Most of us have little experience with elder care until a parent becomes suddenly ill or in need of help. It may start with an unexpected event (a fall or hospitalization). Then, over time, your loved one needs more and more help.
The good news is that there are people who specialize in elder care, from the legal side to the medical and everything in between. They can serve as great local resources to help you get a sense of what to expect and the best way to address whatever issue you are facing. You don’t have to re-invent the wheel!
Below are local services offering support to caregiving families. For more assistance, give us a call at (804) 993-4304.
Elder Law Attorneys
“Elder law” is a special branch of the law that has to do with issues of special concern for older adults. People consult an elder law attorney when they are setting up a living trust. Or when they are creating a will. Elder law attorneys can also help in situations where families are worried that an older relative may no longer be safe living alone at home. Or if they have concerns about a loved one’s ability to handle finances wisely. Elder law attorneys can also advise you about financial options, tax matters and Medicare coverage for long-term care.
Stephen D. Burns: (804) 417-6085
Paul G. Izzo: (804) 698-6247
Melanie M. Lee: (804) 204-1500
Christopher M. McCarthy: (804) 379-1905
Paula L. Peaden: (804) 262-3600
Veronica E. Williams: (757) 926-2020
Return to top
Financial Planners
Especially as retirement looms and income earning years draw to a close, it’s important to have a nest egg. Financial planners can help you manage your loved ones assets. They can also help you determine your own retirement needs and set savings goals while investing your money in a manner that matches your personal style. (Some people are said to have a high risk-tolerance. This means they tend to be more willing to take chances with their money on the possibility that they can earn more interest. Others have low risk-tolerance, meaning they would prefer security and a more predictable rate of growth.) Whatever your investment style, a financial planner can work within your comfort level to help you achieve your monetary goals.
Darel Gallagher: (804) 289-2238
Leo O. “Buddy” Whitlow, Jr.: (804) 330-0711
Return to top
Care Managers
These professionals understand the process of aging. Plus they know the many physical, emotional and financial pressures that families come under when caring for an older relative. It’s difficult to be objective when a loved one is having problems. Adult siblings frequently disagree about the severity of the issues. And they often have different ideas about the best way to handle the situation. A geriatric care manager provides perspective. He or she can do an assessment and give you and your family a sense of any threats to independence. The geriatric care manager can then recommend home modifications. Or, he or she can direct you to community services, or alternate living arrangements. The goal is to suggest workable options that will support your relative’s current and future needs. Because this type of help is non-medical, it is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
GeroPartners: (804) 993-4304
Return to top
Home Health Care (medical and non-medical)
Home health care is a program that allows patients who cannot leave home easily to receive periodic visits from a nurse or other medical specialist. Often this is when someone is recovering from a surgery. But it can also involve management of an illness that needs periodic medical attention. The care might include a nurse overseeing the healing of a wound. Or it could be a physical therapist coming out to help with exercises after a hip replacement. This type of care is called “Home Health Care” because it is medical in nature. It differs from in-home care, which involves non-medical help. Because home health involves medical specialists, it may be paid for, in part or in whole, by Medicare.
In-home care is for individuals who need assistance with personal tasks. These are non-medical in nature, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, or going to the bathroom. Kind and knowledgeable caregivers can provide much needed assistance and companionship so your loved one can stay comfortably and safely at home. Because this type of help is non-medical, it is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
Bright Star Care of Richmond: (804) 378-8686
(medical and non-medical)
Comfort Keepers: (804) 750-1123
(non-medical)
Home Care Assistance of Richmond: (804) 741-0009
(non-medical)
Senior Helpers: (804) 823-6595
(non-medical)
Fox Rehab: (877) 407-3422 or (804) 246-3005
(medical)
Return to top
GeroPsychologists
To help seniors have the greatest possible opportunity for a long and happy life, a professional geropsychologist, depending on specialty, may assess and diagnose patients for mental disability or emotional instability, help the patients face depression and anxiety, and assist them with grief or poor health issues. They may also refer patients to practicing psychiatrists, who can prescribe medications to help them deal with mental or emotional disorders.
Geropsychologists also help address the challenges of dementia. This disease affects millions of Americans, and it makes life significantly harder for both the elderly and their caregivers. Forgetful seniors who wander away from home ― especially common in those with Sundowner Syndrome, which often causes victims to become confused ― or those who cannot recall important relationships need assistance with maintaining a reasonable quality of life.
Dr. Andrew Heck: (804) 993-4304
Return to top
Other Elder Care Professionals
The following professionals are experienced and knowledgable in their respective fields, from finance and insurance to adult day services and home remodeling.
Senior Housing Specialist
Lisa Hollier: (804) 364-0123
Reverse Mortgage Products
Jim Warns: (804) 714-8007
Medicare Insurance Specialist
John Simmonds: (804) 747-1397
Professional Residential Sales
Cathy Saunders: (804) 304-3929
Right-Sizing and Relocation
Katie Hamann: (804) 261-4124
Income Tax Preparation, Planning, and Resolution
Russ Beyer: (804) 217-9177
Adult Day Care
Lori Phillippo: (804) 355-5717
Remodeling (Universal Design), New Construction, and Home Management
Lynn Ivey: (804) 750-1166
Advanced Funeral Planning
Doni Kashinejad: (804) 301-9654
Pharmacy: Compounding and Medical Equipment
Anne Anderson: (804) 288-8361
Hospice Care
Sheila Stells: (804) 514-7633
Return to top
