Adult kids home for the holidays

Adult kids home for the holidays to visit their aging folks can be in for a shock. Papers piling up, unopened bills, no food in the fridge all these are signs of serious cognitive decline. Sure mom can sound fine over the phone but a visit home reveals the extent of her deterioration. But whats a busy working daughter or son with a family to do? In today' s hard pressed economy, employers may not be willing to grant the extended leave necessary to get mom squared away. First off is finding out what is really going on, the repeat trips to doctors to determine a diagnosis (Alzheimer's disease?), talking about the driving issue, deciding on when and if a move is in the near future? Adult kids need a 21st century solution. Hire a professional geriatric care manager. Get on your computer and surf the web. Look for someone who is a licensed expert and knows local reliable resources. Here in San Diego Age at Home Elder Care Management offers licensed clinical social worker and certified care managers to cut through the red tape and help stabilize a cognitive crisis. If you dread going home because of what you may find, be proactive, go to http://www.ageathome.net/ or http://www.caremanager.org/ and line up a care management assessment now.