A true story…
Charleny Diaz is 21 years old. She lives with her beloved grandmother Vicenta Toribio, age 74, in an apartment in Salem, Massachusetts. For some time now, Charleny has dedicated herself completely to caring for her grandmother, Vicenta, ranging from her most basic needs to other personal issues. Vicenta Toribio has suffered two strokes and is at great risk because of her inability to control her sugar levels due to her chronic diabetes. The future was uncertain for someone like Vicenta.
A program that can help.
According to surveys done by the AARP, 89% of people over the age of 50 prefer to age in their own homes rather than move to a nursing home. But many people, as they grow too frail to care for themselves safely, are afraid that they have no choice. They do not realize that there are programs in Massachusetts which help qualifying elders adults with disabilities get the help they need to stay in their homes. In fact, a relative who is not the spouse or guardian can be paid to live with the elder and avoid nursing home care by participating in programs known as Enhanced Adult Foster Care. To qualify for a program like this, you have to meet the following:
- Be an elder or disabled adult over 16 years old who has (or is eligible for) MassHealth.
- Be unable to live independently safely, but not require full-time skilled nursing care.
- Need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating and/or be at risk for wandering .
- Unable to take needed medication, etc., without help.
A win-win solution…
Although our loved one needing help must be willing to live full-time with the caregiver, the caregiver will receive training and support from professional nurses and social workers and can also be paid for their services to the elder/disabled person depending on the level of care required. Training includes fall prevention, nutrition, home safety, and medication management, as well as other topics that are specific to the health needs of our loved one.
Charleny and Vicenta, have benefited from such a program. After her last stroke, Vicenta was referred by BeverlyHospital to Caregiver Homes, one of the agencies that run this innovative program. Charleny was assigned a social worker and registered nurse and was trained to look after her grandmother. The agency facilitated the process of having safety equipment installed in her home so Vicenta could use the bathroom more safely. This ensured that Vicenta could be more independent. The nurse and case manager continued to visit and offer support to Charleny and her grandmother and made sure that they could keep medical appointments and continue making progress. Charleny not only was given professional support and training but she was paid by the program and her family has the satisfaction of seeing her grandmother do well. According to Charleny, her grandmother’s health stabilized in two months and she says that Vicenta is now happier and more active than before.
