Free Assessment Tool Helps Families Determine When it's Time to Consider Hands-on Support for an Aging Loved One

Sunrise, Fla. February 24, 2009 - Millions of people each year find themselves wondering how best to care for an aging parent, spouse or friend. Interim HealthCare, the nation's largest and oldest provider of health care personnel at all skill levels and in all settings, offers a free, online independent living assessment quiz to help caregivers determine when it might be time to consider a change in living arrangements.

"The sooner you open dialogue with your loved one, the easier the transition will be for them and for you," says Kathleen Gilmartin, RN, President and CEO of Interim HealthCare (www.interimhealthcare.com).

The company's interactive quiz guides participants through a variety of topics, from evaluating how easily an aging loved one can complete many routine tasks of everyday independent living to the seriousness of his or her health issues.

Based on each participant's responses, a personalized report is issued with all recommendations clearly labeled based on four categories:

helpful information
see a doctor
home assessment needed
safety risk, a category indicating that your loved one could fall, injure him or herself, be unable to summon emergency response teams, or otherwise be in immediate danger

Interim HealthCare's independent living assessment quiz can be accessed at https://www.interimhealthcare.com/homestyle/assessment/.

Gilmartin has personal experience providing care for seniors: she cared for her grandmother in her home, and also used home health services to help provide long-distance care for her father and mother. She offers some additional advice to help families considering in-home or inpatient support determine what type of provider is the right fit based on their situation:

If your loved one only requires assistance with light tasks like grocery shopping, transportation, or housekeeping, tap informal networks, like family, faith community and neighbors, first. However, it's important to recognize when their needs outpace the resources. If the individual in need of care has ongoing health problems, or cannot cope with daily tasks such as meal preparation, bathing, dressing, or has difficulty with taking medication, professional home care should be considered.
Ask for recommendations from people you know and trust who have used home care providers. Consult your family doctor, hospital discharge department, local Council on Aging or the National Association of Home Care & Hospice (www.nahc.org).
If you decide to pursue in-home or inpatient care, interview several reputable, credentialed providers.

"Home care is not a one-size-fits-all-solution - it's an ongoing relationship that needs to respond to your loved one's changing needs over time," Gilmartin said. "Staying involved helps ensure the right care from the right person with the right skills and personality."

Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare is the nation's oldest proprietary national organization providing health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings. Through a national network of more than 300 locally owned and operated franchise offices, Interim HealthCare provides diverse services including community based home care and health care staffing. Interim employs more than 75,000 health care workers and provides services to approximately 50,000 people each day. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

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