Whether you're caring for elderly parents in the Philadelphia, PA
metro area or searching for non medical home care support systems in
outlying regions of the state, such as Glen Mills, Ardmore,
Jenkintown, or Radnor, here are some powerful ideas that can save
you hassle, protect your pocketbook, and ensure the health and
welfare of the ones you love.
Step one is to determine whether non medical home care is indeed
appropriate. Some key indicators include: 1) the patient can no
longer drive or has severe restrictions to mobility outside the
home. 2) the patient has displayed a consistent and aggravating
pattern of slovenliness or poor hygiene (e.g. storing milk cartons
and juice in the refrigerator way past their expiration dates; not
replacing light bulbs for months; not watering house plants, etc.)
3) the patient complains about loneliness, depression, or anxiety
relating to feelings of isolation or medical pain.
Step two is to survey your service options. Local government offices
can key you into non medical home care providers in your area as
well as provide you with tools to deal with insurance companies,
Medicare, and retirement/financial issues. Look to multiple sources.
If your local Chaddsford or Malvern offices don't have adequate non
medical home care advice for your situation, tap into county-wide
resources for the elderly through Montgomery, Chester, or Bucks
county offices. You might also investigate all-volunteer caregiver
programs or services set up through religious auspices.
Step three is to manage your fluid and evolving non medical home
care situation. Prepare yourself – financially and emotionally – for
the trials ahead. Set aside time and some funds to manage the
stresses and the setbacks. Lean on relatives, friends, and trusted
clergy for advice and support. Ask questions. Dig for resources. Use
information from multiple sources to “triangulate” to find the best
path forward. And - perhaps most importantly – plan early for as
many contingencies as possible.
