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Understanding the Difficult Emotions Behind Caregiving And Aging
Caregiving

Understanding the Difficult Emotions Behind Caregiving and Aging

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

There is No Shame in Negative Emotions Tied to Caregiving – It’s How You Respond to Them that Matters

Aging and caregiving have so many emotions tied to them, unfortunately, some aren’t as positive as we’d like. Rather than feel embarrassed about your emotions, or trying to ignore or hide the emotions, it is better for your well-being to understand them and accept them. Understanding the Difficult Emotions Behind Caregiving And Aging
When we ignore our emotions, they just get bigger. You can’t run from your feelings so it is important to explore your feelings and find ways to accept them or cope with the negative emotions.

Sadness:

Both the caregiver and caree can experience sadness during the caregiving journey. The caree may mourn the body or mind that they used to have. It can be difficult to accept that you can’t do all of the things you used to do. It can also be hard to have to rely on your child, or other family members. Understanding the Difficult Emotions Behind Caregiving And Aging
The caregiver can also feel sadness about the person their parent or spouse has become. It is difficult to see a loved one struggle. There is also sadness about the new role of caregiver. Becoming someone’s caregiver is very rewarding, but it is also a huge sacrifice. Free time will become a luxury and the financial and emotional toll is high.

Resentment:

A caree may resent their caregiver for a number of reasons. They can resent that their child or spouse is telling them what to do or handling tasks that they previously handled. They can resent the situation. No one wants to become dependent on someone else. They can also resent that it changes their role in the relationship and how it makes them feel.
A caregiver can also experience resentment that they no longer have the freedom to go away or check out. They may resent that there is so much on their plate and they are under a lot of stress. They can also resent the financial toll or the impact caregiving has on their career or social responsibilities. A caregiver can also resent the toll on their social life, particularly if they have had to make major life changes. Understanding the Difficult Emotions Behind Caregiving And Aging

Anger:

If someone is experiencing sadness and resentment, it may turn to anger, particularly if it is a long-term lifestyle change. Anger is a common expression of grief, which both caregivers and carees go through as life as they know it is altered.
The caree can become angry over their current situation and take out their anger on the closest target – their caregiver. The caregiver may be angry over their new situation or the toll caregiving takes on their life.

How to Cope with Caregiver Emotions:

While it isn’t easy to move past sadness, resentment and anger, if you are in a long-term caregiving relationship for someone you love, it is critical to your relationship that you do. Once you understand why the person is lashing out or handling the transition badly, it can be easier to not take things so personally.
Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of your situation, work together to accept it and create a new normal. For example, if your mother is grieving over the fact that she can no longer prepare her favorite meals and her way of expressing it is to criticize your cooking, have her guide your cooking. Sit together and go over her recipes, or bring her into the kitchen to walk you through her preparations. Yes, it can take more time and we don’t always have a lot of time, but she’ll feel like she has more to contribute and more value.
Try to bring some joy and play into your new situation. Your caree may be focused on all of the negative aspects of his or her health and you may be bogged down in running two families, which can feel depressing. Bringing some fun and humor into your situation will help you both feel better.
Give each other space. You and your parent probably have not spent this much time together in a long time. Your parent has been living alone for some time and you have set up your own life. Blending the lives of independent adults is difficult. Give each other some space. Read a book in your room or set up a TV in your parent’s room. You don’t need to be together every minute of every day.
Respect your parent’s routine. If you have become a morning person but your dad likes to stay up late watching movies and wake up around 11 a.m., don’t go bursting into his room at 8 a.m. encouraging him to join you for breakfast. Obviously, you are not a diner serving up meal at all hours of the day, but prepare something that can keep and leave it for him to enjoy when he is ready. If medication is an issue, discuss his schedule with his doctor to be sure pushing back the day to accommodate his schedule is safe.
Understanding where you are each coming from and respecting each other’s needs can make your caregiving journey run smoothly.

