Mom and dad would like to remain in their home in El Paso, Texas for as long as possible. My sister and I live in Missouri and California.

Mom's short term memory is shot, and Dad's short term memory is starting to fail. They have both been diagnosed with Organic Brain Syndrome. Soon they will be unable to reliably care for one another.

I'm working with a family friend to maintain their household, but we're failing in our attempts to maintain in-home care.

We've lost two home care agencies now because they are not yet homebound. The agencies in the area I've spoken with are precluded from treating them as they have Medicare Part A benefits.

This is completely frustrating as they have long saved for their old age only to find their money isn't good anywhere. Dad still works downtown a few hours a day, though he no longer draws a salary or benefits.

We'd like to hire a private care manager who can asses, arrange, and provide oversight for a visiting nurse, driver, and housekeeper. If possible, we'd like this same person to accompany them to doctor's visits and help us to coordinate their medical care.

We also need unbiased advice about insurance. We have no problem attracting salespeople. We'd like to hire a competent independent advisor.

What are these people called? I can find lawyers and doctors and accountants. But independent insurance consultants? Elder care coordinators? Do such persons even exist?

-Hal

Hello Hal, and welcome to these message boards. The type of professional you are thinking of is called a geriatric care manager. There is a national association which will make referrals for your area. There are also geriatric social workers and for-profit home care agencies that help seniors with dementia.

Since today is Friday there may be a delay in having a Care Consultant answer your question. I suggest you post your question also on the Caregiver board. There are many people who visit that board who can give you good advice.

Please check the main website, alz.org. There's good information on caregiving because there are many responsibilities you need to stay on top of.

If you can, please visit in the chat room in the evenings in your time zone. There are many there who will advise and support you.

Iris L.

Dear Hal,

Welcome to this online supportive Community. Iris has given you a great suggestion. Geriatric Care Managers are professionals (nurses or social workers) who can assess a family’s situation, and recommend the appropriate care and address other needs like insurance questions, other local referrals, etc. They are trained in the needs of Older adults and their families. Families tend to hire a care manager, when members of the familiy are long distance.

Go to http://www.caremanager.org/ to learn more about what Care Managers can do as well as how to locate one in your area.

Also, another option to look into specifically for the financial issues and insurance questions would be an Elder Law Attorney. Go to http://naela.org to learn more about Elder Law Attorneys’ and to locate one in your area. Elder Law Attorneys are experienced in common older adult issues, such as Medicare, long term care financial planning, and other issues.

Another place that you could start is at our CARE FINDER resources. Care Finder is an online tool that can help you uncover what type of care would fit your needs bests. Go to www.alz.org/carefinder/ Select 'Get started now' to use the interactive tool which will give you recommend options and questions to ask when looking for a care provider for your parents.

Throughout this process Hal, I encourage you to stay in contact with your local Alzheimer's Association Chapter. We have a helpline open 24/7 to take your call and answer any questions about what you are going through. There are support groups, educational programs, and local resources available through your local chapter. Call them at 800.272.3900.

Hal, I know this may seem like a lot as there are many different resources, which may help. Some resources and professionals may help with one particular need your parents have, and another may help with something else. It is important to be open to these professionals about what you are looking for, and what your concerns are for your parents.

I hope this information has helped guide you.

Bests,