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The Diagnosis Most Schools Never Teach

 

As our senior population expands to historic population, the medical community becomes increasingly in tune with their needs. Advances in health care on all levels are producing a senior population that, considering each age level, is healthier and more vital than previous generations. Nevertheless, a basic need that has existed since the beginning of families still exists today, and modern society has placed fulfillment of that need on the shoulders of doctors and family practitioners. The age-old need is human assistance.

 

Families today tend to live farther apart and most family members work outside the home. In response, caregiving has become a profession and needing care has become an insured risk. A seniors physical and mental abilities may decline gradually making identifying their needs for assistance a challenge. This may be further complicated further by our community’s general lack of knowledge about home care or other options.

 

Medicaid and private insurance generally rely on doctors and family practitioners to identify and verify an individual’s need for professional home care and assistance. In a nationwide survey by AARP in 2002, 66% of physicians reported feeling as if their training did not adequately prepare them to coordinate in home care and community services. Typically, if a patient in the exam room does not plainly state that he or she requires assistance, the doctor would not know otherwise. When should a physician or nurse make a recommendation designed to keep a senior safe at home and prevent institutionalization? I think that most people would agree with me that any of the below signs should be an indication help is needed.


Here are some indications for a home care referral:

 

  • Stated or demonstrated inability to manage medications
  • Injuries at home, especially falls, slips, burns
  • Missed meals and declining nutritional status
  • Caregiver fatigue, when a family member is tired or showing signs of emotional strain
  • Lack of family support nearby
  • Change in hygiene, less kempt, less clean
  • Signs of depression
  • Signs of confusion
  • Unpaid bills
  • Limited mobility, risk of falls
  • Fear of driving, causing reluctance to visit grocery store or pharmacy
  • Unsafe  home environment

 

The presence of any of the above signs may indicate a need for assistance at home. Home care can be provided and customized according to level of need, health conditions, and surrounding support. At Home Personal Carewill report an individuals plan of care to the patients physician in writing and maintain updates when a change in the plan/condition occurs. Maintaining an ongoing relationship with other health care professionals surrounding a patients care is important. Everyone needs to be pro-active and involved. When personal care begins, caregivers can work in the home for as little as a few hours a day to full time around the clock care. Health related activities of daily living are provided in a safe, controlled environment.

 



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