Understanding the Difficult Emotions Behind Caregiving And Aging

Understanding the Difficult Emotions Behind Caregiving And Aging Understanding the Difficult Emotions Behind Caregiving And Aging Understanding the Difficult Emotions Behind Caregiving And Aging Understanding the Difficult Emotions Behind Caregiving And Aging Understanding the Difficult Emotions Behind Caregiving And Aging
 
 

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Recognizing Depression in Older People
Conditions & Treatments

Recognizing Depression in Older People

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Did you get a sense of unhappiness or discontent in elderly relatives when you last saw them? It might be easy to write this off as a bad day, but it could be possible that the person is experiencing a more pronounced depression that they might struggle to communicate clearly. Recognizing Depression in Older People
Depression in older people can often go unnoticed, either through failing to recognize it or the senior citizen doing their utmost to conceal it. Keeping it bottled up is the worst thing to do; if you spot an elderly relative who seems unhappy, talk to them about it. That could be the conversation they crave and, in knowing that someone truly cares, their depression might ease considerably, if not disappear entirely.

Thanks to Be Independent Home Care for supplying this helpful infographic on how to recognize signs of depression in older people and what you can do to help seniors who are experiencing depression.
Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People

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Conditions & Treatments

How can the right environment help someone with dementia?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

After discovering that your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you may have a series of questions about adjusting to day-to-day life. Are they safe? Does my loved one understand what’s going on? How do I communicate with them? All are valid and pressing questions that our knowledgeable team can address. How can the right environment help someone with dementia?
When it comes to in-home safety, there are specific precautions and needed changes to make your environment safe. Dr. Piero Antuono, Silverado Brookfield Medical Director says the living environment plays a crucial role on the lifestyle for a person with dementia. Take in regard a living space that minimizes anxiety and noise, which can also additionally reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, confusion, and isolation.
We’ve also gathered some essential safety tips from Silverado in-home care experts. See if your living environment makes the cut.

  • Register a Bracelet
    The MedicAlert + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program is available for individuals with dementia who may wander off, in which case the registered bracelet will have personalized information such as emergency contacts and health history. The bracelet is registered with local law enforcement to ensure that your loved one will be returned home safely. You can register an individual online through the Alzheimer’s Association.
  • Install Motion Detectors
    Some motion detectors today have video capabilities, and some even have responsive automated voices. Experts suggests installing devices around the house, which helps to have another set of eyes to watch your loved one from wherever you are.
  • Remove rugs
    As they are the number one cause of falls in the home, removing all rugs from teh home can be an important step to make the environment safer.
  • Take No Solicitors
    Consider posting a “No Solicitors” sign at the front door to avoid any unexpected visitors. Also, have other family members pick up the phone, because a person with dementia can often be the victim of telephone exploitation. Keep the phone ringer volume on low and make everyone in the household aware that the phone should be answered in as few rings as possible. This will avoid possible distraction and confusion.
  • Remove Locks
    Consider removing locks from the bathroom in case your loved one locks themselves inside.
  • Emergency Contacts
    Display emergency numbers in every room and next to all telephones.
  • Lighting
    Be sure lighting around the house is adequate, including entryways, corners, hallways, bathrooms, stairs, and outside landscaping. Lights with sensors may also be useful.
  • Electronics
    Prevent fire hazards by keeping electronics on sturdy surfaces, covering unused electrical outlets and clearing any extension cords, which also minimizes the likelihood of trips and falls.
  • Prevent Slips
    Install handles and grab bars around the house as safety grips. The handrail for stairways should extend beyond the first and last steps. To prevent slips, use nonskid adhesives in the tub, toilets, and sinks.

For more videos of dementia specialists answering common questions click here.

How can the right environment help someone with dementia?

How can the right environment help someone with dementia? How can the right environment help someone with dementia? How can the right environment help someone with dementia? How can the right environment help someone with dementia?How can the right environment help someone with dementia?

