Care

Manager Month!

NAPGCM is excited to announce the launch of a national annual campaign to promote geriatric care management during the month of May.

We encourage you to participate in this important event. Members throughout the country will celebrate National Geriatric Care Manager Month by providing seminars, webinars, special events related to geriatric care management, open houses, and other educational activities for the public.

This is a great opportunity to promote your profession and your business at the same time. We encourage you to set up speaking opportunities during the month of May at Rotary Clubs and other Community Networking Groups to educate the public on the profession of Geriatric Care Management. Click here for a list of suggested activities, topics, and events during National Geriatric Care Management Month.

To assist you, NAPGCM will be offering our customizable PowerPoint presentation to all members at a 50% discount for the remainder of March and April. This product includes presentations appropriate for both professionals and consumers. Please take advantage of this opportunity and start setting up events now.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living, Elder Care, Family Caregivers, General Health, General Interest, Happiness, Healthy Living, Life Care, Life Care Plan, Medicine, News, Rehabilitation, Retirement Home

Aging with grace, aging with addiction

March 12, 2012 Leave a Comment

Nostalgic America Magazine: www.nostalgicamerica.com

How to identify if your loved one needs help

For many Americans, sitting down for dinner with a glass of wine every night has become widely accepted as normal. Over time, the body falls into a routine. It is not uncommon for a person to begin needing a second or third drink when
the one drink no longer feels like enough. When society does not recognize the every day use of a dependent substance as harmful, it makes it more difficult to see the dependency in you, a friend, or in a family member.

When a person reaches their late 40s into 50s, new stressors begin to emerge. Some people have sons and daughters leaving the nest, elderly parents who are beginning to require more assistance, and others may even be adjusting to a new life in retirement. Whatever the case may be, many of these people grew up in a generation where quick fixes were the first and only solution. “As Baby Boomers enter a transitional stage in their lives, new stressors make them more prone to depression and anxiety,” said Juan Harris, Program Director for Center for Older Adult Recovery, Hanley Center. The Center provides insight into the causes of the growing issue of addiction among older Americans. Harris continues, “As a generation that grew up in a time when recreational drug use was commonly accepted, Boomers are reverting to substance abuse as a way to cope with stress and change.”

As soon as prescription drugs and alcohol get thrown into the mix of regular bodily deterioration, the aging body begins to wear rapidly. Substance abuse is dangerous for people of any age, but as the body gets older, there is a natural decrease in brain health and body function. Alcohol and polypharmacy compound the problems associated with aging, like decrease in brain health, balance issues, falls, fractures, and head injuries. There are always significant health risks involved for those who abuse substances. The consequences can range from memory troubles and family dysfunction to organ failure and death. Substance abuse among the aging only makes the addiction more complex and difficult to deal with.

If you feel that you or a loved one may be struggling with addiction, asking questions to gain information and knowledge is the key to begin dealing with any problem. Addiction and dependency are not easy topics to handle alone. At Feinberg Consulting, Inc. we offer services in care management for families in all different situations. Every Wednesday from 12:00-2:00 p.m. we host a hotline called “Ask the Care Manager” to provide a safe place to gain information about care related issues, including substance and/or alcohol abuse. The number for this hotline is 1-877-538-5425. “Ask the Care Manager” provides a listening ear and a qualified professional to help you evaluate your situation and make  recommendations for steps you can take towards a positive outcome. Do not let excuses like, “She’s just old” or “He’s always had that much to drink” cloud your judgment any longer. Take control and contact Feinberg Consulting, Inc. for your care management needs.

Pam Feinberg-Rivkin, RN, BSN, CCM, CRRN, ABDA, QRP
Founder and CEO

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Elder Care, News

Dealing with Loss

March 1, 2012 Leave a Comment

All of us, as part of life, will experience loss at some stage or other. Some people get over it quickly while others hold onto that grievance for the rest of their lives. Often this loss is associated with the death of an elderly relative, sometimes it is the tragic passing away of a younger loved one through some unexpected accident. Even the beloved family pet leaves people grieving when he or she is gone. Parents might feel at a loss when their children grow up and move to a faraway country or even a different State. Divorcees are often hung up over their loss of what could have been the ideal marriage, and people lose their jobs during tough economic times. Financial loss from joblessness, poor business decisions or gambling is a common cause of depression and even suicide. Serious illnesses, including addiction, can also cause large amounts of grief.

It is commonly recognised that there are 5 stages we must go through when dealing with loss, as laid out by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her book ‘On Death and Dying’. These usually but not always occur in the following order:

1. Denial

The person in the denial stage rejects his or her loss, denying that it has actually happened. They use illogical thinking like “oh it’s just a bad dream” to hide and ignore what has happened. Usually people should be left to get through this stage on their own.

2. Bargaining

Here the person gains false hope and tries to ‘bargain’ away their loss, willing to do ‘whatever it takes’ to make this loss go away. Sometimes people pray to God or other higher being, expecting miracles to be performed on their behalf. It sounds a little strange, but is a normal part of the grieving process.

