I am Patty Hanson, managing director and co-owner of IKOR of Western Pennsylvania. I am also an experienced professional counselor and aging life care specialist. I developed a line of assistance programs for the elderly and disabled called the Solutions for Dignity Programs.
Since 2011, I’ve managed a team of registered nurses who work as patient advocates, coordinators for personal needs, and financial advocates to help the elderly, the handicapped, and kids with special needs find and access the advocacy services they need.
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on everyone. And the issues it has brought forth on a global basis are pretty harmful. As an advocate for our clients, I am particularly concerned about the many news reports that include elder care facilities and our clients who have been harmed by the pandemic – seniors in danger, families unable to see and touch their loved ones, and seniors dying alone.
Everyone has been negatively impacted by the pandemic, including our staff members, clients, residents of our senior living communities, as well as those who live at home. It could be challenging for families to offer the care that was given by our schools for children with special needs who don’t have access to essential support services or who have gone online. It has also proven challenging for handicapped individuals who live alone or in shared homes and don’t have access to the help they need.
The disastrous COVID-19 incident demonstrated the value of being present while spending time with loved ones. It is crucial to consider the lessons we may draw from this tragedy in order to be adequately ready to provide our loved ones the care they need in a respectful and compassionate way. Since 2011, the focus of my course has been helping our clients by providing caregivers with creative solutions.
Even though no one could have foreseen the impacts of COVID-19, we learned a lot that will help us support our clients more effectively. If we want elders to maintain the highest level of quality of life, we must be proactive in averting crisis.
What resources are available to help your family members? With the assistance of our life care management services and programs, you or a loved one may navigate medical changes while feeling less overwhelmed and nervous. Our RN advocates are skilled in managing medications, organizing hospital discharge and rehabilitation needs, assessing needs for safety and quality of life, and scheduling care and medical visits.
We can also help with environmental issues and emotional well-being. The IKOR life care management team is a strong advocate for treatment in the medical, psychological, environmental, and traditional financial sectors.
Support may be provided through creating budgets, paying bills, or acting as a guardian or power of attorney. It’s never been more important to be prepared for a crisis than it is right now. Having resources readily available to handle needs that may not be easily managed is where we can help, even if such significant incidents occur just once in a lifetime.
Our registered nurse advocates and personal needs coordinators may give in-person help as part of the solutions for dignity safety net program. We use technology to offer remote assistance to individuals we serve by monitoring and connecting our team members, selected family members, professionals, and caregivers through a touchscreen tablet.
If you have questions about how IKOR Life Care Management Team or the solutions for dignity safety net program can support your loved one, call our office today toll free at 855-456-7972, or check out our website at www.ikorofwpa.com.
