LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

 

Dear Editor, (02/16/12)
Please Publish This Information:
This is An open letter to all people who have worked for the United States Government.
Federal Benefits are again on the chopping block.
Now that Congress has returned from recess,
They are planning on how to save Billions of Dollars,
One of the proposals is to requiring CSR and FERS employees to
Contribute an additional 1.5 percent of their salary toward retirement.
Also under consideration, is attacking our Health Benefit Plan ( FEHB ).
You are invited to attend the N.A.R.F.E meeting
Held the second Wednesday of the month in room 121 March 14, 2012
Here in Century Village
® Pembroke Pines.
This is where you can get the latest information on these proposals and more.
This Organization is committed to saving our earned Benefits

Click Here To Tell Your Story

Feb. 15 Is NARFE Call Congress Day
NARFE is asking every federal employee and retirees
To make toll-free telephone calls to their members of Congress
Urging them to oppose the federal retirement changes in the
House highway funding bill (H.R. 7) and all other proposals
That would cut federal pay and earned health and retirement benefits.
CLICK Here for instructions or  Click Here For N.A.R.F.E Website

      _____________________________________________________________________

Dear Editor:
THEY WON'T LISTEN TO ME!
(THE NEW ROLE OF ELDERCARE MEDIATION)
By Doris Haas RN, CCM, CMC


As a Geriatric Care Manager,
I am considered an expert in issues relating to the elderly.
However, where my mother is concerned,
I am just a daughter who cares.
She often takes the advice of friends and even strangers over mine.

So now she has become the caregiver for her boyfriend,
a man diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Though I have been watching him decline,
and discussing the disease process all of the time with her,
she still does not want to believe that he can no longer take care of himself.
Recently at the doctor’s office,
he was told that he could no longer drive,
and needs someone to visually see him take his medications.
He has sent home aides that were hired,
and needs to move to an assisted living residence.


My mother does not live with him,
nor does she want to take on that kind of responsibility.
She cannot make this man move when he thinks it is unnecessary.
She has been communicating with his son
who lives out of state and he has not come down to help.
He has been comfortable having my mother look after his
father and does not want to see that she can no longer do this.


I see that there is a place for an eldercare mediator.
There is a breakdown of communication between my mother and his son,
and caregiver responsibilities need to be clarified.
Since neither one of them will listen to me,
another professional needs to be called in to help.
I know other Geriatric Care Managers that are also Certified Mediators.


WHAT IS MEDIATION?


Mediation is a process in which people meet in a private confidential setting
to work out a solution to their problem with the help of a neutral person (a mediator).
The mediator is not a judge, does not decide who is right or wrong,
and does not force the parties to
accept any agreement or terms to an agreement.
Instead, the mediator listens to the parties explain
their concerns and helps them develop and
agree upon a workable, mutually acceptable solution.


ELDERCARE MEDIATION deals with any conflicts
involving seniors and their families.
Sometimes children argue about their parents’ care.
Sometimes seniors argue with their children.
When the conflict begins to deteriorate relationships,
a mediator should be called in.


WHY TRY MEDIATION?


Mediation is private and confidential.
Participants can express themselves in a
safe situation where the other participants listen.
Mediators keep the focus on the issues so that
families can move beyond underlying problems.
Exploration of different options and creative problem solving is encouraged.
They become empowered and design their own agreements.
Older persons participate if able,
which gives them maximum control over basic life decisions.
This approach is non-adversarial.


WHAT KINDS OF ISSUES CAN BE MEDIATED?


1. Medical/Healthcare decisions
2. Financial decisions
3. Living arrangements
4. Communication issues – sharing of information
5. Family relationships
6. Decision-making authority
7. Respite care and support for caregivers
8. Personal, household care and maintenance
9. Safety/risk-taking/autonomy – should autonomy be limited?
10. Needs of other family members
11. Less restrictive alternatives to guardianship


HOW SUCCESSFUL IS MEDIATION?


In a recent study, 8 out of 10 cases were successfully resolved.
8.5 out of 10 mediated cases were followed through by the parties.
The success rate is so high because
the solutions are designed by the parties themselves.
Even if an agreement is not reached,
the parties will walk away with clarified issues and
a better understanding of each other’s viewpoints.


WHY DO GERIATRIC CARE MANAGERS (with mediation training)
MAKE THE BEST ELDERCARE MEDIATORS?


Unlike lawyers, who have specialized knowledge of elder law and legal issues,
Geriatric Care Managers have specialized knowledge of elder care.
We know what successful aging is,
understand the healthcare system,
know the local resources for seniors,
understand housing options, insurance,
and the different types of home health services.
We can talk about end of life decisions and discuss palliative versus aggressive care.
The utmost important goal is to provide the highest quality of life for our
elders and can offer different options to achieve this.


Professional Geriatric Care Managers are generally nurses and social workers
with extensive experience working with seniors.
We can evaluate and assist families in determining the best course of action
to take to provide the best care for their loved one.


For distant families we can oversee the entire scope of care for our clients.
We are on call 24/7 and keep families informed of changes.
We provide peace of mind for families,
as they know there is someone there to manage any situation that may arise.
We are client advocates.


Doris Haas RN, CCM, CMC
Professional Geriatric Care Manager
Florida Supreme Court Certified County Mediator