Problem Solving

We had a difficult time naming a service that we provide every day! That’s because so much of what we do revolves around listening to the needs of the client and their family, and coming up with creative solutions to their issues. Sometimes one of the first and most challenging problems we face is to help families solve the problem of persuading a senior to meet with us in the first place! By looking at issues from the senior’s point of view, we are generally able to persuade the senior to meet.

Problem solving includes finding the best solutions for couples needing differing levels of care, making a home handicap accessible, overcoming budget constraints by finding less expensive ways to address needs and concerns and nearly any other problem that may arise. The case illustration below demonstrates solutions to a variety of problems.

Below is an example that demonstrates how a Sanders & Warren care manager solved problems for their senior client.

CASE STUDY

Care Mangers Explore New Housing Options

Mrs. E, a 92 year old childless widow, called a retirement residence near her home and indicated a possible interest in moving there. However, she then had many excuses for not coming to tour and related many problems that prevented her from planning a move.
The residence suggested that she call a geriatric care manager to help. Mrs. E felt overwhelmed because she had recently given up driving, had severe edema in her feet, and could not wear her shoes. She was against the idea of in-home help. The care manager from Sanders & Warren convinced Mrs. E to let a homecare physician and visiting nurses treat her edema and open wound, and purchased special edema shoes for her. Her care manager also found a grocery store that would deliver. Mrs E's life began to improve.
Mrs. E had many worries related to the upkeep of her home yet the thought of moving was frightening. She kept saying she would when she felt better. However, going up and down stairs and doing her housework prevented her legs from healing and the more she worried about having to make a decision, the worse she felt. With gentle persistence, the care manager helped Mrs. E realize that her problems were unlikely to get better until she made a move. When she visited the retirement community, she really liked it. Her care manager was then able to assist her with all of the details of planning the move and selling her home.