Martha called ElderCare Solutions at the recommendation of her doctor. Her mother-in-law, Ann, had been deteriorating over many months. She was increasingly reclusive and her clothes barely fit her shrinking frame. She neglected her home and her hygiene. Despite her best efforts, Martha could not get her mother-in-law to accept assistance.
ElderCare Solutions staff gained entry into her home. Because Ann had developed so much resistance to Martha’s help, we met alone with her. It took several visits of listening and observing to build some small measure of trust. Consultations were made with Ann’s physician. A care plan that outlined the situation and proposed short and long term plans was sent to the physician and to Martha. A written report brought objectivity to an emotionally laden situation and helped Martha understand why she couldn’t “do it alone.” ElderCare Solutions educated Martha about her mother-in-law’s illness and helped her adopt new ways of interacting to avoid anger and resistance. With phone updates to Martha, in-home assistance was put in place and changes in medication were made. Despite these measures, Ann’s condition continued to deteriorate. She was no longer safe alone in her home.
ElderCare Solutions initiated and guided the transition to long term care. Her physician was consulted to initiate a hospitalization for thorough evaluation and treatment. ElderCare participated in hospital staff meetings to ensure all relevant problems were addressed, and found a care facility to meet Ann’s needs.
Martha was able to continue to meet her own work demands, knowing that her Ann was receiving the expert care she needed. ElderCare Solutions collaborated with the care facility to ease Ann’s admission and transition. Ann settled successfully into her new environment. Relieved of the burden of trying to take care of herself, she became calm and comfortable, able to accept the attention and care provided to her. Martha was able to take on the role of dutiful daughter-in-law and they were able to return to a satisfying and relaxed relationship.