SCS Launches New Service for Families Caring for Aging Loved Ones
Caregiver Consultation Services offers expert guidance and peace of mind

Families concerned about the safety and well being of their aging relative can now turn to the new Caregiver Consultation Service for help. Senior Community Services (SCS) launched the private-pay service June 1. The Caregiver Consultation Service offers adult children, spouses and other caregivers, including those who live at a distance, guidance in determining and arranging care for an aging loved one.

The need for support for caregivers is pressing. A 2009 study by the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP showed that more than three in ten households in the U.S. are caring for a loved one, primarily an older person.

"The Caregiver Consultation Service's experienced staff will save caregivers time and educate them on the scope of available options in the care of their aging relative. We will assess a family's circumstances and help them put a plan in place that creates a safety net and a road map for future needs," says Arthur Weisfeld, Executive Director of SCS.

The Caregiver Consultation Service builds upon SCS' longstanding commitment to family caregivers. SCS has been the sponsor of the publicly funded Family Caregiver Support Program in Delaware County since its 1990 inception.

"SCS has over two decades of experience in serving caregivers in their important--and rewarding--role," says Edward Baum, SCS' Board President. "SCS continues to work closely with the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) to respond to the needs of older adults and their caregivers. We encourage individuals to seek direction in shouldering their caregiving responsibilities. Families, including those who are not eligible for the free Family Caregiver Support Program, can now tap the Caregiver Consultation Service for expert guidance. SCS' highly skilled staff bring to the care planning process a broad scope of resources and an in-depth knowledge of aging services in Delaware County," he explains.

The Caregiver Consultation Service uses a three-pronged approach. Describes Weisfeld, "The Caregiver Consultation Service staff will listen to a family's concerns and thoroughly assess their loved one's needs. Next, staff will develop a comprehensive care plan to address specific issues, such as safety in the home, personal care concerns, and managing household duties. To ensure the best course of care, staff will then follow-up with the family in two weeks. Families can also choose to extend the length of time of the monitoring. Such extended follow-up is key for many caregivers, especially those who do not live nearby their aging relative."

The total cost of the assessment, individualized care plan and short-term follow up is $350. Extended follow up is available at an additional hourly fee. The program is SCS' first private pay initiative. "We recognize that not all families qualify for the public Family Caregiver Support Program. As a Delaware County non-profit dedicated to keeping older adults living independently, SCS developed this new service to reach more caregivers with compassionate, thorough guidance as they tend to the needs of their loved one," explains Weisfeld.

For information, please contact (610) 237-6222 extension 123 or caregiverhelp@scs-delco.org On the web: www.caregiverhelp-delcopa.org