Page 17 - Valley Life & Health

THE MORNING CALL SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 17
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WHO WILL

t is common for most of us to want to remain in the
comfort and familiarity of the home we love as we
Iage. In fact, 90% of seniors feel this way. If you are one
of the 90%, how will you achieve this goal when your
healthcare needs change? Have you ever considered TAKECARE
what you will do when you need assistance with one or
more of your Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?
As we mature, we usually tend to live close to our
families, making healthcare transitions a little easier. Some
people, however, have neither children nor other family
available to provide assistance when health changes,
or as other needs arise. Pathstones by Phoebe is a
membership based program offering a unique solu-
tion to this situation by providing a lifetime of wellness
coaching, healthcare advocacy, and implementation of OFYOU?
care services to meet your ever changing needs, all in the
comfort of your own home. Pathstones partners in your
long term care for life! “Whether they’re sweeping
Hear what our members have to say about joining across the dance floor in each
Pathstones and why it was a logical and practical solution other’s arms or jetting off to
for them: Hawaii, there’s no doubt Jack
and Carole Lusch are living an
“David and I have been married for 45 years and have active retirement. As mem-
no children. We really like where we live and do not want bers of Pathstones by Phoebe,
to move from our home which is suitable for us to “age in they enjoy the security of
place”. Our dilemma comes from the fact that we both come knowing they can receive long Photo courtesy of Phoebe Pathstones
from very small families which are widely dispersed and term care if they need it in
the comfort of the home they
would not be readily available should an emergency arise. built together—and that is
Pathstones was an answer to our prayers. Now we have a worth more than anything.”
’local’ contact who will be able to help us and/or our families
should we need it, as well as help to guide us as we make
decisions about our future. It gives us great peace of mind.” have our best interest at heart. The wellness monitoring by possible for as long as possible. Pathstones’ Wellness
~June, member since June 2016 Pathstones would also detect problems with our ability to Coordinator, Mimi Leinbach stresses the importance
“Four months after my husband passed away, there I take care of ourselves as needed (personal grooming, taking of being proactive. “By communicating regularly with
was asking myself: What will I do with the rest of my life? medications as needed, paying bills, ability to continue to each member we are addressing prevention and using
I don’t have any close relatives nearby – the closest is an keep our home clean, etc.) Pathstones knows our wishes a holistic focus, we help our members maintain optimal
hour’s drive away. What will happen to me if I become sick? and will convey our requests by advocating for us when deal- health in their retirement. We share techniques to help
From observation and experience of close friends and ac- ing with doctors, hospitals, case managers, etc. This advocacy members achieve their physical, emotional, intellectual,
quaintances, I became familiar with the senior living commu- becomes even more important if one of us passes away and vocational, spiritual, environmental, and social well-
nities in this area. Since I am an independent soul, I wasn’t we are alone. If you plan to rely on family for assistance, are ness goals.” The Wellness Coordinator is your lifelong
certain if I could fit into the structured life of an independent you guaranteed they will be there when needed? They may personal health advocate and will appear at navigation
living facility, so I opted to remain in my home for the time not be nearby, or they may have family issues of their own. meetings on your behalf to be sure your wishes are
being. However, I always had the nagging thought about my Unfortunately in extreme situations, some family members carried out and, should you choose, can also accompany
future should I become ill. About the same time as I was are less than honorable and create a host of problems. With you to learn test results at a follow up appointment.
trying to sort out my life and make a further decision, I saw Pathstones you have peace of mind to know our caregiv- Members receive wide ranging services, similar to
an article about Pathstones by Phoebe and thought it might ing will remain pure with your wishes executed without any those offered on Phoebe’s campuses, delivered in their
be valuable to consider. After a little more contemplating, I family dynamics. home. This includes continued coordination and manage-
called the Pathstones office and spoke with the Membership ~ Randy, member since April 2017 ment of all levels of home health care, companionship,
Coordinator who answered my questions, gave me a brief Pathstones members echo the importance of the emergency response services, live-in support, and
overview of the program, and later visited me in my home to comfort and contentment they feel. They rest easy medication management. Short term, higher level care is
describe the program in more detail. Being familiar with the knowing their plan for life care is in place and profes- also available at home after an illness or injury or surgery
good reputation of the ‘Phoebe’ name in my area, I knew this sionals are ready to implement their specific plan when such as a hip replacement. If a member decides it is more
was the right course of action for me to follow and signed on necessary, and you can too! appropriate and chooses to move into a personal care or
to become a member and stay in my home. This has been Pathstones offers comprehensive, value-based a skilled nursing community, Pathstones will pay for care
a positive experience and I am thankful and have peace of long term care for a lifetime. The person centered ap- based on the plan selected. Pathstones provides care
mind knowing that help is nearby in the event I need it.” proach helps members maintain their highest level of wherever you call home.
~Wanda, member since November 2016 independence and thrive at home, even if ADL needs We invite you to join us at a free educational semi-
“We chose Pathstones because our health (physical and change. Each Pathstones member is teamed up with a nar to explore how Pathstones by Phoebe can enhance
mental) will be monitored and changes noted. Pathstones Wellness Coordinator who learns about their unique your lifestyle and provide you the freedom and peace
will then arrange services from qualified, trusted caregiv- lifestyle and preferences. of mind knowing your long term care plan is in place.
ers as needed to address these changes. We won’t have Together, they create a personalized and on-going Seminar dates and locations can be found at Pathstones-
to worry about neglect or abuse from those who do not wellness plan designed to keep members as healthy as ByPhoebe.org or by calling 610-794-6700.