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Keeping Caregivers Healthy
Caregiving

Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

How to Juggle Caregiver Tasks When You Work Outside the Home

According to the National Caregiver Alliance and AARP, 60% of the approximately 43.5 million caregivers in the U.S. are employed, and most of them work outside the home full time. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work
Between work, caregiving tasks and maintaining their own household, it’s no wonder the majority of caregivers report that they experience physical and emotional stress. Between work and caregiving, they are putting in at least 60 hours a week!

Shortcuts to Balance the Caregiver/Employee Roles

If you’re not able to cut back work or caregiving hours, how can you balance the two? Shortcuts, hacks and letting things go is a good start. Here are my best timesavers and hacks that I’ve used during extremely stressful and busy times.

1. Eat as well as I can:

I’d love to say, hey, get your 5 servings of vegetables and fruits in every day, but let’s face it, when you’re busy, the easiest food to eat is usually junk food or processed food. When I’m super busy, I try to make sure we’re stocked with portable healthy snacks such as granola bars, string cheese, yogurt, bananas, tangerines and apples. Aside from the yogurt and cheese, I can throw them in my bag or leave them in my car. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work

2. Cook in bulk:

It isn’t the most exciting way to eat, but I usually cook two or three large meals at the beginning of the week and we re-heat throughout the week.

3. Sunday or Monday plan:

I once read an article about a woman who keeps her Mondays appointment free so that she could prepare herself for a successful week. Monday doesn’t work for most people who have a full-time job, but for me, Sunday evening is a great time to plan for the week. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work
I personally prefer a paper calendar for planning, although I keep an electronic calendar so that I have it on my phone as well. For planning, I look at both and go through the days of the week and make sure we are covered for any appointments and activities. I bought a dry erase decal for my refrigerator that I use for any appointments that affect more than one person so my husband and I are on the same page.
If you are scheduling yourself and your parent, you may want to color code your schedule. One thing that tripped up a lot of my clients and their children was backing up times to allow for transportation. There were many times where they would accidentally leave for an appointment at the time they were supposed to arrive. One of my clients who was an executive assistant in her career had a great idea of putting her pick up time in pen and underneath, she would write the appointment time in pencil. I am hooked on these Bic four color pens since I can easily color-code without having to have multiple pens. They last forever. I have been using the same one for 2 years now. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work

4. Schedule maintenance:

If you are so busy that you are barely getting through the day, making sure the little things continue to run is important, but challenging. Go ahead and put your car maintenance on your calendar ahead of time so that you don’t forget. The last thing you need is an expensive car repair. Are there other things you need to maintain? Think about what needs to be done to keep your life running smoothly and put it on your calendar before you forget – both for your home and your parent. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work

5. Maximize your work day:

If you have to be in an office for eight hours a day, use your lunch or breaks to get some tasks done. During your planning time, list out any appointments you need to make (with phone numbers and any background info), shop for groceries online and do any other task that you don’t need to do in person. If you have your list and all the details ready to go, you can blaze through your list. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work
If you don’t sit at a desk or don’t work at a computer, you can still take your lunch break to make any calls, set up appointments, etc. You can also shop on Amazon Prime Now from your cell phone.

6. Find off-hour service providers:

While most doctors only operate from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., there are some dentists and even medical imaging centers that are open late or on weekends. I once had an MRI at 9 a.m. on a Saturday. Try to find providers that operate when you have more time for you and your parent so that you don’t need to use all of your time off for routine care.

7. Get creative:

I worked with a family who had a creative strategy for medical appointments. They hired us to transport the father to and from his appointment, but the daughter met him there, attended the appointment and went back to work. She only needed to take one hour off of work, versus 3 hours if she was providing transportation.
Can you find ways to be present without doing everything? Can you schedule appointments early in the morning so that you only miss an hour of work. Is there someone you can split the load with? Do you have a friend, neighbor or community member who has more free time and can assist with some of the manageable tasks like grocery shopping or errands? Is there someone you can hire to help with the errands? I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve heard of sites like Task Rabbit, where you can hire someone to do errands for you. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work
You can’t do it all, so finding shortcuts or getting help can help take some of the stress off your plate. How can you find a few extra hours? Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work
 

Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work

 
 

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Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab?
Conditions & Treatments

Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab?

