Alliance Family Advocates

Statistically speaking, most families wait until a crisis occurs before seeking help, and in many cases, this delay often limits the scope of choices they might have had earlier. (And often the options are more expensive due to the senior’s decline in condition). The best way to determine if you should proceed is to ask yourself two simple questions – “Is my loved one safe?”and “Is his quality of life optimal or even good?” If the answer is “no” to either or both, it is time to make the next step.

Many caregivers also retain our services citing the strain that this responsibility has added to their job responsibilities, marriage and health.

If you’re still unsure, our complimentary phone consultation can help you address your questions.

Here’s how it works - after a complimentary phone consultation (20 minutes) an assessment is scheduled (1/2 hr.) in order to evaluate the physical and psychosocial needs of the individual in question. Following that, results are shared in an informative, private family meeting (2-3 hrs). During the meeting, likely short and long-term scenarios and a thorough review of available appropriate options and resources will be discussed. The next step is to design a plan of care tailored specifically for the senior, with a timeline and action list developed over the next week.

Certainly! For the convenience of out-of-area family members or caregivers, a conference call can be arranged in addition to phone and email contact for those who would like to be actively involved in the care decisions of a loved one.

About 70% of our cases involve seniors with memory loss. AFA can guide you in determining appropriate medical intervention, specialized programs and housing and in-home care options. In addition, family members will receive coaching on how to handle challenges unique to dementia and learn new communication techniques.

In this case, the spouse of the senior is still living and insists nothing is wrong. Do we leave it alone?

Spouses who are unrealistic in their assessment of a declining state of a loved one put themselves and their charge at risk. If the senior’s mental and/or physical health is clearly deteriorating and the spouse is unable to admit this, it is important for concerned family members to enlist professional assistance as the likelihood of a serious injury or accident is high. In our experience, most caregiving spouses are quite receptive to help if it is presented in a diplomatic and face-saving, respectful manner. AFA can teach you how to do this and achieve results that will benefit both the senior and the spouse.

AFA charges clients a one-time flat fee of $425 that covers the range of services listed above, due and payable at the time of the assessment. Our average relationship with a client is over a period of six weeks.