I recently took my several trips and had to line up coverage in case my husband had an emergency occur while I was out of town. The standard practice if an ALF resident has to go to an ER is for the ALF to call 911 and have the resident transported with their medical records, but no staff member accompanies them. The ALF calls the responsible party and they must run over to the ER to be with the resident.
DH's only relative in this area is his daughter, and for numerous reasons, I could not list her as the responsible person in my absence. I asked my brother to do it, but his wife had a problem with it because "DH is not a blood relative". You can imagine my reaction to that one!
So, I hired a geriatric care manager to be on call while I was out of town. Nothing occurred, thank goodness, but if it had--the ALF would have called her and she would have gone to the hospital, notified me, etc.
The only charge I incurred was several hundred dollars for an upfront assessment by the care manager. She went to the ALF, reviewed DH's records, spoke to me, observed and talked to him, etc. If her services were needed during my absence, she bills $150/hr during business hours, time and a half after business hours. Some long term care policies cover the cost.
That's good advice. I've been thinking about that one for the future. I think I'll have enough willing family on standby, but it's good to know there's an alternative.
Marilyn, thanks for the advice...it is important for people to know there's a requiremenat AND an alternative if family is not available. I hired a geriatric care manager 3.5 years ago when Rich was hospitalized for his behaviors. Originally she was hired to help me through the psychiatric hospital issues, but we maintain a relationship and when I need her for something, she's available. I actually have her as an emergency contact if I am out of town (as you know, Rich is still home with an aide) because she's closer than my sister. Rich's LTC policy doesn't cover her costs, but I am grateful to have someone I can call.
Marilyn, Your wisdom helped me decide to place my husband in the ALF. Now you have taught me again. I have no family nearby. My daughter recently moved back up north. I did get the call one morning at 5AM. He had fallen and was on the way to the ER. I will find a geriatic care Manager. I worry about going away for that very reason. Much appreciated. Thanks again.
Guess I need to look into this. While I was in CA recently, hb went to emergency w/bladder infection and had a turp procedure. They called our daughter who lives here to tell her, but she never went to the hospital. Son-in-law went once during the 6 days he was in hospital. Tells me something about family I hadn't realized. So, I'm definitely making changes.
Judith--I got a referral from the Alzheimer's Association. Ocallie36--that is the beauty of this website--we all learn to navigate these trecherous waters from each other.
EEK, Zibby--6 days in the hospital without anyone from family there for the bulk of it? How did he do? My husband would be terrified.
www.caremanager.org should help you locate someone. Also ALZ Asso if they make referrrals (ours does not) or the local Area Office on Aging could also be a good resource.