DEARBORN, Michigan — After Grosse Ile resident Sue Wright, 81, was hospitalized over the Christmas holidays last year, her children realized that mom could no longer manage alone at home. Fortunately for Wright, her daughter-in-law Karen Wright was familiar with a readily available resource to help navigate care—Senior Care Solutions (SCS) by Oakwood.
“Our family needed to have an objective third party evaluation of what my mother-in-law could or could not do,” said Wright, director of strategic planning for Oakwood Healthcare System. “Thankfully, SCS is practically in my ‘own backyard.’ At the same time, I know they are available to help other seniors and families throughout Detroit’s five-county area.”
Sue Wright, center front, sparkles during a family gathering on the porch of Sunrise of Northville. Pictured from l. to r., back row, are Debby, Savannah, Ella, Karen and Zack Wright with brother-in-law Doug Clare; in rocking chairs by Sue are Doug Wright and Marta Clare.
Upon Wright’s call, Marcia Filek, SCS’s geriatric care manager, scheduled a time to meet with the entire family, including Karen and her husband Zack Wright along with siblings Doug Wright and wife Debby, Dawnine Campbell and husband Frank, Marta Clare and husband Doug, and their mother Sue. Filek conducted a detailed geriatric care assessment which included spending time alone talking with the senior Wright.
“We talked about everyone’s concerns and the various options available to them,” said Filek. “If the senior wants to go home, we do everything possible to help them live safely at home. However, sometimes it’s not feasible. Following our assessment, it became apparent that Sue would do better in an assisted living facility, and we could continue to provide services for her as needed.”
“By going through this process with SCS, it helped my mother-in-law better understand and accept why she couldn’t go home, and made it easier for our family as a whole,” said Wright.
Sue Wright enjoys a lively conversation with granddaughters, Ella Wright, at left, and Savannah Wright.
Following SCS’s recommendations, family members researched a number of assisted living residences and selected Sunrise of Northville. Located in Plymouth, it is within a five-minute drive of two of Wright’s four children. The family reports she has transitioned well.
“She enjoys where she’s at, likes the food, and has plenty of opportunities to socialize—something she didn’t have at home alone,” added Wright. “We tried a lot of things to keep her in her own home. Today, it’s a comfort to everyone to know that she’s close by and well cared for.”
About Senior Care Solutions by Oakwood
Senior Care Solutions by Oakwood offers geriatric care assessments and case management services along with in home, non-medical and personal care services for seniors and post trauma patients. Located in Allen Park, Mich., Senior Care Solutions by Oakwood provides services throughout the five county areas of Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne. Personal care services are also available within a 30 mile radius of Detroit. For more information, call 866-776-1869 or visit www.OakwoodSeniorSolutions.org.