Services
Elder Care Consultations:
Important Documents 101
Caregiving Education and Planning
Financial Considerations
Safety Planning for Aging in Place
Signs and Symptoms of End of Life
Understanding Hospice
Utilizing Death with Dignity
Final Arrangements Education and Planning
Care Coordination:
Advocacy
Wraparound Support
Scheduling Appointments
Identifying Care Needs
Connecting Resources
Navigation of Various Settings (healthcare, caregiving, VA, etc…)
Doula Support:
Supportive Visits
Companionship
Emotional Support
Respite
Life Review
Legacy Planning
Vigil
Home Funeral
Complimentary Initial Elder Care Consultation
A free 30 minute consultation will identify needs and goals for an elder years plan, in advance. We then book packaged sessions determined during the consult. Options to explore may include where to live when needing support with daily life activities (cooking, dressing, transportation, etc.), who will provide this support and what the finances and outside resources may look like around this care, safety planning for the elder years at home, important documents regarding medical and financial decisions, education regarding hospice or death with dignity, and what happens with the remains after the exit from this human experience.
Are you, or is a family member, already in the throes of needing daily support? Or perhaps a higher level of care is suddenly needed? A consult can be expedited and I can walk hand in hand with you, helping to navigate the web of end-of-life planning that can suddenly present itself. I will work with you to identify needs and create a plan for how to meet those needs. I will act as an advocate and liaison when needed in medical, residential, and social service settings.
The difference between elder care consultations and doula support is that elder care consultations are designed to prepare you ahead of time, while doula support walks you through it when there.
Elder care consultations beyond the initial complimentary session are provided through pre-planned packaged sessions tailored to meet identified needs and goals. These are offered at a set price per package.
Complimentary Initial Doula Support Consultation
It is recommended to bring in doula support anytime after care needs increase, and especially after receiving a terminal diagnosis. As your doula I will provide holistic, compassionate support in the final chapter of life. This support can be for both the aging person, as well as their family. During the initial consultation goals will be identified and a plan will be formulated.
Doula services include holding space for meaningful conversations and the processing of emotions; regular in person or telephone visits (depending on your need and comfort level) to provide emotional support, as a safety precaution, or for advocacy needs; providing resources and referrals; acting as an advocate and liaison when needed; care coordination; engaging in life review; creating a caregiving plan; providing respite for caregivers; meal support; logistical needs including necessary paperwork and the tying up of loose ends; expertise and support in navigating hospice; education on the death with dignity option and/or what to expect in the months, weeks, days, and hours leading up to a natural death; vigil planning and support (for the actively dying phase of the transition); and the after death plan.
While approaching the end of life can bring about a multitude of feelings, walking home is something we all must do. We can do it alone or we can invite others into that sacred space. I would be honored to accompany you on this walk; to hear you, to hold space for you, to guide you, to support you.
Doula support and care coordination are provided with an ongoing, regular basis, and charged by an hourly rate.
Whether you know exactly what you need, or you’re not quite sure, we can work together to figure it out.
Schedule a consultation by contacting me via email or through the “contact” tab and I’ll be in touch soon…
Keep scrolling for details on Elder Care Packaged Sessions…
Elder Care Packaged Sessions
〰️
Elder Care Packaged Sessions 〰️
Understanding Hospice
Learn what to expect from hospice, the roles of the care team members, how it is paid for, and when it might be time for a referral. With new hospice companies popping up nearly everywhere we look, it is important to know what questions to ask when searching for the right fit; as well as understanding how to advocate for your loved one once they are admitted to hospice service. This is a 90 minute session aimed at providing the crucial support needed when someone is approaching the end their life.
Planning For Care
A 90 minute conversation focused on your needs and goals as it pertains to caregiving. Whether this is for you, or if you are assisting a loved one, we will identify options and resources available at a time when support with daily activities becomes needed. We will discuss level of care options, including the options to stay at home or move to a higher level of care, and what that might look like. I will provide you with a detailed summary and next step options after the completion of this session.
Final Arrangement Education and Planning
By far, the overall number one stressor I have heard from loved ones in my experience as a hospice social worker. Do not leave this for your family to decide if at all possible. What do you want done with your remains when you transition from this human experience? Options reach far beyond traditional cremation and burial. Learn about what is available in your area, as well as potential costs involved. How are remains transported long distances? What is available for veterans? What if there are no finances to cover the expense? Learn the important questions to ask when deciding and make arrangements ahead of time. A detailed summary and plan will be provided to you upon completion of this session.
Safety Planning for Aging in Place
What safety interventions should be considered when planning to remain at home as long as possible? Options can include simple home modifications, safety devices, and referrals for community resources. In this 90 minute conversation we will discuss how to help you stay at home both safely and comfortably.
Important Documents 101
This 90 minute conversation will provide education on important end of life forms and documents. To be considered include an Advance Directive for Healthcare, Living Will, POLST, Power of Attorney, Trust, Will, and potential forms related to your financial institutions. In order to increase the effectiveness of these documents in honoring your wishes, we will cover important details that are often overlooked.
Financial Considerations
What financial considerations should be taken into account when planning for our elder years? What might the care expenses look like and what resources are available to help with this cost? How can we make sure our chosen person is able to access resources if an unexpected event were to occur? What questions are wise to ask financial institutions, financial advisors, and attorneys that might get overlooked? What might final arrangement costs look like? What resources are available for veterans? This package can also provide education around the “spend down” process for Medicaid and how it can assist with the cost of care needs.
End of Life Signs and Symptoms
What is commonly experienced in the months, weeks, days, and hours leading to the conclusion of the human experience? What can we expect for ourselves and our loved ones? In this 60 minute session, learn what is normal, what are red flags, and how to advocate when needed. If you are with a good hospice then the care team will be a phenomenal support, however they cannot be bedside 24/7, often not even on a daily basis. For those supporting someone in their final chapter, this is an incredibly valuable learning opportunity. Come with questions, a notebook, and a pen. This session can be repeated as often as needed during this tender and delicate time.
Utilizing Death with Dignity
This one hour conversation will provide education on the death with dignity option available in some states. Also known as medical aid in dying, this choice allows people meeting specific criteria, along with medical support, to choose the time of their human exit. Learn about the available resources in your state, and how to move forward if you are considering this option.