By the year 2035, Indiana is expected to have more residents age 65 and older, than residents under the age of 15. The need for community assistance in caring for aging family members will greatly increase as the Baby Boomer generation transitions into retirement. A recent Gallup poll reports that even now, 1 in 6 American employees serves as caregiver for an aging family member (July 2011).
Families First’s Vistas program is prepared to meet the community’s growing need for caregiving support services. Our team of professional counselors and homemakers provide compassionate, supportive care to protect the well-being of vulnerable adults, enabling them to achieve the highest degree of independence and quality of life possible.
Vistas program by the numbers:
- In 2010, seventy-seven older and challenged adults were provided with counseling, case management homemaker support and protective care from Families First
- Despite their vulnerability, 99% were able to remain safely in their home or were successfully transitioned to another appropriate care setting
- One hundred percent of survey respondents expressed satisfaction with the services they receive from the Vistas program
Our Vistas program also supports adults with developmental disabilities or mental health issues—helping them make appropriate decisions and manage personal affairs. Through case management, protective care and sometimes guardianship, Families First provides safety to those who need it most.
We all want our family members to be able to live with dignity, safety and maximal independence. The Vistas program at Families First ensures your loved one is:
- Living in a safe environment
- Receiving appropriate medical care
- Completing daily tasks such as self-care and housekeeping
- Managing mail, correspondence and personal finances
- Engaging socially with family and friends
- Connecting with other community services and resources needed
- Protected from exploitation, abuse and self-neglect
The Vistas program provides comprehensive in-home assessments to identify each client’s needs. Vistas staff then develop an individualized care plan with input from the client and his/her family, and deliver high quality in-home services—providing assistance with housekeeping, grocery shopping and transportation to medical appointments.
Communication with family members, other caregivers and medical providers is a top priority for Vistas staff. The program can also provide assistance with housing transition, should a new environment become necessary for a client.
How to Get Started
For more information or to inquire about Vistas services, please call 317-634-6341 and ask to speak with the Vistas program assistant.
Paul and Mike's mother, Luella, had always been an accomplished, independent woman. Lately, however, she seemed forgetful and confused, and exhibited some strange behaviors.
Living some distance away, the brothers were struggling to balance their career and family responsibilities, with their commitment to helping their mother stay in her home as long as possible. As Luella's need for assistance grew, Paul and Mike worried how they would manage the increasing demands of her care.
The Vistas program was exactly what the family needed to ease the strain of keeping Luella in her home. Luella now has a social worker who regularly monitors her well-being, and a care team assistant who visits her home weekly to help with light housework, prepare meals and take her shopping.
Today, Paul and Mike have peace of mind, knowing that when they aren't able to be there for their mother, the Vistas care team will be.
