Sally's Story - Sally called the Elder Care Consultation & Referral Service to get assistance for her 84 year-old mother, Barbara. Barbara has lived alone for the past 2 years since her husband passed away. She has functioned very independently and enjoyed good health until recently, when increasingly severe arthritis made daily living activities much more difficult. Sally lives an hour from Barbara, and has assumed most of the oversight for her mother’s care among her siblings. Barbara currently has home health aide assistance.

Sally is seeking to learn about Assisted Living facilities in her area in the event that down the road this may be needed. The Elder Care Specialist provided information on eight facilities in her county. Sally is also feeling the stress of balancing her work, family, life and care giving responsibilities. Self-care information for caregivers is discussed, and the EAP Work-Life benefit is reviewed should Sally wish further assistance in managing the work-life balance issues.

Anna's Story - Anna is an 80 year-old widow whose husband died two years ago. She has remained in the ranch home that her husband built for her 35 years ago. With the exception of hiring a gardener and a housekeeper to help tend to the outside and inside work in her home, Anna has remained independent, still driving, and able to tend to her needs. Everything was running smoothly until last month when Anna had a stroke which has left her partially paralyzed. Anna wants to remain in her home, but realizes that she must secure a number of services in order to do so.

Her son, Kevin, lives a few hours drive from her. He called the Elder Care Consultation & Referral Service and after a thorough assessment of his mother’s needs, the Elder Care Specialist provided information about four home health care services operating in Anna’s hometown. These agencies have staff members who can assist her with bathing, dressing, toileting, meal preparation, and transportation to her doctor’s appointments. Anna can choose which service will best meet her needs. Information was also provided on the local emergency response system and senior center, both of which Anna has followed-up with. In using the local emergency response system she is no longer alone or vulnerable in her home. And access to the neighborhood senior center, which provides door-to-door transportation, provides a chance to remain connected with others.

Bob's Story - Bob is a divorced father who has had to relocate in order to keep his job as a sales manager. Though the relocation is in the same state, Bob needs to know what schools are available for his children to help him prepare for a custody hearing next week. Bob just doesn’t have the time to do the research required to find suitable facilities to interview. Bob called his company’s toll-free phone number for Work-Life Services, and was able to speak with a Work-Life Specialist who took the time to understand Bob’s request and begin the search process. Within 48 hours, Bob had received verified referrals for 2 public elementary schools and three private schools near his new home, saving him approximately 16 hours of time.