Q. I am being released from the hospital and my physician is requiring me to have home health services. How do I acquire such services?
A. The Council on Aging Home Health is a licensed provider of home health services (License Number: 299992379). If you or your loved one is in need of in-home medical care such as an RN, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, or personal care you need to contact our Home Health Agency. Our fees are competitive, but our quality of service is unequaled in the in-home health care field. If you need homemaking services in addition to medical, you will be referred to our In-Home Services Division which can provide those services, also for a fee. If you or your loved one is being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to have the Council on Aging Home Health Agency as your in-home services provider. Medicare and private pay insurance accepted.
Q. How can I be sure that a handyman or repairman is honest before I let them in my home?
A. Always ask for references and check them. Ask for ID before letting them into your home. You also want to make sure they are licensed. You can contact the Better Business Bureau at 800.275.6614.
Q. How can a senior obtain in-home services to assist with housekeeping/ homemaking, personal care, grocery shopping and errands?
A. Council on Aging can provide these kinds of services through its Elder Services Programs. You can be assured of the highest quality from a licensed professional. Each month we will place a call to the client to discuss their satisfaction with the service and provide feedback to the service provider.
Q. What if they cannot afford to pay for these services?
A. There are government subsidized programs available through the Council on Aging of Volusia County. As the Lead Agency for the Community Care for the Elderly program, potential clients are screened, evaluated, and given a risk assessment' score (calculated by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs) and those with the highest scores, most at risk, are served first. Due to the current demand for services and budget cuts statewide, however, there are waiting lists. Call 888.252.6110, ext. 225 or 226 or email the agency for more information or to be placed on the waiting list. Clients that meet the qualifications for Medicaid will be enrolled in that program.
Q. How do I go about deciding what type of facility my parent needs? What steps do I take to get him/her admitted?
A. First, consult with the physician and ask direct questions. Determine if your parent meets level of care for Assisted Living Facility (ALF) or a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), then visit several area facilities. The Manager or Admission Coordinator can give you a tour and answer questions. There will be a number of factors to consider including the cost and payor source. The facility you select will be able to provide you with a list of things that must be accomplished before your parent can be admitted. You can obtain a list of area facilities from Council on Aging or via the internet at Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Under its Fee for Service Program, the Council on Aging can provide a licensed and bonded Care Manager to assist with choosing and moving into a facility, even if you are out of state.
Q. I am worried that Mom or Dad is no longer a safe driver. What can I do to stop him or her from driving?
A. Consult with their doctor. If he or she is in agreement, they can write the State of Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Division of Driver's Licenses, ATTN: Medical Review Section Room A227, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0500. Their phone number is 850.921.6147. Family members or other concerned individuals may also contact the State Department listed above and report their concerns. This should result in the individual being called in for a re-examination. Florida Statutes protect the confidentiality of the reporter and protect them from any civil or criminal action.
Q. I think my mother’s caregiver may be stealing from her. What can I do?
A. Report your concern to the Florida Abuse Hotline (800.96.ABUSE) as suspected exploitation or, report your concerns to the local police department and/or the local state attorney’s office.
Q. I am a senior citizen and cannot see well enough to pay my bills, balance my checkbook, or figure out medical statements. Where can I go for help?
A. The Council on Aging has a program that may be able to help. If you can afford to pay for assistance, contact us and ask about Financial Counseling services. If you are unable to pay for this service, the Council on Aging has a government subsidized program that does the same thing. This program, however, is dependent upon adequate funding from the Federal government.
Q. Under what conditions should someone consider guardianship?
A. If someone feels as though they might soon become incapacitated and unable to make logical decisions about their life, care, and/or finances, a Power of Attorney or Voluntary Guardianship might be considered so they do not find themselves without someone to handle their affairs and make decisions for them. If, on the other hand, an individual exhibits peculiar behavior and/or significant memory loss and appears to be unable to make logical sound decisions relating to their living situation, care and/or finances, a non-voluntary guardianship might be considered. Council on Aging can assist in determining the correct course of action. An examining committee is appointed to evaluate the person and then provide a report to a judge who then evaluates all of the findings and testimony presented and makes the final decision.
Q. When should I refer to the Abuse Registry?
A. When an individual is being self-neglectful or is being exploited. The situations need to be assessed on an individual basis. If the individual is felt to be in danger, may harm themselves or others, and refuses help that they need to remain safe, notify the ABUSE Registry at 800.96.ABUSE (22873).
Q. Who can check up on someone who doesn’t answer the phone?
A. Try in advance to establish a network of neighbors, friends, church members, etc. who are willing to assist in these situations. If the senior lives in a multi-unit complex, have the office manager’s number handy. Also keep in mind that the local police departments will make a “wellness check” on a senior who may be in jeopardy. Council on Aging can arrange for a telephonic Emergency Alert Response System for the client to activate in emergency situations. “I’ve fallen and I can not get up” buttons that are worn on the elder person can be a life saver.
Q. I care for my husband 24/7. I am exhausted. Where do I turn?
A. If you are able to afford private help Council on Aging has a variety of respite services that can provide anything from a social respite program to bed/bath visits or 24-hour in-home help. There is also the option of Adult Day Care facilities. There are some grant services available if you are unable to afford to pay privately for help.
Q. I need to go out of town and my father can’t stay home alone. What are my options?
A. You can hire private 24-hour in-home help or arrange for a short-term stay in a facility. Many Assisted Living Facilities and Skilled Nursing Facilities offer respite stays. If your parent can be managed in an Assisted Living Facility, it will be less costly and easier to arrange.
Q. Which Advance Directives should my parents have in place? Do we need an attorney?
A. They should at least have a Living Will and a Health Care Surrogate. These forms are available at area health care organizations or office supply stores and can be filled out on your own. Some people opt to utilize an attorney to make sure that special issues and questions are appropriately addressed.
Q. Where can a person go for emergency food?
A. Home Delivered Meals are available from Council on Aging on a temporary or continued basis. This can be a helpful service following surgery or hospitalization or just for peace of mind that a parent is getting a nutritionally balanced, hot meal daily. There are a number of area charities and churches that will supply emergency food. They will generally require a picture ID and there are limits on how often food can be obtained. Anyone with very limited income who has an ongoing problem affording food should contact Department of Children & Families to see if they may be eligible for food stamps.
Q. I need help paying my electric bill. My power is about to be turned off. Who can help?
A. First apply for help at your County’s social services department. They will require ID and proof of income. They will also want to see the shut-off notice from the power company. Area churches may also help on a one-time basis. You should also contact the FPL’s special consumer services at 1.800.DIAL.FPL to see if there are any programs that may assist. Council on Aging also has funds available for low income elder persons. Contact Council on Aging Customer Service, 888.252.6110, ext. 225 or 226