The untold tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic is the decline and suffering of our most vulnerable older adults living in long term care facilities who have not historically risen to a high standard of care. Fortunately, as an Aging LIfe Care Professional we are able to advocate for our clients to place them in facilities that are providing excellent care. I am grateful for those partnerships and applaud their hard work in meeting the challenges that this moment in history forces them to face.
I met Mary two years ago. She was a vibrant active 73-year-old widow with a close circle of long-time friends whom she saw often. She would go to the Senior Center for exercise class, attend theatre and opera, and go out for lunch and of course, a walk to the neighborhood ice cream parlor daily. Her primary family support, her younger son David lived in New York City…
In my Care Management practice over the years, every relationship with a client starts with a face to face meeting. This connection and daily routine is as important to my clients’ well-being and stability as any medication that a physician prescribes. With the world pandemic of Covid-19, I’ve had to adapt my practice to keep everyone safe, while not losing that personal connection.
As an experienced Care Manager, I have put together this document outlining priorities for older adults during these mandated stay-at-home times. If you do not have a support system and find that you need help putting together a plan that works, go to www.aginglifecare.org and plug in your zip code under the “Find a Care Manager” tab, or feel free to reach out for more information.
