What is the elder care continuum?

The elder care continuum is a timeline that shows an individual moving along the aging process. You parent lives in their own home, independently and successfully with no help needed. Obviously, this is the ideal situation i.e. step one on the continuum. However, they may be diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, or become frail. Unfortunately, they are then moving down the elder care continuum, as they require more and more help with activities of daily living, either at home with care, an assisted living facility, or then the nursing home.

Where are your parents on the elder care continuum?  You need to figure out where they are on the continuum, and, thus, plan for their future. This is not as easy as it sounds, as we have a tendency to diminish or deny any aging issues or concerns. Your father may state “I’m fine, but your mother is not doing so well, but I can take care of her.” You talk to your mother “I’m fine, but your father is not doing so well, but I can take care of him.”

The issue is to avoid the crisis by helping your aging parents manage their care to avoid a chronic illness, which potentially could lead to the nursing home, paying $9,000 per month. You are the best judge to decide their care, and determine when and where they need it. You need to advocate and make them understand, that they have the money to pay for their care.

Sometimes, we can’t be everything to everyone. You have a life, family and work obligations. Therefore, you need a team to help you manage your parents through the elder care continuum.

We have a team, to help you ensure the best quality of life for your parents, and relieve the stress of providing care for your parents. Our team consists of an Elder Law Attorney and Elder Care Coordinators. The Elder Care Coordinator is a skilled, caring and compassionate advocate for you and your parents.

The Elder Care Coordinator will:

• Identify care issues and assist in solving them.
• Assist families arranging in-home facilitate or other services.
• Coordinate with medical and health providers.
• Give support, steerage, and advocacy to prevent  a crisis.
• Coordinate the transfer to an assisted care living facility, or nursing home.
• Provide counseling and support.

Your Elder Care Coordinator has intensive information regarding the prices, quality, and availability of resources within the community. As families begin their journey through the elder care continuum, it's essential to have a supportive and knowledgeable advocate to accompany them along the continuum. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!