Mr. Bernstein
The Eldercare Challenge:
A vigorous, healthy elder is unexpectedly and permanently disabled and in need of an immediate change of residence. His next-of-kin lives in another state, and is unprepared to handle an emergency of this type.
Accountable Aging Answers With:
- A new residence in a skilled nursing facility with excellent options for long-term care.
- Regular visits to monitor and ensure the ongoing quality of care.
- Information for family members on the typical consequences of a stroke of the type and magnitude, which better prepared the family to face such issues as personality changes and other potential complications.
Outcome:
Accountable Aging served as grandson Steven's eyes and ears, keeping him close to his grandfather through regular reports and photographs. In addition to Mr. Bernstein receiving excellent care, Steven was better prepared, both emotionally and in practice, to accept the ongoing changes in his grandfather's life and in their relationship.
This Family's Story:
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Mr. Bernstein is, at age 83, the patriarch of his small, extended family. His only child, a son who was also the father of one child, had died young. Grandson Steven is now in his mid-twenties and, following graduate school, has taken a job in a distant state. Steven had given little thought to his role as his grandfather's closest living relative, and had counted on his grandfather's apparent good health to make premature any planning for the time when Granddad Bernie could no longer live alone. Then Mr. Bernstein had a disabling stroke and his grandson received the news by phone from a cousin who still lives in the family's hometown. The cousin, who had immediately understood the probable consequences of her great-uncle's stroke, also contacted Accountable Aging. Steven had a very typical dilemma; he had virtually no knowledge of residence options for his grandfather and limited time he could spare from his new job. Accountable Aging arranged for Steven to interview several recommended residences during the few days Steven took off from his job. When Mr. Bernstein was released from the hospital, staff members for Accountable Aging assisted his move into the new residence. We posted digital photos of Mr. Bernstein in his new home to help Steven feel better informed and connected with his grandfather during this transition, and equipped Steven with medical information about life after a stroke. This information gave Steven the tools to better anticipate changes he would continue to face with his grandfather. Accountable Aging continued to meet frequently with Mr. Bernstein and the staff of the facility throughout his weeks of rehab and his ongoing care.