Bridging Generations

Real People, Common Problems, Practical Solutions

Assessment

Client: Virginia was recently moved from the home and community she had lived in for 88 years.  Now she was "tired" all the time and not her usual spunky self.  Her son requested an assessment of "mom's health status".

Solution: We interviewed Virginia privately, to gather information regarding the recent move, and more importantly, her feelings about it. Then we recommended that the family candidly encourage her to verbalize to them her thoughts and concerns, her anger and sadness, that she was keeping locked inside.

Placement

Client: Vincent, age 89 and living alone since his wife died 3 years ago, was found wandering naked in the neighborhood at 2:30 am. His only son lives 1,000 miles away and was very uncomfortable dealing with his Dad.

Solution: We located an appropriate assisted living facility and moved Vincent there, then guided the family in taking charge of his affairs. We helped them close-up his home, secure his money and handle his business.

Money Management and Entitlements

Client: Shirley, the favorite niece, was confused about the myriad array of insurances and entitlements she encountered when assuming responsibility for her aunt's financial affairs.

Solution: A consultation at the aunt's apartment resulted in our sorting and organizing, then clarifying the importance of multiple papers and contracts.

Advocacy

Client: Gertrude was an active housekeeper and bridge player until a massive stroke caused her to enter a coma. Her husband of 60 years and adult children wished to honor her stated wishes of "no life support" but the attending physician would not cooperate.

Solution: We coordinated and attended a care plan conference with all the involved parties, during which we considered all options.  We then moved Gertrude to a setting which did allow her to die with dignity.

Education and Counseling

Client: Doug's sister had effectively "cut him off" from contact with his mother. He wanted to "know his rights", and be assured he had done all within his power to provide for his mother's care.

Solution: We counseled Doug, clarifying issues and his previous attempts to care for his mother. Just being able to express his pain and anger seemed to enable him to accept the situation.

Escort Services

Client: Annette was en-route to her son's for the Holidays, when during a transfer of planes in Atlanta, she became confused. Fearful and agitated behavior followed as she tried to get help from folks who didn't recognize her dementia.

Solution: On the return trip, we provided professional escort service. We met the plane, helped with toileting, and took full responsibility for getting Annette on board the departing plane.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

David Couchman (GA)

Son of Naomi Couchman Olinger

We have been working with Jane Hamil of Bridging Generations for almost five years. During that period her advice and insight have helped us in many ways.

It has eased our mind and conscience.  A knowledgeable and objective resource has assured us that we were doing the best things for our aging Mother; or better still, sometimes she told us what we needed to do.   Feelings of guilt, conflicting opinions, and misguided direction were greatly reduced.

Jane’s presence has given us peace of mind.  Jane provides "standby" assistance in case my Mother needs attention when we travel away from Atlanta.

It has reduced family conflict.  Out-of-area family not completely familiar with our Mother’s situation, have participated in “conference calls” with Jane to assist us in developing a solution that we can all support.

She has knowledge of the local market.  Among the myriad of facilities in Atlanta, which one is best?  Of course, the answer depends on complex factors such as company stability, current management and staffing, and location of the home.  Additionally, many parents have changing needs that can better be met in another kind of home.  Jane’s direction in these areas gives us reassurance that we are doing what is best for my Mother.

Tax savings is achieved by an annual assessment of my Mother’s condition; we can document that Mother does, indeed, need the protective environment of the home in which she lives.  This allows us to deduct the cost of the facility (and Jane’s fees) as medical expense.

Many times changes in Mother’s dementia disease are subtle and may go unnoticed by our regular visits with her.  Jane’s quarterly assessments can identify areas that we overlook.  Her professional insight means that she can bring things to our attention, and help us to understand and accept them.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL 

George Fox (GA)

The Fox Law Firm   

Jane Hamil is an incredible, wonderful resource for families facing the legal, financial and emotional traumas of dealing with an aging family member. She is compassionate, resourceful, tough and good and everything you would want.  I call her the "Surrogate Child": she can say things which need to be said which family members cannot bring themselves to say. 

We have recommended her to many of our clients, and she has consistently received outstanding marks.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL  

Ann Levin (GA)

Daughter of Miriam Kessler

How can I ever thank you enough for all of the times you were there for me in going through all of the challenges of taking care of my mother as her dementia progressed?  You were so wonderful in mediating between all of the different family members and staff when crises arose.  The best part was you made yourself available 24-7.

In all of my dealings with social workers over the past 6 years, I have never come across someone as effective as you.  Whenever I was stressed, I knew I could turn to you to help me find a solution.  You were incredible in getting everyone to focus on the real issues of the disease process while making sure that Mom’s needs were being met in the best way possible for her.