Neighbor News
Where Can I Get Help for an Older Adult?
Surrey helps seniors and their families by guiding them through a maze of important medical, financial and social issues
Determining available services for an older adult can confusing and frustrating. Helping adults navigate the aging services market is one way Surrey, a non profit founded 35 years ago, serves the community. Surrey's care managers are experts who help individuals and their families to choose the best options to be able to live independently. The story below shows how Surrey’s care managers and other members of the Surrey team helped one individual and her family.
Jacky, Surrey’s Daily Money Manager, received a call from a woman who wanted help for a friend. So Jacky made an appointment to visit “Kate” and see how she could help. Once she arrived, Jacky determined that Kate needed additional services to stay safely in her apartment.
Wendy Walsh, one of Surrey’s Care Managers, visited Kate and conducted an assessment to determine her needs. Kate had not been to see a doctor or dentist for a number of years, so Wendy made an appointment with a doctor and scheduled an appointment for a free dental check up with CVIM at Surrey in Devon. Meanwhile, Jacky had looked at Kate’s expenses and income to help her pay her bills. Grant funds awarded to Surrey by TEVA Pharmaceuticals, helped offset some costs.
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Kate was alone much of the time in her apartment because her brother and sister lived in different states. She was not eating nutritious meals regularly. Wendy worked with Surrey Transportation to arrange rides for Kate to Devon so she could enjoy a hot lunch and social time with others.
With Wendy’s guidance, Kate and her family decided the best long term plan was for her to relocate to a long term care facility near her brother. Surrey’s Downsizing service helped facilitate the move.
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“I was so impressed by Surrey’s team and how well the members coordinated services to help Kate. They kept her welfare paramount but always treated her with respect and got her approval before moving forward with decisions,” said Kate’s sister.
Navigating the array of services available to seniors can be overwhelming. For more information contact one of Surrey’s care managers, Wendy Walsh or Ann Schoonover at 484- 321-6105.
