Real People Real Stories
Memory Loss
K, a bachelor, retired in his 60's from a 30 year career as a software engineer. Shortly after this, his sisters noticed increasing memory lapses, which K attributed to his "retirement". The family became alarmed following several incidents of K, who lived alone, losing his keys and locking himself out of his house. K's sister procured Pathfinder Care Management services to assess K's ability to safely remain in his home. The Care Manager (CM) gained the client's trust and with his permission scheduled physician and other diagnostic appointments to determine the origin of K's memory loss. Following the diagnosis of an early onset form of Alzheimer's, the CM assisted K and his family in identifying resources, such as transportation and companion services, to support K's desire to live independently in his home as long as possible. The frequency of the CM's involvement has decreased for now, however the CM will remain available as needed to support his needs as K's condition changes.
Working Caregiver
S, as a small business owner, daughter and parent lives a very busy life. In the spring of 2007 her Dad, D, had a stroke. Over the course of the next several months, S supported her Dad through a maze of complications, rehabilitation stays and recurrent hospitalizations. In July, 2007, S grew increasingly frustrated and disappointed by the lack of quality care and coordinated oversight in providing for her Dad's needs. Overwhelmed by business, parenting and adult child responsibilities, S contacted Pathfinder Care Management for assistance. The Care Manager assisted by identifying appropriate resources as D moved through different levels of care. D ultimately progressed to the point of being discharged to a residential care facility. Pathfinder's work with D was finished right about the time that S requested services for her 92 year old aunt.....
Long Distance Caregiving
P and her family relocated from Minnesota to Florida several years ago. As an only child, P had mixed feelings about leaving her widowed mother, J. Prior to P's move, J's multiple health problems compelled P to move J to "assisted living". At the same time, P's desire to have a health advocate for her mom prompted P to hire Pathfinder Care Management to be her "eyes and ears". Following the initiation of Care Management services the frequency of J's hospitalizations decreased, even though J's overall condition continues to decline. The "assisted living's" management values the Care Manager (CM) as a positive force in helping their staff support J's complex needs. The CM's frequent communication with P provides a level of reassurance alleviating some of the anxiety often experienced by long distance caregivers.
Being Prepared
N and M, married over 60 years, live independently in the same home in which they raised their 5 children. In preparation for the "what if" situations that life can throw at you, they and their adult children requested a family meeting with a Care Manager (CM) from Pathfinder Care Management. The CM assessed their parent's current situation and helped prepare them for their potential needs. With the CM's help N, M and their children had a better understanding of issues including Medicare coverage, Veteran benefits and additional options for community resources. The CM assistance in defining caregiver roles for each of the adult children gave them a better understanding of N and M's long term wishes. In case of that "what if" situation Pathfinder Care Management will serve N and M in an as needed health advocacy role. The CM checks in with them on a regular basis, is available to them 24/7 for emergencies and facilitates communication between family members and other health care providers.
