Fulshear-Katy Community Guide & Directory 2022-23

O ne of the most difficult challenges that families face is caring for aging relatives. People who are relocating to the Fulshear-Katy area themselves or relocating aging parents or relatives here can be assured that a number of quality options are available when the time comes to move a loved one closer. The aging relative may want to live in a residence or independent living community for as long as possible. “If a loved one wants to remain at home, home health care can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, hospice or palliative care,” said Dr. Heidi Schultz , a general practitioner with a sub-specialty in geriatrics who works with Fulshear Family Medicine. “Social services such as Meals on Wheels are often very helpful. Other arrangements can include subsidized senior housing, board and care facilities, living with a family member or continuing care retirement communities.” When moving an aging parent or relative closer, it ’s important to address advanced planning tasks. These include the relative’s wishes for end-of-life care as well as completing or updating wills, healthcare directives, guardianships and durable power of attorney designations for financial and health decisions. In addition, families should help their loved one put together a coordinated medical team, which can include a geriatric nurse practitioner such as Fulshear Family Medicine’s Abigail Laney. If the relative experiences declining physical or mental health, other living arrangements may need to be made. “Persons with declining functional ability and health will often go from a community setting to an assisted living setting, then sometimes on to a nursing home,” Schultz said. “Important factors in this decision include the level of independence, cost , level of socialization, geographic concerns and the health of the individual.” Ideally, this important decision will take into account the wishes of the patient and family members as well as the guidance of a physician and social worker. Selecting a living facility is like shopping for a new home. Consider each potential facility ’s cleanliness, the options for receiving higher levels of care when these become necessary, the ability to speak directly with a nurse or physician at the facility, on-site activities, diet/nutrition and transportation to appointments. Family members should visit various facilities and interview the staff and other families, if possible. Most importantly, an aging relative should be involved in this critical decision, if at all possible, to help them be happy about this transition. “ The

entire process is often emotionally difficult for the older adult and the family. If an older adult is not ready for these changes it is often difficult to admit to a loss of independence, often requiring a need to give up a home they love or perhaps the ability to drive,” Schultz said. “It should be a thoughtful and caring process and if done correctly, trying to put the wishes of the loved one first , it can be very beneficial and improve quality of life.” Medical Tips for Moving with an Aging Relative - A geriatric care manager in the Katy/Fulshear area can help ease

the loved one’s transition. The manager will be familiar with local health care providers, in-home care agencies, senior living communities and area resources. - Keep all legal documents related to your loved one’s health in an easily accessible place throughout the move. - Determine the level of care that the loved one will need and what residential option (independent living, assisted living or nursing home) is most appropriate. - Select appropriate modes of transportation and assistance to help your loved one make the move. That may mean hiring a medical transport vehicle or transportation companies that o‹er non-emergency medical transportation. - If your aging relative can travel by airline, consider booking a non-stop flight or one that doesn’t require changing planes. A travel companion may be helpful in easing a loved one’s anxiety in travelling. - Make sure that you have an adequate supply of all medications to cover the duration of the move until your loved one can make an appointment to see a new doctor. - Select new healthcare providers, preferably ones who specialize in geriatric issues. Make sure that these doctors and specialists are in-network and covered by your loved one’s health insurance plan.

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FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2022-23 ISSUE 91