Administrative assistance for seniors

What services do I offer and why do I offer them?

Early January, my dad (almost 95 years old) was hospitalised in an emergency. He had no strength left in his legs! Strong-minded as he is, there was no question of him staying any longer than necessary in this place that he himself described as a « place of death »!

At that point, I still live more than 200 km away. So as not to swim - and drown - in the post-it notes, I carefully prepare a checklist of things to organise before his return home:

• borrow a wheelchair

• plan to rent an electric wheelchair

• negotiate his departure with the doctors

• organise the journey home

• being there to welcome him

and, of course, taking care of him!

Then the battle begins: he can no longer stay alone at night, he needs daily medical/nursing care, meals, company and assistance.

Within a week, I managed to find him three great night guardians, arranged daily visits with his nurse, increased the frequency of the physiotherapist's home visits, set up meal delivery from the CMS, etc.

His monthly schedule is now like a very busy diary, with various appointments scheduled in advance, last-minute cancellations and therefore replacements to be found, and trips to be organised – which is not exactly easy with an electric wheelchair.

In short, both he and I are going through an intensive and accelerated learning process in all areas that affect a person who is no longer independent.

Today, together, we have found our cruising speed and a precious feeling of security. I take care of a good part of his administrative tasks: I organise his schedule, I manage his payments, I take care of his insurance claims and information on the benefits covered, I keep his correspondence and take care of the filing.

From this experience I have gained new knowledge and strong skills:

• redesigning a flat to make it easier and safer to move around in a wheelchair

• finding accessories that can make daily life much easier

• organising transport, even if only to the doctor

• finding and hiring competent people for the different needs (day and night)

• establishing a real collaboration between all external parties involved

• learning which services are covered and which are not covered by basic health insurance

• managing a budget with the arrival of such a new situation

... and many other things.

I am now in a position to put all these experiences and my administrative skills at the service of other people who also need a caring and efficient assistant.

Contact me to discuss how I can help YOU!