Being a family guardian is not a place we can imagine ourselves, yet for some families, it is very real and filing to become a family guardian is the only decision they can make to keep their loved one safe. It may happen suddenly, or the realization of the need is more gradual. You begin noticing slight behavioral changes that don't mean much individually, but collectively suggest that your loved one’s cognitive abilities are in decline. Whichever way it comes about, the process is often very painful, and many twists and turns will likely occur before a new norm takes hold.

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As a family guardian, who most likely lives out-of-state, you quickly discover that the responsibilities for another individual are stressful. However, you are determined to ‘do the right thing.’ It can lead to differences over everything from daily routines to major life choices, not only with your loved one but also with siblings or other family members who have strong opinions about where your loved one should live, how care should be provided, which doctors and treatments to pursue, and the use of money. While siblings and others may mean well, the family guardian has the final say and that can be daunting.

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PDHCC has established a patient-centered approach to care utilizing Clinical Care Management and Life Care Planning processes that include guidance to family guardians. Our team’s background in Clinical Care Management and Life Care Planning, work with financial and legal experts helped gain a footing in the family guardian arena and have become leaders in the space.

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Our Family Guardian Support process is based on a patient-centered approach to care…

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Clinical Care Management

 

• It begins with an initial Comprehensive Assessment to best understand our client’s medical history, current medications, cognitive, physical, emotional, and psychosocial care needs.

• Our expertise allows us to analyze the assessment findings and design an individualized, actionable Plan of Care that anticipates the ‘what ifs’ so family members do not have to.

• In alignment with our company’s mission to age-in-place with elegance, grace, and ease, we consistently review the Plan of Care and monitor our clients’ needs to ensure the highest level of care and independence. Our purpose is to help stabilize the environment and improve our client’s status in a timely manner.

• We proactively manage our clients’ medications in concert with their health care providers to ensure their safety and well-being on an ongoing basis.

• We collaborate with existing healthcare professionals and broaden to include other providers and services as needed to ensure safety and continuity of care.

• We put systems, structure, and plans in place to anticipate any situation that may occur to best achieve sustainable outcomes for long-term planning.

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Life Care Planning

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• The very purpose of Life Care Planning recognizes that you can only take care of yourself or your loved one to as much as you can afford. It is essential for long term planning, continuity of care, and your clients’ well-being.

• To best develop a Financial Care Plan that takes into account current and future care needs, we work closely with our clients’ estate planning, elder law attorney, financial advisor, or other professionals impacting their financial well-being toward long term care solutions.

• We coordinate legal and financial teams to assist with Life Care Planning matters in the event that our clients do not have a financial team in place.

• We put systems, structure, and plans in place to synchronize the use of money as care needs change to best achieve sustainable outcomes for long-term planning.