Jackie began caring for her mother, Marie, after she returned home from a rehabilitation stay. Marie had fallen at her apartment, when she was pivoting to open the pantry door. Her foot got stuck on the carpet and even though her body made the turn, her hips and leg didn’t. This was near her front door so she was able to yell for help, and was heard by a neighbor. She made good progress with physical therapy and was getting close to being released.
Marie was ready to get home to her own apartment and bed. She was 100% independent, in a retirement community before her fall. Her building has a dining room so meals would not be a problem and can be sent to her room. When she was released, she was given instructions on exercise and mobility, and it was stressed to her the importance of having someone at home to help. Her daughter volunteered and said she was up for the task. Jackie was still working so her time with Marie was limited to evenings and weekends. They decided to try to make it work.
Marie had appointments and follow-ups she needed to attend. She needed assistance with daily tasks like bathing and dressing. She was using a walker around her apartment but needed a wheel chair for greater distances, even to go to the dining room to see her friends. She would get frustrated with how long things took to complete. She was frustrated that she had to wait for Jackie to show up, not wanting to risk another injury.
Jackie had taken on a big job, visiting Marie daily, trying to get to her mom’s place before work a couple times a week. She was stressing about her ability to care for her mom, worried that she was getting in the way of her progress. Marie had been home for 2 months and the recovery time can vary by individual, predicting a date when she would be fully recovered would be difficult.
Jackie showed up on the weekend, explained to Marie, that she was tired and not feeling like she was juggling her time very well. She said she felt like she was holding her back on her recovery and that she should be doing more to help her.
Marie reassured her that it was fine. Marie had started to recognize the toll this was taking on Jackie, so she took matters in her own hands. She called the social worker she had met at the rehab facility and asked if there were any local professionals, she could talk to about care options. The social worker told her about Aging Life Care Managers® also known as Geriatric Care Managers. When our phone rang and we heard Marie’s story, we were so impressed that she was reaching out because she saw that her daughter, was overwhelmed and needed help figuring out the right care options for her.
We met with Marie and Jackie and were able to arrange transportation to Marie’s physical therapy and physician appointments. We told them about in-home care options so that she could get assistance with bathing, laundry, and companionship. We planned regular visits and focused on Marie’s at home exercises and building up her endurance. As we got to know Marie, there were some other services we could arrange. Marie may need to consider moving to the assisted living wing at her retirement community. It was agreed that we would help Marie work through her care plan we are happy to help.
Jackie was so relieved; she could focus on their relationship during visits and help where needed. It took all of the stress out of the mother daughter dynamics they had. Marie was able to heal and eventually made a move to assisted living in her existing community. Each step we advocated for the best care for Marie.
If you or someone in your family are facing aging challenges, please give us a call at (203) 258-2640 or email us at info@growingoptions.com. We’ll be happy to assist!