Thoughts On Caring for the Elderly After the Guthrie Disappearance
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has caused many to think more critically about aging parents and loved ones. It raises questions about safety when it comes to elderly individuals and their living arrangements. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that for some there is a valid desire to feel independent and live in their own space.
Many seniors want to “age in comfort” which means a place they are familiar with and have a lifetime of memories in. Living at home can be a good financial decision if a mortgage is paid off. By contrast, the high cost of institutional elder care- is unrealistic for many people.
Most of us are familiar with available resources: video cameras, medical alert systems, fall detection devices and remote technology that monitors a person in their home.
Here are some other safety considerations:
Create a Communication Rotation: Many people set up a rotation for calls, visits, picking up food and supplies and assistance with banking. If you are an only child or primary caregiver, you might consider asking relatives, neighbors or friends to assist.
Hire Help: Many people are looking for a few extra hours and would love to do this type of work, especially if they know you and your loved one. If greater oversight is needed, consider using an agency.
Ask Detailed Questions: Online research and reviews aren’t always the best indicator of quality. Ask about consistency of staff, cultural compatibility, and coverage if someone leaves or takes vacation. A few years ago, I was interviewing an agency that had only one registered nurse covering our area. When I asked what would happen if the nurse took time off or quit, the manager wasn’t sure and didn’t appear to have a back-up plan. I chose another agency that had a better plan if staffing changes occurred.
Understand What Monitoring Services Actually Cover: If you use a company that provides security or medical devices in the home, ask them what this cover and will they know if the person is injured? What happens if the device is unplugged? Who is notified if the cell or landline is out of service?
Protect Against Financial Scams: Monitor mail and phone calls when appropriate to protect the person from scams. Some family members are on the phone when an elderly person handles banking or tax matters. Prevention is easier than repair.
Visitors: Confirm and schedule in advance. I have heard of churches going door to door to offer support and guidance, but sometimes this is actually a scam to rob a person while impersonating an agency.
Some people have said, “if this can happen to the Guthrie’s with their resources, it can certainly happen to my family.” Financial resources do not shield a person from risk. In fact, larger homes and greater resources can often require more services, which means more individuals are accessing the home.
AARP Caregiver Resource Center www.aarp.org
www.caring.com
Family Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org
Kay Gimmestad, LCSW-C is a business coach and clinician in New York City with 20 years of experience working in the profit and not for profit sectors of Human Resources, Health and Human Services. She has built a reputation for being highly skilled in facilitating behavior change while working with employees, both individually and in groups, on matters relating to performance management, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and stress/wellness.
