Families trying to determine when an aging parent needs more help — and what kind of care may be appropriate — are the focus of the latest episode of Thompson Health’s “Thompson On-Air” podcast.
Host Dave Carro is joined by Matt Janczak, vice president of long-term care at Thompson Health and administrator of the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, and Melodie Kolmetz, PA-C, with the University of Rochester Medicine Geriatrics Group. Together, they walk families through some of the decisions that can arise as older adults begin having difficulty living independently.
The conversation starts with one of the most difficult questions families face: How do you know when an aging loved one needs additional support?
Janczak and Kolmetz discuss early warning signs families can watch for and ways to evaluate whether someone is still able to safely manage daily life on their own. They also explore practical changes that can be made around the home to reduce risks and help older adults maintain their independence for as long as possible.
But the episode makes clear that planning for elder care extends beyond physical safety.
The guests emphasize the importance of starting conversations about care before a crisis forces families to make decisions quickly. Advance care planning can give older adults a greater voice in determining what they want while also giving relatives a clearer understanding of their preferences.
That planning becomes increasingly important because elder care is rarely a single decision. Instead, families may find themselves moving through a continuum of services as a person’s health, mobility or cognitive needs change.
The episode explains the differences between in-home services, independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facilities and short-term rehabilitation. Understanding those distinctions can help families determine which level of support fits a loved one’s needs rather than viewing long-term care as a single option.
The discussion also addresses the impact those decisions can have on caregivers.
Family members often take on significant responsibilities as parents or other relatives age, sometimes while balancing careers, children and other obligations. Janczak and Kolmetz discuss caregiver stress and guilt, along with respite care and other options that can provide temporary relief.
Finances are another major part of the conversation.
The episode examines how Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance can factor into paying for care. Those programs can operate differently depending on the type of service a person needs, making financial planning another reason families may benefit from exploring their options before an immediate need develops.
The broader message is that conversations about aging do not have to begin when someone can no longer live safely at home. Families can start evaluating needs, preferences, finances and possible care arrangements earlier, giving everyone involved more time to understand the choices available.
“Thompson On-Air” releases new episodes monthly and covers health and wellness topics affecting residents across the Finger Lakes. The podcast is produced by University of Rochester Medicine Thompson Health and is available through Thompson Health’s website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeartRadio.
Thompson Health operates several health care organizations serving Ontario, Livingston and Wayne counties, including F.F. Thompson Hospital and the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center.
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