Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some Frequently Asked
Questions pertaining to senior health issues.
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How do I access the services that I read about on this website?
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After you have determined what services may be helpful in your
situation, each program has a contact phone number or email address to
begin the process of evaluating if this service or program is
appropriate for your needs. Each program has a person available to
answer your questions and get you started on receiving the services you
need.
For more information on each of our programs, CLICK
HERE.
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How are all of these services paid for?
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Each area of service on this website includes general information about
how the services are paid. Many are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other
insurance programs. The best way to determine if the specific service you
need is covered is to call the phone number listed for the service or
services you selected. Each program or service has a person available to
answer your questions and get you started on receiving the services you
need. You can also look on the back of your insurance card for the Member
Services phone number for your insurance. Member services can advise you on
coverage.
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My mother has been falling and I am not sure what to do.
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There are a variety of options open to you from having a "fall assessment" at
home, having someone stay with her at home, or utilizing rehabilitation
services. Or perhaps finding a more suitable environment such as assisted
living or a nursing facility may be indicated. However, the best place to start is
to find out the cause of the falls. You may want to contact her primary
care physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician you can contact
Hartford Hospital’s
Physician Referral Service.
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My father is 89 and is very short of breath and has trouble walking even
short distances. I don’t want him to have heart surgery but what else can I
do?
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First, make an appointment with his primary care physician to find out
the cause of his shortness of breath. After the cause and possible
treatments have been determined, if he needs help at home you can contact
VNA Health Care for assistance. If he needs a primary care physician you can
contact the
Hartford Hospital
Physician Referral Service.
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My mother is 85 years old and wetting herself at times during the day.
Is this just a normal part of aging?
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Certainly this is a common problem as people age. The first thing to
think about is to determine the cause of the incontinence. She should make
an appointment with her primary care clinician. When the cause is determined
there may be prescription medication or other interventions that may be
prescribed. Your physician or nurse can provide you with some tips to help to
manage the situation and create a better quality of life for your mother.
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My father is 87 and still drives. How
can I be sure that he's still a safe driver?
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This is a very common problem and one where advice from adult
children is not often heeded. You may consider recommending that he
attend a formal driving assessment where an objective third party can
advise on his abilities and make recommendations to improve the safety
of his driving or advise him to seek alternative forms of
transportation. You may contact the Geriatric Assessment Program at
Hartford Hospital.
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My mother is coming to live with me and I work full time and I want to
be sure she is taking her medications and eating while I am not home. What
options do I have?
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You may want to consider a personal care attendant to provide care
including meal preparation and medication reminders. Or you may want to
consider Meals on Wheels and a Lifeline (Personal Emergency Response
System)
that can remind your mother about her medications. Or a “med box” to
organize her medications may be helpful. You can call 1.800.VNA.1551 for more information
on these services, or for an in-home
assessment of your mother’s needs. If she is unable to stay at home another alternative may be Assisted Living
at Cedar Mountain Commons.
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My father seems to be getting forgetful. Is this just normal aging?
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Certainly some forgetfulness comes with age. However it may be something
more. You may contact the Memory Disorder Clinic or the
Geriatric Assessment
Center to have an assessment completed to determine the cause. Once the
cause is determined, there are a variety of services available to help him manage, such as home
care services from VNA Health Care or Meals on Wheels.
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My father is alone and I am concerned that he is not eating and that
it’s not safe for him to be at home. What can I do?
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VNA Health Care has a variety of services that can meet your needs.
Meals on Wheels and Lifeline (personal emergency response) may be good
choices. Or perhaps a homemaker may be an alternative. An in-home
assessment including safety may be a starting point. If it is unsafe for him
to be at home you may want to consider assisted living at
Cedar Mountain
Commons. You may also want to contact his Primary Care Physician to
determine if there is a medical reason for his not eating. If he does not
have a doctor you can contact the
Hartford Hospital
Physician Referral Service.
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My mother is being discharged from the hospital and she is insistent
about going home. But I am concerned about how she will manage. What should
I do?
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You can speak to the discharge planner or care coordinator at the
hospital. VNA Health Care is available to
assist with your mother’s transition to home by providing nursing, physical
therapy, occupational therapy, home care aide or a variety of other services
including homemaker, companion, meals on wheels. You can also contact VNA Health Care directly...
CLICK HERE.
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What is the age for needing services
provided by Senior Health Solutions providers?
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There is no fixed age for older adults to benefit from these
services. Generally, these services are helpful for people dealing with
the transitions and health concerns that come later in life such as
physical changes, retirement, bereavement, etc. Contact us for more information.
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How is depression in seniors treated?
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Depression is not a normal part of aging. It is an illness
that responds to active treatment. Some people improve with just
medication, and some with just talk therapy. For people with more
persistent or debilitating depression, treatment involves both
medication and talk therapy with a mental health professional.
Contact us for more information.
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Do I need to be hospitalized to receive treatment for depression?
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No. Services are provided in many different ways, including
outpatient appointments and home visits, depending on the need.
Contact us for more information.
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