3. Anger

This often occurs as the second stage, before the bargaining. The griever cannot be in control of the situation, so a natural reaction is to be mad at it. People can be mad at God, or the person who brought them the bad news (such as friend, relative, doctor etc.). Once again this is perfectly normal and persons going through this stage should be allowed to vent and get this out of their system.

4. Depression

The depressed person has moved through the Denial stage and has usually dealt with his or her Anger and Bargaining ordeals. The usual symptoms of depression occur here – crying, deep sadness, loss of hope and faith and a general feeling that life is not worth living. They become withdrawn from friends and family, and this often affects those around them. This is when they most need to be loved and supported.

5. Acceptance

Now the person who has experienced the loss has begin to come to terms with the situation. Then and only then can they learn to adapt their lives accordingly and begin to let go and move on.

Going through this process can take from a few months to a few years depending on the person. One should never underestimate the value of a friend’s love and companionship in overcoming the pain involved. The most important thing is to be there for them and help them enjoy other aspects of life. This can aid their speedy recovery.

Dealing with loss is never easy, for the person who goes through it or for those around them. It is obviously hard to recognize these stages if they are happening to you, but the best thing you can do to prepare for your loss or someone else’s is to be aware of this five-stage process.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Counseling Services, Elder Care

When I Feel Frustrated

February 28, 2012 1 Comment

Everyday life issues can never be brushed off. When I feel frustrated by these issues, I find the need to vent and let out the frustrations. As a human being, you simply have to come up with ways of dealing with them. By sharing and contributing in social circles, you get to load off on the things that burden you. Stress relief is one way of dealing with frustrations. By identifying with people facing the similar issues you get to vent. Joining a network of such people who share and talk about the issues they face is one of the things you should consider. Feinberg consulting does advocate for such practices. We say letting go of stressing issues is the first step towards achieving peace and serenity.

Some of the issues of life can prove to be very frustrating to deal with, which can lead to high stress levels. Seeking good stress relief mechanism will bring a calm condition in you. This helps to have a somber thinking on what steps to take when feeling frustrated. In such instances, people tend to look for solutions that offer them relief from frustrations. Joining a network that helps people in dealing with this issue does help. There, letting go and opening up has a strong advocacy. People help one another through sharing and contributing on helpful discussions.

Feinberg consulting Inc. has a professional staff that dealing with people and a wide range of social needs. We offer a good environment for stress relief where letting go of frustrations is not just an individual’s thing. By seeking our professional help, you will be joining a network of people who have the needs of others close at heart. Sharing and contributing is part of our treatment therapy when it comes to dealing with these and other such issues. It is good to know that when I feel frustrated and overwhelmed there are those who have the capacity to help me deal with my issues.

The idea of offering a peaceful and serene environment is something that Feinberg consulting knows best. With a 12year professional service delivery to people of all walks of life, our consulting company has gradually grown to its prime. In helping people handle losses and get stress relief and satisfaction, we will push for letting go of the negativity and then healing can take place. I learned that when I feel frustrated, sharing and contributing in social circles helps a lot. Joining a network that talks about such issues is a good start. Feinberg is one such exemplary entity worth joining. You will receive the best of care in handling many of the issues that get you down.

The best thing about Feinberg consulting is we have a dedicated staff that can even deal with the aged and other family members who have become hard to handle. To us it is not an issue of taking up the brunt of excluding loved ones, but is all about offering them a better care that close relatives cannot afford to give.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Elder Care, Family Caregivers, Healthy Living

The value of Networking

February 27, 2012 Leave a Comment

Human beings have a built-in need to socialize, to associate with other like-minded people. Well, most of us do – there are the odd hermit types who come to town only when the need arises, to buy groceries and such. Could you imagine living your life like this? Never talking with a single soul other than what is absolutely necessary? If you’re like me you feel the need to interact with others on a regular basis in order to maintain your sanity.

We can’t always choose those in our immediate circles – family members, neighbors, colleagues at work etc., and so we are often surrounded by people who have differing interests in life. Not that this is a bad thing – ‘different strokes for different folks’, as the saying goes. However, in order to better ourselves and our community we must seek out and share with others who share a similar interest.

This is where networking comes in. A network is a group of people who gather together in order to share experiences, contacts, and exchange information on particular topics. These include book and cooking clubs, dog-walking groups, local churches, political groups and self help networks. It is important for people who share a common disability, such as blindness or paralysis, to form or join a support network where they can address issues and share methods of dealing with their needs in everyday life. This is especially true for those who have become ill or suffer from addiction, and need to interact regularly with others who have the same issues.

One of the many benefits of the internet is its use as a social networking tool. In cyberspace you can meet and socialize with people from all over the world and talk about any topic you could possibly imagine. Many people choose to join Facebook or Twitter where they can converse informally and share thoughts with friends. There are more specific sites such as Live Journal or Blogger, business networks like LinkedIn as well as countless singles and dating networks. Whatever it is you’re into, there’s a social network for it.

