Over the past few months, we have shared the story of Maria’s recovery from a brain aneurysm. Maria and her daughter Sofia found that working with Growing Options turned a challenging situation into an opportunity for growth. Their Aging Life Care Manager® managed the details of Maria’s care at every step of the way to guarantee that no aspect was overlooked. Maria and Sofia began the recovery journey overwhelmed with the new changes taking place, but with the help of the care manager they were able to come out the other side confident about Maria’s future aging care.
Hospital Care
Maria’s initial ER visit left Sofia overwhelmed as she tried to decide what was best for her mother while she was still emotionally stunned and worried by the sudden change in her mother’s health. When the care manager met Sofia at the hospital, she immediately found ways to help Sofia and improve Maria’s care. The care manager provided steady support throughout the hospital stay by:
- Explaining medical processes and terminology to Sophia
- Advocating for Maria and Sofia at the hospital, ensuring the proper questions were asked and the proper care was given
- Preparing Sofia and Maria for the recovery process
Transitioning to New Stages
The logistics of transitioning Maria, both from the hospital to rehab and from rehab home, included several details that could be easily overlooked or confused. The Aging Life Care Manager® coordinated each detail to make each transition as smooth as possible for both Sofia and Maria.
- Found a rehabilitation center that fit with Maria’s goals and was known for quality service
- Suggested ways to make Maria’s rehab stay more comfortable
- Arranged transportation between the hospital and rehab center
- Communicated with Maria’s therapists to ensure that her care aligned with her recovery goals
- Conducted a home safety evaluation and made necessary safety changes to Maria’s home
- Scheduled post-rehab therapy appointments
Care at Home
The recovery process didn’t end when Maria came home. Sophia needed support as she adjusted to her new role as caregiver, while Maria continued to face physical and emotional challenges. The care manager continued to support Sofia and Maria as they adjusted to a new home life by:
- Providing Sophia with caregiver support, including a meal service and part-time aide
- Listening to Maria’s fears about a recurring accident and suggesting a medical alert device
- Connecting Maria with a therapist to mentally adjust to necessary lifestyle changes
- Giving Sofia peace-of-mind about her mother’s care when Sofia took a vacation
- Adapting activities and hobbies to fit with Maria’s abilities
- Suggesting cognitive exercises to improve Maria’s memory
Into the Future
With Maria’s immediate recovery progressing well, Sofia and Maria wanted to prepare for Maria’s future as she aged. The care manager brought her expertise to the care planning process, asking the necessary questions to plan the most important aspects of future care. The Aging Life Care Manager®:
- Created a care plan that looked holistically at Maria’s health
- Connected Maria and Sofia with a trusted estate attorney
- Crafted an emergency action plan for future medical emergencies
- Advised the best ways to prepare for aging at home
Help For Your Needs
Our Aging Life Care Managers® can help you or your aging loved one with aging care like they helped Maria and her family! Reach out to us to take control of your aging future today.
Read Maria’s story:
- Maria’s Journey After an Aneurysm
- Hospital Care
- Leaving the Hospital
- Inpatient Rehab and Transitioning Home
- Looking to the Future