This afternoon I met with a social worker with an in-home health care agency. She is someone that I have known at least 15 years, perhaps 17. She used to work for the physician practice with which my mom and dad’s doctor was affiliated. Later she worked at the VA where I also knew her since Dad got his prescriptions there. In addition, I also know the marketing representative for the agency. I had worked with her in providing rehab services for my father’s companion after her hospitalization in 2007 or 2008. Another reason I feel comfortable with this agency is that Kate had interviewed the owner during the time that another agency was providing care for Kate’s mother. Kate had been impressed with him. In addition, one of the social workers at Kate’s physician’s practice (the same one my parents used) had given me the name of this agency and one other as places she felt good about.
I was impressed with the listening skills of the social worker. She didn’t interrupt me once as I was giving her information. That is rare. After giving her all the background information I wanted her to have, she gave me information about the agency and their services. Then she completed a form with information about Kate and had me sign a contract.
We plan to start the Wednesday after Labor Day. We will begin with a three day a week schedule. They have a 4-hour minimum. On Monday, someone will be there at noon so that I can get to Rotary. After Rotary, I will go to the Y and then back home. On Wednesday and Friday, a caregiver will come at 1:00. I will go to the Y at that time run errands or meet someone for coffee or whatever so that I can be home by 5:00.
I set up an appointment for the social worker to meet Kate on August 23. We are going to meet at Panera. The plan is for it to appear as a chance meeting. We will be there a little early. When the social worker arrives, she will stop by our table and say hello. I will invite her to sit down with us.
I haven’t figured out exactly how to explain the caregiver to Kate. My plan is not to define her as a caregiver. This is an important first step. I am optimistic that it will work out fine.