When you choose to join a network – whether it is a physical or online one, there are a few things to consider. How can this network benefit you? What level of commitment does it require, and can you back out easily if it ends up not being your cup of tea? Who are the other members and (this applies especially to some larger online networks) could there be any possible concern for your safety or protection of private information? How much time is involved and can you invest that amount of time? How much is it likely to cost? If it is a physical network, then how far away is it? Don’t forget to factor in the time and cost of traveling if this could be a difficulty for you.

Do no matter how independent we like to be, we all have a need to network with others to help us lead fulfilling lives and at the same time be of help to our fellow humans.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living, Elder Care

Stress Relief

February 26, 2012 Leave a Comment

We are now well into the twenty first century, with seemingly endless technology at our disposal. All of these things, such as HDTVs, PS3s, cellular phones, iPods, iPads, and other computing devices serve to make things easier, but also contribute to the hustle and bustle of daily life. Cell phones in particular have enabled us to ‘free up’ more of our time which we can use to cram more meetings into the average day or even play games on the internet. All of this contributes extra stress to our brain’s workload. There are very few people alive today who are not burdened by too much stress. It affects us all in different ways, and a certain amount of stress can be good, even necessary. Whether you have a high or low threshold for stress chances are you’re getting too much of it.

Stress is what happens when your brain comes under too much pressure from external sources. Chemicals are then released into your blood stream and your heart beats faster. This is like a warning, and a small amount of it is necessary. Most of us are so used to this that we subconsciously ignore this warning and continue on doing what it was that caused the stress in the first place. This all becomes built up in our bodies and we need to release it every now and then in order to prevent mental harm.

First you must acknowledge that stress exists and identify where it is coming from. Could it be the bills (financial), traffic (daily life), family/relationship difficulties or work related? Do you have ‘too much on your plate’? Too many people pressurizing you at once? Expectations, whether internal or external, can quickly become greater than your ability to cope with them.

We must look to the real source, and not just the excuses we make. Learn to recognize how you feel when you are stressed (tired, irritated, angry etc.), and how your body reacts (tense muscles, clenching, heart pumping, sweaty palms). Write it down in a ‘stress journal’ and try to link the symptoms to specific events.

Do not allow people to pressurize you, and keep away from those people if possible. Avoid or minimize the situations which stress you the most. Keep a ‘to-do’ list. Learn to differentiate between urgent and important; do the important first. Then, if you have time, you can do some of the urgent things.

Avoid smoking, too much alcohol/caffeine or ‘comfort foods,’ watching too much television or computer, procrastinating, over-sleeping and under-sleeping. These habits might give you instant gratification, but they only cover up the issues and will contribute towards a more long-term problem.

Take a breather. Three deep breaths before stressful activity can make a world of difference. Walk up the stairs instead of the elevator or park your car in a far corner of the parking lot. If you have time, take up meditation or yoga.

Learn to express your feelings, and talk about them with those involved. Together, you can probably come up with a solution.

Seniors who have left the hustle and bustle of working life behind and whose families have grown up are not immune to stress. Retirement carries a whole new set of circumstances which are likely to cause stress. Managing stress throughout life is known to help us enjoy our later years.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living, General Health, Healthy Living

Sharing and Contributing

February 25, 2012 Leave a Comment

No matter what we do in life, we cannot do it alone. Some possessive people try to hold on to what is theirs in fear that others will take it from them, but they wind up being miserable and their demise is soon to come. After they are gone people barely remember them, and they may beg for help but never get any. Sadly, we have all met people who fit into this category. They aren’t very attractive, are they?

On the opposite side of the coin there are those who are magnanimous and open-hearted. There is a certain magnetism about people who approach life in this manner, those who share with others around them and contribute to society in general. They will always be remembered for their compassionate and fulfilled lifestyles. These are character traits that we all could use a little more of. A small amount love and consideration can make this world a much better place for everyone.

Some of us cannot afford to share our physical wealth, nor should we be expected to. But if we do happen to have a little left over then it’s always a good gesture to help out those who are less fortunate. For example, my grandmother will always be remembered for her generosity of spirit, in that while she owned very little she was always eager to share what she did have.

If I let my neighbor borrow my lawnmower to cut his grass and he in turn lends me his hedge trimmer then we are developing community spirit while also reducing the need for both of us to own both items. Perhaps I have an elderly neighbor who cannot cut her own grass. Surely I can take a small amount of time every couple of weeks to do it for her. I need not ask for anything in return but I certainly will enjoy seeing a smile on her face and she on mine.

I might happen to have a high level of computer literacy, and what better way to use this than to be generous in helping my friend when his or her PC goes AWOL? Whilst not the purpose of my sharing these skills, this may get me invited to share someone else’s generosity in the form of home cooking, or some help in tidying that living room that has been neglected for months.

We all have had both good and bad experiences in our varied lifestyles. By sharing this wisdom we can help to prevent other people from making the same mistakes we have made, and can enjoy good times by going places and doing things which appeal to us on the recommendation of our associates.

Filed Under: Aging Parents, Assisted Living