I was at a Parkinson’s Support Group meeting yesterday afternoon and they had a presentation about housing and care options in our local community. The presenters serve as advocates for their clients and can help them find everything from hourly in-home care to respite care to full time nursing services in a facility. The service is free, they are paid referral fees by the businesses they recommend. They are familiar with Medicare, Medicaid and Long-term care insurance and can help navigate the financial challenges of finding safe and appropriate care for your Person with Parkinson’s. They even said that they are able to help those people, like us, who are hoping to age in place.

I have been advised by others to take the initiative and visit the many housing and homecare providers in town to know what is available so we can figure out who we like best. This organization knows our county and can provide a pre-screening and serve as an intermediary. I make one call and then they do the leg work for me so that all I have to do is check out available programs that actually fit our needs.

The one comment that really struck home was they cannot guarantee help if I wait until a crisis to call. What works best is for me to connect with them now, when things are going well, and begin a conversation about what our future needs might be. The initial interview lays the groundwork without committing me to anything, so that when I do need help, they know us and what to suggest. Their presentation was informative and motivating and I will be making that call very soon.

The company that came to talk with us advertises as a “no-charge service to help seniors and their families find the right senior housing and care options.” Check the internet for options that might be available and appropriate for your situation.