April
2009 | Darcy Mulholland,
Care Manager for DMCC
Did
you know that Care
Management consultation
services are
now available for
eligible residents
of the City of Del
Mar through Del Mar
Community Connections?
The purpose of the
consultation is to
provide senior or
disabled adult residents
with information to
help them achieve
the optimal level
of care at home.
This
service may be helpful
in a wide variety of
situations: the onset
of new health problems,
facing an upcoming surgery
and planning for recuperation,
or caring for a family
member with medical
problems. Others include
dealing with matters
related to dementia,
psychiatric problems,
or sudden changes in
behavior that are difficult
to comprehend and manage.
In general, any circumstance
that impairs the quality
of life in the home
might benefit from such
a consultation.
The
consultation is done
by a professional geriatric
care manager who has
a background in social
work, gerontology, counseling
or nursing and has been
trained specifically
in matters related to
aging. Darcy Mulholland
is the Care Manager
for DMCC.
 |
Darcy
Mulholland |
The
consultation takes place
in the resident’s
home. Darcy gathers
a wide range of information
regarding: medical history,
current health issues,
medications, and the
ability to perform regular
activities of daily
living (such as bathing,
dressing, walking, bill
paying, housework, transportation,
shopping and meal preparation).
Darcy will inquire about
what current social
support is already in
place: often, friends,
family, or neighbors
are assisting. Her intent
is to identify any areas
of life where the resident
might require some assistance.
After
the information is gathered,
Darcy analyzes what
support and resources
already exist and may
recommend others while
discussing the various
options that are available.
Recommendations can
range from hiring a
caregiver to requesting
a work-up by a doctor,
or to have some home
modifications to ensure
a safer environment.
You
do not have to be facing
a crisis to benefit
from a consultation.
In fact, often you can
gain peace of mind by
planning for needs you
anticipate in the future.
It is helpful to think
about and discuss how
you envision your life
in the years to come,
what you may anticipate
to be obstacles, as
a way of being prepared.
A professional trained
in this type of work
can help you look at
your situation objectively
and discuss options.
These
consultations are confidential
and offered free through
Del Mar Community Connections.
To schedule your own
in-home consultation,
call 858-792-7565.
All
proceeds from the Jerry
Finnell Memorial Walk
on May 16 will benefit
the DMCC Care Management
Program. Please walk
with us to support this
valuable service!
More
about the Jerry Finnell
Memorial Walk. more>>
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