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Why Seniors Should Consider Rehab an Option

Contrary to popular belief, addiction is not just an affliction of the young. More than 1 million adults ages 65 and older in this country have a substance use disorder, according to 2017 data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This number is projected to rise, with a vast majority of affected seniors never seeking treatment in what has been aptly termed “a growing, but mostly silent, epidemic” in a 2016 study from BMC Health Services Research. Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab?
Sadly, what many older people with addiction don’t know is that rehab is both a viable and promising option for kicking a drug or alcohol problem. Seniority should never be an obstacle to getting effective treatment for an addiction.
 

Why Older Adults Should Go to Rehab

First, consider these three compelling reasons to go to rehab for a drug or alcohol problem.

  1. Older adults have better rates of recovery.

A 2013 Hazelden reportsheds light on why this is so. Recovery rates in seniors are higher than those in younger people because “older adults have more positive experiences to draw upon and tend to be more disciplined about recovery.”
Another key predictor of success in recovery is a client’s adherence to a plan of drug or alcohol treatment. When researchers in a 2002 studycompared older clients’ adherence to alcohol treatment with younger clients’ adherence to alcohol treatment, they found the older clients were more likely to comply with their plan of treatment. They were more faithful about attending therapy sessions and taking prescribed medications. As a result, the older adults’ rates of relapse were lower than those among younger adults.

  1. Drugs and alcohol are more physically harmful in older age.

There are a number of reasons that a drug or alcohol problem that you may have successfully managed earlier in life is increasingly more dangerous to your health as you age. These include:

  • A changing metabolism that raises your risks of a drug or alcohol-related fall or injury.
  • An age-associated decline in your immune system, cognition and other physical functions.
  • Your need for more over-the-counter medicines and doctor prescriptions as you age, accompanied by a greater likelihood of harmful interactions.
  • Decreased mobility and social interactions that can feed your sense of isolation and contribute to more severe substance abuse and addiction
  1. There is no better time than now (the “Golden Years”) to improve your quality of life.

Contrary to the ageist mindset that says you’re too old to benefit from rehab, seniority is a persuasive reason to put quality-of-life concerns first. The golden years are an opportunity to make the most of the time you have left. Researchshows that people who attend inpatient rehab achieve a significant improvement in their quality of life.
For older people, moreover, positive and supportive relationships— not finances— are reportedly a more important quality-of-life measure. Strikingly, there is an even greater body of research that describes how treatment for addiction can improve close relationships with family and friends.

Tips for Finding the Right Rehab Program

Seniors who pursue treatment for an addiction have a number of rehab programs to choose from. Some cater exclusively to seniors, such as a nursing home that integrates addiction treatment into post-hospital rehab.
But don’t rule out a mixed-age rehab program either. Findings from the 2002 study cited above suggested that individualized, age-appropriate psychotherapies are more important to a successful recovery than a seniors-only treatment setting.
Here are some other things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a rehab program:

  • Detox time– Detox typically takes longer in older adults, so look for a program that will provide you with a medically supervised withdrawal that is safe and complete.
  • Dual diagnosis program– Substance abuse in older adults can often co-occur with symptoms of anxiety or depression related to grief, loss of mobility and/or other life transitions that come with age. Look for programs that are “dual diagnosis” (meaning they treat both substance use and co-occurring disorders).
  • Customized therapies for your psychosocial needs– Similarly, substance abuse typically has psychosocial and emotional roots that need to be addressed. Among older adults, these may relate to issues like depression or complicated or unresolved grief. Ask about what sorts of therapies will be offered to address these sorts of issues, and to what extent these therapies will be provided on an individual basis.
  • Location of program– If you have age-related health and mobility issues, you may wish to stay closer to home for rehab. Alternatively, if you’re able to travel, a program that is out of state may provide you with more of a retreat-like experience.
  • The tone of the staff towards older adults– Try to gauge whether there is a tone of positive support, respect and care for older adult clients. Pay attention to how the staff responds to your requests and inquiries when you call or tour the facility. If you pick up on any age-related condescension, that’s an immediate red flag.
  • Length of treatment– No matter your age group, you’ll experience better recovery outcomes the longer you stay in treatment, so ask about the length of the program.

