Referral Circumstances:
Oxford Healthcare received an on-line inquiry about services for a mother. The daughter who lives out of state reported that her mother seems to be forgetful, argumentative, and has isolated herself from friends. Last week law enforcement had stopped her for driving improperly and suspended her driver’s license. A trip the emergency room had no significant findings.
Demographics:
72 year old female who lives alone. Has been very independent and active. Is very private and desires to continue living in the home that she and her late husband had custom built. Patient is demanding to drive.
Diagnosis
Dementia Suspected and later confirmed
Care Plan:
Oxford HealthCare RN visited the home within 2 hours of Saturday inquiry. RN completed health assessment and developed a private duty care plan that included: safety-supervision, bathing assist, dressing assist, cooking, eating reminders, medication reminders, grocery shopping, transportation, light house cleaning, and socialization. RN reviewed findings of patient’s assessment with family. Medical Evaluation set for Monday morning. Claim initiated with patient’s long term care insurance company. Private Duty aide services scheduled for 24-7 care.
Care:
A team of Certified Home Health Aides was formed for 24-7 care. 8 hour shifts scheduled Monday through Friday. 12 hour shifts scheduled on the Weekends. The Certified Home Health Aides ensured that this patient was safe, properly groomed and dressed, eating, not driving, all medical appointments kept, taking medications on time, and maintaining social outings. The Oxford RN provided frequent aide supervision and ongoing care coordination with her physicians and family. The patient was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia. In the final stages, private duty certified home health aides worked in conjunction with hospice. The RN modified the patient’s care plan to take care of her increasing needs such as feeding, incontinence care, and ambulation assist. The patient was able to live out her days at home. The daughter was able to have peace of mind about her mother’s care.
Payor Source:
The patient’s long term care insurance covered 50% of her care. The other 50% of her care was paid by a reverse mortgage loan.
