Expert: Arizona Senior Referral Service - 3/3/2006

Question
My 83-yr. old mother has been living in an assisted living "board
and care" home in Phoenix since a hip fracture and related
escalated dementia.  Her agitation, disruptiveness and depression
are so severe that her current caregivers have suggested we find a
more suitable home for her...  I feel that the proper medication
might help immensely, but it is difficult to find either a doctor who
deals with her state-sponsored medical plan (Evercare) or someone
who will facilitate a psychiatric evaluation.  Before my mother's
state of mind and outbursts are under control, it seems
inappropriate to find a "suitable" home for her... Who can I contact
to guide us (family) in finding medical and housing solutions?  

Answer
Donna:

There are a couple of programs that may be able to help. I would first contact your mom's case manager to see if the following  are a EverCare providers.

The first is Senior Horizon's, next is The Generation's at St. Lukes Hospital and last is The Sage Unit at Del Webb Memorial.

Please get your mom's Evercare case manager involved. You may have to keep leaving messages (hopefully not) but the case manager oversees your mom's case. He/she also will help with placement once she has been evaluated.

I'm here in Phoenix also so I can tell you need stay on the case managers at times. They get very busy and some times the "squeaky wheel gets the grease" as the saying goes.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me again.

Alan