No older adult should forego treatment because of concerns about their age. If you’re young enough to drink or use drugs, you’re young enough for rehab. Period.
By Anna Ciulla
Anna Ciulla is the Vice President of Clinical and Medical Services at Beach House Center for Recovery, where she oversees the supervision and delivery of client care. Anna has an extensive background in psychotherapy and clinical management and is often invited to speak and write for various audiences on issues related to addiction. She writes on a variety of addiction and recovery-related topics, including the benefits of seeking treatment no matter your age or place in life.
Support Systems for Elderly Dealing with Substance Abuse

Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab?

Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab? Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab? Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab? Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab? Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab? Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab? Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab? Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab? Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab? Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab? Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab? Am I Too Old for Drug or Alcohol Rehab?

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Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
Caregiving

Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson
CONGRATULATIONS! In honor of your upcoming wedding anniversary, your spouse just surprised you with a romantic week-long trip. You know you are supposed to be thrilled but, there is no way that you can go. You are the primary caretaker for your aging parents, and a vacation is impossible. Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
Who will take care of Mom? Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
Who will look in on her in the afternoons?
How will she get to the doctor? Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
Who will set up her medications? Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
And… what happens if there is a real emergency? Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
These are the exact reasons that you NEED a vacation. Being the primary caretaker for aging parents is challenging and demanding, and it takes its toll on you. You need this for your heart and mind. Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
Before you start packing for your romantic getaway here are some options to keeping your aging parents safe and well, while you are relaxing by the beach!

Home Care

The preferred option for your aging parents is to remain in the same environment. Remaining at home creates the least disruption, especially for seniors dealing with memory loss or if they require specialized medical equipment.
Ask a relative or a sibling can assume the primary caretaker duties and stay over at your parent’s house while you are away. If this is not an option, ask the daytime caregiver if they can work extra hours. A home health care registry can provide personalized service from regular calls throughout the day, to night shifts or if your aging parents requires it, complete 24-hour care. Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation

Residential Care Facilities

Although not ideal, if it is impossible for your aging parent to remain in their accustomed routine at home, rest assured they will be well taken care of at a residential facility. ARCH National Respite and Resource Center, provides a wealth of information and a national locator tool that can help caregivers find respite services in their community.

Assisted Living Residence

This is ideal for independent seniors that require less help. The expectation is that your parents are mentally alert and can dress and feed themselves. Your parents can live in their own apartment while sharing communal living and dining areas.

Nursing Home

These facilities are intended for seniors with greater personal and medical requirements. Care is available day or night and constant nursing can be provided if it is deemed necessary.

Stress Busters

In order to go on vacation safe with the knowledge that your parents will be comfortable and safe until your return, start planning early. Depending on their mental capacity try and involve your parents in the decisions related to their care.

Finances

  • Understand the finances.
  • Add the costs of elder care into your vacation costs.
  • Research veterans benefits, Medicaid, foundation grants, and state funding.

Paperwork

No matter where your parents will be staying, organize a folder containing important paperwork.

  • List of primary and secondary emergency contacts
  • List of family contacts
  • List of physicians- with phone numbers and addresses
  • List of preferred hospital and pharmacy
  • List of all medications and which doctor prescribed them
  • Important documents: power of attorney, living will, advance directives, DNR orders
  • insurance cards

Enjoy Your Vacation

Relax! You are ready to enjoy a stress-free vacation. You have made arrangements for your aging parents and you have seen to the last detail. Now, is your time to take a break from the stress of being the primary caretaker.
Focus on the milestone of your wedding anniversary and enjoy the romantic getaway. BON VOYAGE!

