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Posted on Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 6:16 a.m.

In-home therapy is a great option, and it's covered by Medicare

By Alan Caldwell

Lisa-Alarcon-with-Family-Home-Health-Services

Lisa Alarcon with Family Home Health Services

Photo by Sheila Doeden

Lisa Alarcon was our guest on our radio show this past weekend. She is the director of Rehabilitation Services with Family Home Health Services. Family provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and social work services wherever their patients live, whether that’s a private home or an eldercare facility. Their services are a Medicare benefit, generally 100 percent paid for through Medicare.

Lisa helps educate physical therapists, and she also works with the staff and residents of facilities. She spoke about their vestibular therapy and how this can reduce fall risk. This therapy addresses the spinning sensation that some people experience for anywhere from 30 seconds to twp minutes. Reducing falls is obviously good for the patient, but also can help control health care expenses (the direct cost of falls is estimated at $19 billion annually).

Lisa also mentioned two new therapy programs. They are addressing rehabilitation for those with dementia and also for stroke patients. The stroke program works to fully care for all of the patient needs, including muscle re-education and postural training.

We talked about how people are hesitant to seek help and accept help. Families should reach out to help their loved ones. Your parents will always do better in a familiar environment, right in their own home. When home just isn’t workable anymore, Family works to help the transition to an appropriate senior community. Lisa stressed how “facilities have come a long ways.” They are much better than in years past.

To listen to the 12-minute discussion with Lisa, click the audio link: Everything Elderly Lisa Alarcon 0709.mp3">

To get in touch with Lisa or Family Home Health Services, you may call 1-800-901-3447, or visit the website fhhs.us.

Sheila-and Alan-from-Senior-Helpers

Sheila Doeden and Alan Caldwell from Senior Helpers

Photo by Jenn at WLBY

My co-host, Sheila Doeden, and I spent the last part of the show talking about our first two years in business. We opened Senior Helpers two years ago this week. We both agreed it’s been an incredibly good experience, definitely exceeding expectations.

The business, providing non-medical in-home care services, is simply very rewarding and fulfilling. We get to work with families every day and help them provide better quality of life to their loved ones.

Sheila spoke of the local eldercare community and the generosity and kindness of those that work in this industry. Everyone is in this field for the right reasons — it’s all about helping people.

I talked about just how much fun it’s been building the business and creating the company culture we want. Coming from a large corporate background, it’s wonderful to be able to make decisions quickly, without any committees.

The opportunities to be a part of the Ann Arbor community have been very gratifying. Sheila is actively involved in the Michigan Home Health Association, helping the push to introduce state licensing of in-home care services (which is much needed). I have thoroughly enjoyed becoming actively involved in the Ann Arbor Kiwanis Club, as well as being on the board of the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

To listen to the 12-minute talk with Sheila and Alan, please click the audio link: Everything Elderly Sheila-Alan 0709.mp3">

Alan Caldwell and Sheila Doeden co-host Everything Elderly every Saturday morning at 8:30 on 1290 WLBY. In their day jobs, Alan and Sheila co-own and co-manage Senior Helpers, providing in-home care services, primarily to the elderly. Both can be contacted at homecareexcellence@seniorhelpers.com, or at 734-927-3111.