Hannah was an 86-year-old widow, living alone in a subsidized apartment when Volunteers of America staff first met her. Due to her poor vision, poor hearing and mild dementia, Hannah was considered a vulnerable adult.
Hannah had increasing difficulty keeping her apartment clean, getting adequate nutrition and was suffering ill health. Her personal hygiene was of great concern; her apartment was cluttered with dirty dishes and garbage. Hannah’s speech was impaired because of missing teeth; she had difficulty taking her medications and could not readily identify her medical practitioners.
It was believed that Hannah needed a court appointed guardian and conservator to manage her finances and to move her to a setting where she would receive more assistance.
Hannah reported having relatives out East, but said she was not in contact with them and could only provide names. Volunteers of America Care Management and Consultation care managers located her nephew, who had actually been in touch with Hannah, but was not aware of her current situation.
After being notified of Hannah’s vulnerability and concerns of the professionals serving her, Hannah’s nephew came to visit. He took her to an elder law attorney, where she completed a power of attorney giving her nephew authority to manage her financial affairs. He then hired Volunteers of America Care Management and Consultation Services to assist Hannah in meeting her needs.
In the following months the Care Manager: advocated to the visiting nurse and physician that it was worth attempting an assisted living apartment rather than moving directly to a nursing home; researched available assisted living facilities and, along with Hannah and her nephew selected the most appropriate assisted living apartment; coordinated with a local senior moving/transition company to plan and execute the move; assisted with communicating Hannah’s needs and preferences to the assisted living staff; arranged multiple dental appointments to obtain dentures; and arranged for cataract surgery. All the while, the care manager and Hannah’s nephew were in close contact, keeping him updated regarding her situation and needs.
Hannah is currently living contentedly in her new environment where she receives housekeeping, health meals in a social environment, and enjoyable socialization with the other residents at the assisted living. She has re-discovered her dignity and quality of life. Now equipped with a full set of teeth, Hannah is once again freely offering her bright smile to those around her.