Y.Feinerman is the digital marketing manager for Family First Home Health Care. Yocheved is passionate about family and is known to be the “go to person” for family life cycle events and FUN!
Family First Home Health Care is a consumer directed private care registry, with the purpose of putting our client in control. We are comitted to referring those caregivers who can provide high quality, innovative care and who strive for excellence. Caregier screening and referral care our business. Each of the caregivers on our registry unergo a rigorous background screening and a credetial verification. Click Here and F1HH will be in touch with you within 24 hours.

Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation

Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation

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Tips Planning Vacation with Aging Parents
Aging

Tips Planning Vacation with Aging Parents

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Planning Your Perfect Vacation

The key to creating fun family moments and special memories is by planning ahead.

  • Where do you want to visit?
  • Where will you stay?
  • What mode of transportation will you use?

After you have decided your destination, you are ready to start the process of accommodating your aging parent’s individual needs. Tips Planning Vacation with Aging Parents

Air Travel With Aging Parents

For those planning on traveling by airplane, make every effort to set up a direct flight. When booking a flight, notify the airline, if special arrangements like a wheelchair or an escort are needed.

Hotel Accommodations With Aging Parents

After solidifying your flight arrangements, begin to book the hotel. Inquire about handicap accommodations (if needed). Tips Planning Vacation with Aging Parents

  • Pay careful attention to challenges with staircases, doorways
  • Your aging parent may need larger bathrooms equipped with safety rails for easy walkers/wheelchair access.
  • Try and reserve a room that is away from traffic and noise. Your parents may wish to take an afternoon nap and noise may be disturbing.
  • Check that there is handicap parking or easy access for them to get in and out of their room or building.

When Renting a Car

Your aging parents will be more comfortable in a rental car with extra leg room and trunk space..

Medical Equipment

It is difficult to travel with bulky medical equipment. Research local suppliers and arrange to rent durable equipment such as wheelchairs, lifts, transfer/tub seats and backup oxygen tanks. Senior.com regularly ships medical supplies and equipment to vacation locations for convenience. Order early and the items can be waiting for you.

Get Help:

Geriatric Care Manager

Hiring a geriatric care manager can reduce burdens and alleviate the stress of traveling with elderly parents.

  • Assist with making travel arrangements.
  • Make phone calls and organize extensive legwork.
  • Assist you during the actual vacation

A vacation is an occasion for all to enjoy and not the time to take on additional responsibilities.
Avoid bitter battles and resentment by proactively assessing your aging parent’s needs. They will require the same amount of assistance on vacation as at home. Tips Planning Vacation with Aging Parents
What level of care is your elderly parent accustomed to having at home or in an assisted living. This will determine the type of arrangements for care during your vacation.

If possible, bring your private caregiver. However, if that is not an option you can arrange home health care.
Caregivers can assist with personal hygiene, dressing, and bathing. If your parent requires special treatments, dressing changes, injections, glucose monitoring, cauterizations or other skilled care you can schedule a nursing visit by an RN or LPN.

Planning Your Itinerary

Most attractions are handicap accessible but double check. Research the places that you want to visit or call before hand. Remember seniors will tire out more easily and may need a break in between.
Organize a separate itinerary for your parents. Ask them what they would like to do. Depending on their needs, schedule in afternoon naps. Use that time for sightseeing or enjoy an afternoon spa treatment.

Aging Parents and Medical Clearance

Contact your parent’s doctor and inquire if they are clear to travel. Use this conversation as an opportunity to review with the doctor your parent’s conditions and medications. Ask for a referral for another doctor in the area you will be visiting.

Packing For Your Parents

  • Can your parents pack for themselves?
  • Will they be able to carry their own luggage?
  • What items need to be on hand at all times?

Accessible at all times should be quick snacks, antacids, vitamins, and other over the counter medications.
You may find Valerie Grubb’s Summer Packing Checklist to be helpful.

Medications

  • Bring all their medications.
  • Label medications with current dosages and times.
  • Make a copy of all medications and keep it with you at all times.

By Car

Allow for a few extra rest stops, and have drinks, snacks and medications and other necessities accessible. Aging parents may need to stop earlier for the night.

