Care of Elderly -
Don't Be Overwhelmed
Elderly issues can come suddenly, without warning
Care of elderly is very likely something you may be very involved with at some point, as I am now -- for your family, or even friends. You may care for your spouse. Or if you are a baby boomer, an elderly parent, or perhaps a sibling as you age. Caregiving, as you may know, is one of the major elderly issues. If you haven't thought caregiving through ahead of time, you may become overwhelmed. Our family thought we had pretty much thought it all through. But unforeseen things do come up. (Like Dad actually moving in with me). But you will find that 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. And many of them from very personal experience. 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. Dad, for instance, lost a great deal of his eyesight almost over night. His macular degeneration suddenly caused bleeding in his eye. And he was alone down in Arizona. Suddenly he could not read the labels on food packaging or figure out what was in the grocery store, much less get to it. We had to rush to his aid and move him back here with family. You may already have some guidance...or not. We can help. The first thing to remember is... Just don’t try to do it all yourself! 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. Dad, in fact, misses whole chunks of conversation due to this. And he tries not to let on. You may need to try changing the tones of your voice, and it may be a matter of trial and error for awhile. 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, frightened like Dad was; 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. Do seek lots of advice from those who specialize in care of elderly. And also keep in mind, that if you are choosing care of elderly loved ones in-home, then home security is also highly important. Check ADT Security Escondito prices or the prices in your area. 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,
Who...What...When...How...
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. Even though I am able to take care of Dad myself (so far), I know anything could come up at any time to change this. This brings up many questions: Care of elderly in-home is usually more affordable than the monthly fees in an assisted living facility or nursing home. You may also find it valuable to hire the services of a licensed geriatric care manager (a nurse or social worker who specializes in care of elderly). Check out all options and compare expenses. 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. Read more about care of elderly on these pages:
A Caregiver Description
-- This concise caregiver description helps you understand what someone may be facing when taking on caregiving, if someone is “cut out” for it, and personal traits and skills needed. Learn more.
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!
Crucial Caregiver Care
-- Caregiver care is an extremely necessary consideration and must not be ignored. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well I believe it also takes a village to care for our elders. Perhaps my personal story, my ups and downs, can help give you ideas.
Coping With Caregiver Depression
-- Caregiver depression can hit hard and fast, sometimes unexpectedly. Or it may creep up so you can quickly deal with it. And there are many levels and degrees. My own experience taught me how to avoid it and what to do.
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