Therapist for Dementia Caregivers in Philadelphia area

Margueritejudy

Can anyone recommend a therapist in the Philadelphia area who specializes in therapy for dementia caregivers? I’m the type of person who likes to be in control and plan for what will be happening. Of course, that’s completely impossible for helping my sister who is in the early stages of dementia. I know there is no predicting how it will advance or when and that every dementia case is different. However, I feel like I need some help since I know her care is my long-term responsibility and I need to know how to live with it without it overwhelming me. Is this something that the 800 number could help me with?

Also, my sister has long term care insurance with John Hancock. If she gets to the point that it’s unsafe for her to live alone, what criteria would have to be met for John Hancock to approve her LTC insurance for Assisted Living or Memory Care?

Thank you.

towhee

You are always welcome to call the 800 helpline. They can provide informational and emotional support. They do not usually recommend any particular practitioner or business. They might provide you with a list of those in your area who provide the service you need.

Regarding your LTC, conditions are specific to your policy. Get the policy and read it. If any of it is not perfectly clear to you, consult the company and/or an elder care lawyer. A lot of money has been spent on premiums; you want to make sure you use the policy to the fullest extent.

Iris L.

Read a lot of threads. All the information is on prior threads. What type of therapy are you seeking? Read a lot of threads before you invest money in a therapist.

harshedbuzz

I'm in the Philly 'burbs.

Where was your sister diagnosed? That practice may have leads. My dad was diagnosed at Penn's Memory Center which has significant resources available to families. A social worker there might know of therapists in the area of counseling.

Programs & Services Archive - Penn Memory Center

When my dad was diagnosed my mom really needed help. I was able to get her an appointment with a new psychiatrist at the practice where my son and niece are seen. She was heavily vetted by the new psychiatrist as the practice does not typically see adults over age 70 and mom was almost 80 at the time. Just putting that out there in case it's applicable to your situation. The psychiatrist referred her to a talk therapist at the practice. She was very helpful initially, but I don't think she was a good fit overall. TBH, her IRL support group was much more useful in terms of helping her balance dad's care and her own well-being. Mom's insurance changed recently and now she has to pay out-of-pocket which is not unusual for some therapists outside the big hospital networks.