Care Continuums Facilitate Change

Article Submitted by Rose Quinnan, Director of Marketing at Merry Heart Health Care Center in Succasunna, N.J. Merry Heart is a continuum of care community with three Morris County locations. Merry Heart has provided quality elder care to area seniors since 1956. For more information call 973-584-4000. Rose can be reached at Extension 286.

Finding the best way to address the changing care needs of an elderly parent or loved one can be overwhelming. Often those in need are filled with denial, resistance, and anxiety. We all value our privacy and independence. The thought of leaving the comfort and security of home for something new and unfamiliar is frightening to anyone, but especially to the elderly.

Geriatric health care facilities that offer a continuum of care provide several programs that facilitate a gradual, more comfortable transition to more intense levels of care. Clients are encouraged to choose the program that best addresses current physical, emotional, and financial needs. As the situation changes, a more appropriate program is available to replace it.

For example, the initial need may be for assistance with bathing and dressing. In this case, it may be ideal to choose a Home Health Care program, in which the client remains at home and nurse aides of the facility make regular visits to provide the required service. Perhaps the need is for day supervision of a loved one during the work week. In an Adult Day Care program, the client spends most of the day at the facility participating in activities and meals. Another option is the Respite program. It involves a short term stay at the facility allowing caregivers a chance to take a break or go on vacation. If at any time a medical set-back occurs and post-hospital rehabilitation is required, the Therapy Program of the facility will meet the need. This program involves a short term stay under the direction of the Nursing and Therapy Departments for exercises and strengthening.

Another choice, Assisted Living, may be appropriate if ability to perform activities of daily living is still intact, but regular supervision and socialization are necessary. A continuum of care facility is usually flexible; able to "custom make" a program to meet specific objectives. Social Work and Nursing professionals become familiar with the client and are able to observe changes and advise choices. Using a facility that offers a continuum of care is very beneficial. One of the biggest advantages is that it almost always provides a happier and more comfortable adjustment to a skilled nursing placement, should that eventually become necessary.