What Are Care Consultations?
A care consultation is provided to caregivers during transitional situations, crisis situations and in situations where the caregiver needs education and support to take better care of themselves.
It is designed to enhance the quality of life and decrease the stressful impact of dementia for the care receiver and the caregiver. This is achieved by providing psycho-social support, comprehensive information and education about the disease and symptom management, assistance with problem-solving, assistance with planning for future needs and providing linkages to other agencies and resources.
An assessment of the identified area(s) of need is completed, as well as any underlying issues identified by the Care Navigator and caregiver that may have an effect on the caregiver’s situation. The assessment results in identified action steps to be taken by the Care Navigator and/or the caregiver. The action steps are thoroughly outlined and discussed, and a written action plan is provided.
Family Consultations are free caregiver support services to caregivers and family members during both times of transition and crisis, which offer an opportunity to bring family members together to discuss issues of common concern, strategies to address them and the opportunity to learn together in a safe facilitated forum.
The Care Navigator will assess the caregiving family’s needs. A family care plan is developed as a result of the needs assessment. Information pertaining to resources available to the caregiving family is provided. The Care Navigator assists in problem solving with the caregiving family and assists the caregiving family in making decisions about care options. A written Family Care Plan is then provided to the family and relevant follow-up sessions will occur until the situation is stabilized.
When a family member has Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia, it affects everyone in the family. It is important to talk about what is happening. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia causes your loved one to lose the ability to remember, think and use good judgement, and to have trouble taking care of themselves. Family consultations can help you and your family have a better sense of how to cope.
