Caring for the Oldest Old at Home Part 2: Strategies for Quality Care

1. Care at Home: Considerations for the Oldest Old

It is the goal of many to remain in their homes, living independently in the community until death. This chapter presents information about Medicare, as it is the largest payer of home care and hospice. Medicare has qualifying criteria, and it is important to be familiar with which services can be provided to patients and when. This includes aspects of coverage for ADLs and IADLs that aides provide to the oldest old.

2. Care Planning

This chapter presents a patient example to show assessment, management, and care planning considerations for the oldest old. Participants will also be given the opportunity to develop an individualized care plan for an older adult who is frail. For demonstration purposes, an exemplar care plan will be included.

3. Caregiving Considerations: Family and Friends Making the Difference in the Community

How does the emerging science of caregiving inform best practices for these frail, at-risk elders? This chapter seeks to present information to help support these caregivers who live with and help their family member or friend remain in the community. Caregiving for those with non-cancer diagnoses can last for many years. This chapter goes over the caregiver statistics and initiatives related to caregiving, as well as what makes a good caregiver.

4. Insights on Caregiving

How are caregivers assessed and supported? What are some available resources? Home care and hospice organizations have an important role to play in educating and supporting these caregivers.