By Plane

Those traveling by airplane should remember that older people need more time to move around the airport.

Paperwork

Prepare medical records, physicians orders, current care plans, signed consent/insurance forms in advance. Preliminary paperwork can reduce demand on the vacation itself.

Know How to Communicate

Create a communications plan. Alleviate stress by making sure you and your parents will have access to a phone so they can reach you or call emergency services.
Quick dial your phone number, emergency services and the caregiver’s number.

Stress Busters

Plan in advance, so you can have less stress.
Take your time.

  • Should medications be forgotten contact the physician immediately upon your destination arrival to request prescriptions to be called into a local pharmacy.
  • Keep a loose schedule.
  • Elderly parents need extra time, you don’t want to rush or feel rushed.

Set clear expectations

  • Involve your parents.
  • Let them voice an opinion.
  • Ask them if they are enjoying their day.
  • Focus on the present, instead of bringing up old issues.

You’re Ready

You have planned the perfect vacation with your aging parent in mind. Proper preparation, organization, and flexibility are the secrets to a successful vacation. Your efforts will ensure that your aging parents will enjoy the trip. And you too!
Take the time to relax and enjoy your vacation by getting the necessary help.
What are your secrets to vacationing with your aging parents?
By Julie Feinerman

Family First Home Health Care is a consumer directed private care registry, with the purpose of putting our client in control. Our mission is to offer access to referrals of caregivers with different skill levels, so that clients always have access to an appropriate caregiver, even as a client’s needs change. You can individually select your caregivers.

Tips Planning Vacation with Aging Parents Tips Planning Vacation with Aging Parents Tips Planning Vacation with Aging Parents Tips Planning Vacation with Aging Parents

Tips Planning Vacation with Aging Parents

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What Services Are Covered by Personal Care?
Caregiving

What Services Are Covered by Personal Care?

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

When hiring in-home care services for a spouse or family member, you’ll be faced with a number of options. Home care services cover a range of specialty services, along with more traditional forms of care, which include in-home companion care and personal care. What Services Are Covered by Personal Care?
Many families are unsure at first which type of care their loved one may need, particularly when choosing between companion careand personal care. Companion care services are for seniors who live by themselves and could benefit from conversation and a helping hand with housekeeping tasks. If seniors require hands-on assistance with personal activities, then they will need personal care.
If you’re uncertain about which type of care your loved one needs, it may help to know which services can be provided by personal care professional, but not by a companion caregiver. To assist you in selecting the right type of care for your spouse or family member, here is a short guide to the services that come with personal care.

Personal Care Services

Personal care is recommended for seniors with limited strength, poor mobility, physical disability, or chronic health conditions that limit their ability to perform activities of daily living. These are personal activities, like dressing and bathing, which require physical contact between the care recipient and the caregiver.
Given the sensitive nature of these activities and the risk of injury in the event of an accident, personal care should only be performed by highly trained caregivers. In most states, licensing requirements for personal caregivers are much more rigorous than the requirements for companion caregivers. While a personal care professional will be able to perform companion care tasks, it is unsafe and sometimes unlawful for a companion caregiver to perform personal care activities.
Once you’re familiar with the activities that personal care professionals are trained to perform, it’s easier to decide between companion care and personal care. If your loved one requires help in any of the following areas, personal care will likely be necessary.

  • Chronic pain, limited strength, and poor coordination make dressing difficult for many seniors. Whether your loved one needs help with their whole wardrobe or just a few items, a personal care professional can help them prepare for the day.
  • Many seniors find grooming difficult for the same reason they have trouble getting dressed. Moreover, grooming tools can injure seniors if improperly used. Personal caregivers can assist with hair care, nail care, shaving, and other grooming tasks.
  • Oral Hygiene.Healthy teeth and healthy gums play a crucial role in seniors’ well-being. An experienced personal caregiver can help your loved one follow their dentist-recommended oral hygiene program.
  • A slip in the shower or bathtub can result in a life-threatening injury. While grab bars, shower stools, and non-slip coatings reduce the risk of slipping, many seniors still require the assistance of a professional caregiver when bathing.
  • After showers and bathtubs, toilets are the leading cause of injury to seniors. Personal care providers are trained to help seniors use the bathroom safely, offering compassionate and dignified assistance.
  • If your loved one has mobility difficulties, personal care can make life easier both in and out of the home. Personal caregivers can help seniors get from place to place safely and reduce the risk of a mobility-related injury.
  • Individuals who are unable to transfer themselves from one position to another can benefit from personal care services, which can include transfer assistance performed by one or more caregivers.

