Arranging for Support as Care Needs Change

Arranging for Support as Care Needs Change

Sandra, 72, was showing signs of dementia when her husband, Ray, retired. He wanted to make sure she got the care she needed, but he also wanted to enjoy his retirement. Their wealth advisor suggested reaching out to Better Health Advisors for help.

Situation

Ray’s 72-year-old wife, Sandra, was showing signs of dementia. Ray had just retired. He wanted to make sure Sandra got the care she needed, but he felt stifled with caretaking responsibilities. On the recommendation of their wealth advisor, Ray reached out to Better Health Advisors for help.

Support

We arranged for a safety evaluation to make sure their home was safe for Sandra. We also helped Ray find a full-time aide who could come in and spend time with his wife. The aide kept Sandra engaged, and Sandra loved her.

As time went on, Sandra became more reclusive. She lost interest in leaving the house and spent much of the day sleeping. Through meetings with the aide, BHA realized that Sandra needed more stimulation to maintain her cognitive abilities. We discussed this with Ray.

Sandra doesn't have any physical issues, so she didn't need a nursing home, but we recognized that she would benefit from living in a place that offers memory care. We helped Ray find a great assisted living facility that could give Sandra the cognitive support she needed.

During the transition, Sandra’s medications were changed and she wasn’t eating. BHA met with the head nurse and social worker, explained her medical history and reinforced her preferences, which resolved the issues. Throughout the process, Ray has stayed very involved in Sandra’s care.

Result

Sandra is thriving in her new community, and she is active and stimulated. Instead of sleeping the day away, she does music therapy and movement. She has a great medical team that works really well together. Ray visits her all the time, and he is also able to appreciate his retirement.

For client confidentiality, all names and identifying details have been changed.