SeniorCare’s ANCHOR Care Manager Shelley Frontiero specializes in providing support to older adults with particularly difficult circumstances. Shelley’s caseload often includes people who do not want assistance. This resistance can create an unsafe situation for the consumer, with issues requiring extra time, energy, and strength of character for the Care Manager.
In the past year, Shelley worked with Mary*, an 86-year-old woman with two cats and no other family. Mary resisted offers of assistance despite her declining health and increasing needs. About six months ago, using gentle persuasion, Shelley finally convinced Mary to allow the installation of safety equipment in her home. In addition, Mary agreed to help with housekeeping and grocery shopping and accepted home-delivered lunches and cold suppers.
One Friday night, Mary was hospitalized and gave Shelley’s name as her emergency contact. The hospital reached out to Shelley and she stayed with Mary as she was in distress and had no one else in her life. When Mary passed away shortly thereafter, Shelley acted on Mary’s behalf, working with her attorney to coordinate Mary’s burial and contacting SeniorCare’s STAY Pet Services to provide care for Mary’s cats until permanent arrangements could be made for the cats’ upkeep. Shelley even joined the team of cat sitters—feeding Mary’s beloved cats once a week. Because of Shelley’s advocacy, homes for both cats have been found.
Shelley went above and beyond for Mary—staying with Mary while she was in the hospital and ensuring her cats would have safe and loving homes after she was gone.
* name changed to protect consumer’s privacy