Restoring Peace of Mind: How LiveWell Helped Lori and Her Elderly Aunt

When Lori reached out for help, she was exhausted—physically, emotionally, and mentally. After spending three difficult years caring for her terminally ill mother, Lori was now the sole caregiver for her elderly aunt, Margaret, who had advanced dementia, serious behavioral issues, and was completely bed-bound.

Margaret, once a trailblazing businesswoman, had never married and had no children. With no other family to step in, all responsibility had fallen to Lori. On top of her aunt’s cognitive and physical challenges, Margaret also struggled with hoarding behavior. Her apartment was dangerously cluttered and unsanitary, compounding the risks to her health and well-being.

Lori had hired split-shift, 12-hour home health aides to provide round-the-clock support. But without professional supervision, the aides became unreliable and neglectful. Crisis after crisis unfolded, with Lori fielding daily calls and constantly managing emergencies from afar. The stress was unbearable.

A Turning Point: LiveWell Steps In

That’s when Lori contacted LiveWell's New York care management team (formerly Alighieri Care Management). From the moment we stepped in, our goal was clear: improve Margaret’s quality of life while lifting the heavy burden off Lori’s shoulders.

Here’s how we helped transform their situation:

• ‍Immediate Safety Improvements: We coordinated a full cleanup and reorganization of Margaret’s apartment, addressing hoarding-related hazards and restoring a clean, livable space.
• ‍Caregiver Replacement & Cost Reduction: The disjointed 12-hour shifts were replaced with experienced, carefully vetted live-in companions—cutting care costs nearly in half while ensuring consistent, compassionate support.
• ‍Health Oversight: A LiveWell nurse was assigned to manage Margaret’s medications and monitor her overall wellness.
• ‍Therapeutic Engagement: We brought in both a physical therapist and an art therapist to work with Margaret, fostering moments of joy, connection, and gentle movement.
• ‍Quality of Life Enhancements: We supplied movies, music, and games to keep Margaret stimulated and entertained in ways aligned with her preferences.
• ‍Family Support: We referred Lori to an elder law attorney to help manage Margaret’s estate and tax planning.

Over time, Margaret came to trust our team—becoming more emotionally secure and less dependent on Lori for daily needs. With care stabilized and professionally managed, Lori was finally able to reclaim her peace of mind and simply enjoy being a niece again.

Today, both Margaret and Lori are thriving.

How Geriatric Care Managers Can Help

Family caregivers like Lori often find themselves overwhelmed, especially when caring for an older adult with dementia, behavioral health challenges, or complex medical needs. Geriatric care managers (GCMs) provide expert guidance and hands-on support to ensure the well-being of both the older adult and their caregiver.

In this case, LiveWell’s GCM team:

• Conducted a thorough home safety and care assessment
• Coordinated the removal of safety hazards and clutter
• Replaced unreliable caregivers with skilled live-in aides
• Oversaw medical needs through licensed nursing supervision
• Integrated therapeutic services to improve quality of life
• Provided caregiver relief and legal resource referrals

Whether the challenge is behavioral issues, caregiver burnout, or unsafe living conditions, geriatric care managers provide the structure and compassion needed to restore balance and dignity.

You Don’t Have to Carry the Burden Alone

If you’re caring for an aging loved one and feel overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, we’re here to help.

📞 Contact LiveWell today to schedule a free initial consultation and discover how our experienced care managers can support you and your loved ones—during the holidays and beyond.

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