Filling in the gaps of elderly care

By Scott E. Kinney, Atlantic News Staff Writer
Atlantic News, week of June 30, 2006

SEACOAST | Mom or Dad may be getting to that age where it’s not as easy for them to maintain the daily routine to which they’re accustomed.

They wish to continue living within the comfort of their home, but may need some help around the house. There may be certain levels of personal care they aren’t as capable of anymore, or perhaps they need some company from time to time.

For several years, Living Innovations has been filling in the gaps for those aging at home. Whether it’s a few visits per week to assist around the house and play cards, help with bathing and dressing, or providing transportation to the store or the hairdresser, Living Innovations is helping the elderly stay where they are happiest -- at home.

Community Liaison Perry Blass said there is a host of businesses and social services that provide the kind of care that Living Innovations does, but they offer some very unique opportunities for the elderly living on the Seacoast.

One such endeavor is its partnership with Beechstone Apartments in Portsmouth, allowing Seniors to maintain their independence and privacy while living safely in a comfortable home at a moderate cost, according to Blass.

He said the company is hopeful it will grow its Senior population at Beechstone.

“The more you have a community of people the easier the care giving becomes,” he said.

Blass added the company would then look to recruit someone living in one of the apartment units to provide aid for the elders, and if the community grows large enough and common interests develop, a van and driver would be provided.

“They really go out of their way to know who is in the community and support them,” Blass said of Beechstone.

Living Innovations is also offering what it calls “Home Sharing,” where individuals or families offer their home and care to an elderly person no longer able to live on their own.

“The host family takes in an individual client,” Blass said. “It’s for elders who might otherwise need to be institutionalized.”

Living Innovations also provides technological assistance, such as MedReady, an automatic pill dispenser for those who have difficulty remembering which medications to take, and when to take them.

“More than 20 percent of people that have to leave their home and go into assisted living is because of issues remembering to take their medications.”

Blass said these unique opportunities are provided in addition to the more traditional home care options, such as finding someone to help an elder family member.

He said caregivers who work for Living Innovations are closely screened and scrutinized before being hired, including a host of background checks.

“Some families will put an ad in the paper for someone to take care of their loved one,” said Blass. “They run the risk of getting someone not qualified and they don’t know their criminal record and there is also the liability if that person gets hurt.”

Blass said that does not mean they won’t work with someone who has already found a caregiver that they like.

“If you’ve got somebody who is taking care of your mom and you like them we can take him or her under our umbrella,” he said. “We’re really willing to work with someone who has selected their own caregiver.”

Despite all the services offered by Living Innovations, finding the right care provider for each person is still among the most significant.

“The match is a very, very important part of what we do,” Blass said. “If we have someone who likes a well prepared dinner we’ll set them up with someone on staff who loves to cook.”

Living Innovations also provides care giving for those with physical or mental handicaps.

For more information on how Living Innovations can assist you with a Senior loved one, call them toll free at (866) 665-9778 or locally in Greenland at (603) 436-1586.