Lisa Marie Blaskie RN, CSA, CCM
Lisa Marie Blaskie RN, CSA, CCM
How is mom really doing?
There is a popular tune played during the holidays called “Grandma Got Run Over by A Reindeer” which relates that Grandma — after drinking too much eggnog — went out into the winter cold to get her medication and was run over by a reindeer. The question is, “Who was supposed to be watching Grandma?” Or who is making sure your mom or dad is safe?
Though this little tune is just for fun, it may very well raise alarms to many family members of the elderly. Adult family members know that things may be changing for their loved one and they may be the last to know. That what your mom may be saying to you over the phone may be what they want you to hear. There will come a time when there is a need for a healthcare professional to be available to check on mom to verify she is okay. You cannot let down their diligent watch over your elderly loved one.
There are some things you can do as a adult child living out of town to make sure mom is okay.
Arrange for help. Call on other family members, friends or neighbors to check in to see how mom or dad are doing., ask your church group or a neighbor if they might donate some check in time.
Use community services. Many senior centers provide meals for the elderly and supervised activities, onsite, at no charge or a minimal charge. For locating senior services in your state, call your state Area Agency on Aging or check the national locator website at http://www.n4a.org/
Or consider the use of a national check in service like Senior Watch Calling www.seniorwatchcalling.com to have piece of mind that mom is okay for as little as $2.90 a day.
For example:
Jean lives in New York her mother and her mother lives alone in San Francisco. Jean calls frequently to talk with her mom and travels out to visit often. During her last visit she noticed that mom is not getting around as easily as she used to, her circle of friends is dwindling. Plus it appears she may not be eating right. She also found food in the refrigerator that should have been thrown out. In addition mom is missing doctor appointments. In short mom may not need home care but would benefit from a professional check in service.
Senior Watch Calling is a national check in service that provides the following peace of mind benefits:
■A scripted call to your loved one by a trained care manager asking key questions on how your loved one is doing on a periodic schedule with an immediate text and email sent to you and to any other family member you designate.
■An RN visiting her home once a month to verify that she is safe, that living conditions are okay and medications are being taken correctly. In short verifying that what is being communicated over the phone is what is happening.
■The availability of a personal assistant to transport, assist with errands, doctor visits, exercise support or just companionship as needed.
■A personal emergency response system available through Senior Watch Calling without equipment charges, installation costs or long term contract.
This program gave Jean the piece of mind knowing that a professional is checking in on mom and that there is now a program in place to respond to her mother’s needs.
Technology to the rescue. Senior Watch Calling is the solution that will keep “Grandma” from going out in the winter cold and getting run over by a reindeer. With a personal touch call program, supported by a home visit to give you piece of mind. All for as little as $2.90 a day.
Whether providing care in your home or helping senior family members in their own home your use of monitoring and “tech” help aids can provide extra safety for your loved ones, and peace of mind for you.
To find out more about Senior Watch Calling services go to www.seniorwatchcalling .com or call 888.603.29445 anytime for details on this national service.
If you or someone you know needs help with in home care caregiver in Palm Springs CA or the surrounding area, contact ComForcare Senior Services. We provide quality and affordable in home care for many disabled and elderly loved ones in our community. Call us at 888-227-8685 for more information.
