Eldercare
Eldercare responsibilities often come up unexpectedly and can lead to complications with work and family. The Work/Life Resource Center can help by providing you with support, and by locating community resources to help you care for your aging relative. Resources can be located nationwide to assist those who are long-distance caregivers.
Please call 936-8677 for an appointment with our eldercare specialist to discuss your particular eldercare concerns.
The Work/Life Resource Specialist can assist you with:
- Referring clients to assisted living and nursing home resources
- Assisting clients locating local and nationwide resources
- Locating Medicare & Medicaid assistance\
- Locating medical & legal resource assistance
- Locating informative articles related to your specific situation
- Locating counseling services and support groups for caregivers
In this Section:
Links
Alzheimer’s Association
http://www.alzmigreatlakes.org/
Neighborhood Senior Services
http://www.nssweb.org/
State of Michigan--Medicare
http://www.medicare.gov/
Catholic Social Services
http://www.csswashtenaw.org/
UM UHR-FMLA Tutorial
http://www.umich.edu/~hraa/hra/FMLA/toc.htm
Center for Independent Living
http://www.aacil.org/
Turner Geriatric Clinic
http://www.med.umich.edu/geriatrics/TurnerGeriatricClinic/index.htm
National Family Caregiver’s Association
http://www.nfcacares.org
Please call 936-8677 for an appointment with our eldercare specialist to discuss your particular eldercare concerns.
CAREGIVER INFORMATION
The informed caregiver—End of life decisions
End of life decisions are never easy to make. It’s a discussion that all family members should be part of. Questions regarding end of life decisions should be made before a crisis arises. Hospice and designation of a medical patient advocate are two important issues that should be addressed.
Hospice means palliative care (comfort care). This is usually an option for those at the end stage of an incurable illness. To be enrolled in hospice, a physician must write an order for the patient to be on hospice. Once a patient is enrolled, an interdisciplinary team is provided, including: nurse, social worker, nursing aide, chaplain, and a doctor that oversees the case.
Hospice can be provided in most settings depending on the wants and needs of the patient and family. Some settings include: home, hospice home, hospital, assisted living or nursing home. Hospice agencies are located throughout the state of Michigan.
Designation of a patient advocate allows the chosen individual power to make medical treatment decisions and personal care & custody decisions when the patient is unable to make their own medical treatment decisions. The WLRC Specialist can review and provide faculty, staff and students the legal guide published by the State of Michigan that allows you to designate a patient advocate.
The following websites may be helpful:
National Association of Elder Law Attorneys
http://www.naela.com/
National Hospice Organization
http://www.nhpco.org/templates/1/homepage.cfm
Please call 936-8677 for an appointment with our eldercare specialist to discuss your particular eldercare concerns.
“The closing years of life are like the end of a masquerade party, when the masks are dropped.”~ Arthur Schopenhauer ~ German philosopher.
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Common Concerns
Caregivers often have multiple challenges to overcome when caring for an elderly person. There are health issues (physical and mental), transportation issues, financial issues, end of life decision making, mobility and housing concerns.
There are a wide variety of local and nationwide resources to help families. Please contact the WLRC for more information.
Some helpful websites for caregivers can be found at:
http://hr.umich.edu/worklife/eldercare/eldercareref.php#2
Please call 936-8677 for an appointment with our eldercare specialist to discuss your particular eldercare concerns.
Elder Abuse and Neglect
Elder abuse and neglect may consist of the following types: Physical Abuse, exploitation, violation of basic rights (opening mail, making phone calls), psychological abuse, self-neglect, sexual abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
For detailed information on elder abuse and neglect, check out:
Websites
National Center on Elder Abuse
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/index.aspx
If you suspect any of the preceding types of abuse or neglect contact Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-800-996-6228 or visit their website
http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5452_7119-15663--,00.html
Book
Blazer, Dan. (1998). Emotional problems in later life. 2nd ed.
Please call 936-8677 for an appointment with our eldercare specialist to discuss your particular eldercare concerns. |
Eldercare