Care of Elderly -
|
If you haven't thought caregiving through ahead of time, you may become overwhelmed. There are many options available, whether it be home health care or a long term care community. But first, you need to get prepared for what may be ahead. There are many different factors and scenarios, of course, but here we'll provide a few guidelines to consider.
Caregiving reaches into many areas, including memory loss, (see our dementia overview) so the best plan should be efficient and detailed. Although sometimes the need for elderly assistance comes on gradually, it can also be quite sudden, leaving everyone in somewhat of a tailspin. You may already have some guidance...or not. We can help. The first thing to remember is...
Subscribe to our short-but-sweet newsletter, The Elder-Boomer Buzz, for all the latest in caregiving, retirement ideas, and interesting info for baby boomers and seniors. It comes out the first and third weeks of the month. When you subscribe, you'll also get a free government report called Ways to Cope Financially After a Big Change.
Communicating
Call on other family members, professionals, state and country resources, and perhaps neighbors or friends to help.
Care of the elderly requires patience and understanding. Their lives are changing. They may not be able to understand or communicate effectively. So repeat and explain again as needed. Speak loudly and slowly; sometimes elderly cannot hear certain sound frequencies. You may need to try lowering the tones of your voice. Elderly people may have preferences and desires different from other family members. As you know, they can be set in their ways. Be sensitive to their feelings. They may be confused, depressed, even angry. And unable to appreciate your help. Even though they may now be somewhat helpless, do not treat them as a child. Help them become as independent as possible. And do seek lots of advice from those who specialize in care of elderly.
No doubt about it -- you will need help. No one is any good to anyone else when burned out. To prepare a plan, first ask yourself,
These are four standard questions asked for most any problem solving in life. Keep these four questions in mind when making your plan for the care of elderly. And take a look at our page on Making a Plan, to help you.
Home Healthcare InformationOne of the important elderly issues to consider is where caregiving will take place. Most families want to try to maintain care for elderly in-home as long as possible. As you make your plan and review our items in the Making a Plan page (see link above), think of ways this can be done. Staying in one's home is more familiar and comforting -- and less expensive. Bring in help from family and friends. Even so, you may find you need outside assistance. This brings up many questions:
- Typical caregiver duties.
- How can you tell if home healthcare providers are high quality? How do you pre-screen?
- What specific care questions must you ask to get what you need?
Most elderly problems are related to health: physical, mental and emotional. Our above-mentioned pages on the fundamentals of caregiving can help you sort out what you need to know about caregiver duties, home healthcare providers, and types of long term care.
Also see our pages on:
Care For Elderly In Home - Tips and Ideas
-- Care for elderly in home takes a lot of planning, whether a loved one is staying in their own home or moving in with someone else (perhaps you). Here are some great tips and ideas to consider, including having some fun!
Two Kinds of Caregiver Rights
-- There a really two kinds of caregiver rights. Legal rights of course, which are outlined here. But there are also caregiver rights for the soul. What do we mean by that?
Elderly Activities
-- Have some fun! A wide range of activities, including for those who may have limitations or need special assistance. Includes indoors, outdoors, games, food projects, crafts.
Return from Care of Elderly,
back to Home Page
