Total Care Solutions - Common Questions
Are Sound Options Caregivers trained in Dementia and Alzheimer's care?Yes, all Sound Options caregivers receive an intensive three-day training program that includes memory care. Many of our clients struggle with memory loss issues and our Caregivers regularly use this training in the home. Our Director of In-Home care stays in contact with her team and visits client's homes regularly to ensure the highest quality of service is provided. Additional mentorship is available for Caregivers facing unusual challenges.
Are the caregivers able to help with pets?Yes. Sound Options is a pet-friendly employer. We love our own pets and understand they are an important part of any family and our caregivers will treat your pets with kindness and respect.
Do I get to pick my Care Manager or is one assigned to me?Most families prefer to have us match the Care Manager to the client's specific, individual needs. Sound Options has bios on each of our Care Managers and you are welcome to look those over; however the bios cannot tell the whole story of each Care Manager's expertise! Additionally, you may interview available Care Managers. We strive to keep caseloads manageable so every client gets the attention they deserve. If a client feels they would prefer a different Care Manager we will gladly transition another member of our team to serve them.
How much does it cost to get started with Care Management services?Every client is unique and situations vary widely. The cost is billed hourly for time the Care Manager spends on your case, including travel time. This will include a thorough assessment and any research/follow up that needs to be done to develop a customized plan of care for your loved one. During the initial assessment your Care Manager will work with you to identify your priorities and be able to give you an idea of the costs.
I think it's time for my mother to get help, but my siblings do not agree. Is there someone who can get us all on the same page?There are many reasons why siblings often do not see a parent's situation in the same way. Even with the best of intentions, family dynamics can hinder the help a loved one needs.
A Sound Options Care Manager can act as a neutral third party, conducting a professional needs assessment to provide a realistic view of where your mother truly is. From there, your Care Manager can act as an advocate for your mother as well as mediate with the family to arrive at a consensus that best serves your mother's needs. Care Managers can also advocate for your mother during a family care meeting, bringing insights and expertise, as well as answering questions siblings may have.
I thought that hiring an Elder Law attorney would solve all my problems with my parents but it didn't. What can I do?An elder law attorney is only one person in your toolbox; she is one member of a team of trusted advisors for your parents. A Care Manager stands at the center of a circle of trusted advisors, advocating and coordinating services for her clients, with the goal being the highest quality of life possible. Additionally, your Care Manager can be the eyes and ears for the family and advisors, ensuring all involved parties have the best information available for decision-making. Working together as a team, your elder law attorney and your Care Manager can ensure the long-term wellbeing of your parents.
My father has Dementia but he refuses to leave his home and I'm not sure he's safe there alone. What can I do?Sound Options' Care managers are trained to handle situations like this. This is a common issue families face; both our Care Managers and Caregivers have experience in ways to successfully defuse the resistance to in-home care that stems from fear on the part of your loved one with memory loss. We can help you develop care options that work with your particular needs. Your Care Manager will oversee the care as well as help find in-home caregiving that can support your father's decision to remain in his home.
My father would never accept a Care Manager coming into his home. How can I start the process?Sound Options Care Managers are skilled at what they do. They are kind, compassionate people who care about the wellbeing of seniors. Rather than a formal meeting, tell your father you've invited a friend over for a cup of coffee. From there, your Care Manager can begin a very low-key, gracious conversation. Make it clear to your father you are only looking to improve his quality of life, not take away his freedom.
No one in my family lives near our parents. How can we get them help if we are far away?Your Sound Options Care Manager is able to be your eyes and ears to continually check on and address the changing needs for your parent as they are responsible for the 'big picture' of care. Living far away is never a barrier to remaining well-informed and having peace of mind. An advocate for the client as well as the family, your Care Manager creates compassionate, unique plans-of-action tailored to individual needs. Critical thinkers by nature and by training, once a master plan is established and agreed upon, our Geriatric Care Managers continually review the plan and make certain all aspects are properly implemented on a day-to-day basis. Sound Options Care Managers are committed to sustaining quality of life for every client and their families, wherever they may live.
What are the red flags I should look for to assess whether my parents are able to live independently and safe?If you are feeling concerned, you are probably already seeing some changes. Here are some potential warning signs:
- Home not as clean and tidy as usual.
This may be because she has been busy with other things, is more tired than usual, or is feeling overwhelmed with daily tasks. Keep an eye on this and look for signs this is worsening.
- Letting bills and other mail pile up.
He may be feeling overwhelmed by tasks he used to take in stride.
- Weight loss.
Shopping, preparing food may just seem like too much trouble. Also look for no food in the house or spoiled food. This could be a sign of depression, and is especially common after the death of a spouse.
- Wearing the same clothes, poor hygiene.
They may forget to change clothes, sometimes sleeping and wearing the same thing for days, or they put on the same clothes every morning. Neglecting to shower or bathe.
- Wearing inappropriate clothing.
Wearing summer clothes in winter, not wearing shoes (when they normally would), leaving off articles of clothing.
Confusion in the kitchen. Dirty dishes and/or food left out for long periods, burned pans (left on stove), expired foods in the fridge; all these are signs your loved one may be at risk.
- Forgetfulness.
Forgetting appointments, medications, conversations can all indicate a problem.
- Strange/unusual behaviors.
Phone calls at odd hours, repeated phone calls on topics already discussed, accidental over medication, signs of paranoia or suspicion, asking the same question repeatedly.
If you see some of these things discuss it with your loved one. Share your concerns for their well-being. You may want to discuss your concerns with a Care Manager for some coping skills and suggestions
What is the difference between a Care Manager and a Caregiver?Care Managers hold post-graduate degrees as either RNs or MSWs. They are professionals who work directly with doctors, hospitals, care facilities, and elder law professionals on a regular basis coordinating necessary services. In-Home Caregiver paraprofessionals are either Registered or Certified Nursing Assistants. Their services range from personal care to medication reminders, companionship to hobby support.
What is the difference between home health and home care?Home health provides a specialized short-term skilled need, usually after someone comes home from the hospital or nursing home. Home care factors in the long-range plan and includes a caregiver that delivers customized, ongoing support and the development of a true relationship in the privacy of a client's home.