Do you have a loved one who could benefit from personal care services? If so, we invite you to contact Visiting Angels®. Our team will provide detailed information about our services and can schedule a free consultation with one of our care directors.
Call 800-365-4189 today or contact your local Visiting Angels office directlyto request a free personal care consultation from Visiting Angels.

What Services Are Covered by Personal Care?

What Services Are Covered by Personal Care? What Services Are Covered by Personal Care? What Services Are Covered by Personal Care? What Services Are Covered by Personal Care? What Services Are Covered by Personal Care? What Services Are Covered by Personal Care?

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What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled
Caregiving

What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

As the population of Americans over the age of 85 grows dramatically, so too has the need for home caregivers. By the year 2026, demand for home caregivers will grow by another million. This is an alarming prediction, because there is already a serious shortage, which is making it very difficult for seniors and people with disabilities to find the assistance they need. Many overall healthy people have resorted to living in nursing homes and other institutions simply so that they can receive basic help with daily tasks. What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

Causes of the Home Caregiver Shortage

Although it is a quickly growing profession, there are still not nearly enough people interested in working as caregivers in order to keep up with the demand. Caretaking jobs tend not to pay very well; currently, the average home caregiver is paid only $10.99/hour. This is similar to what employees in retail or food service earn. Additionally, caregivers often have inconsistent schedules, part-time work only, poor benefits, and few opportunities for advancement (1).
Moreover, the job comes with a lot of responsibility, and mistakes can result in serious injury, police investigations, and other issues.
Strict immigration policies may also affect the caregiver shortage, as roughly one quarter of caretakers are immigrants.
With all of these factors combined, it is not exactly shocking that home care agencies experience an annual turnover rate of 60% (1).

Impact of Caregiver Shortage on Individuals and Families

The Columbus Dispatch recently interviewed a woman named Kenna Robinett, who is the guardian for her twin nephews, who are both on the autism spectrum. She was able to find home caregivers for her nephews, but they were far from reliable. The caregivers served her nephews frozen hot pockets (unheated), microwaved bread sticks until they were burnt to a crisp, and stored ice cream in a cabinet drawer. On one occasion, the boys’ school called because one of them had arrived with feces on his hands. Another day, Robinett received a message saying that there would be no one available to care for her nephews as of 3p.m. that same day, because the agency was shutting down.
In addition to causing the inconvenience of rapidly finding a replacement, caregiver turnover can be emotionally traumatic. “This is deeply personal, intimate care,” Patty Lyons told The Columbus Dispatch, discussing her 15-year-old daughter, who has several disabilities and health conditions. “She has a G-tube (which delivers food to the stomach), takes 13 different medications. Essentially, she’s nonverbal. She has to be left alone with a provider while I’m at work.”
Lyons’ daughter, Adriana, previously had a private-duty nurse. Then Medicaid policies changed and she was declared ineligible for nursing services, under the assumption that a less expensive care provider could meet her requirements. However, it took Lyons months to find someone who could appropriately care for Adriana(2).

Caregiver Shortage Causes Unnecessary Institutionalization

Although staying in an assisted living center or nursing home is a viable option for some, seniors increasingly prefer to age at home (3). For those with the financial means, this can work very well; 102 year old Leroy Neuberg told the Radio program Bostonomixthat he credits his longevity to his dedicated and qualified home caregiver (4). However, many seniors who are healthy enough to live at home with some assistance are unable to do so due to the lack of available caregivers. People with disabilities have the same issue –even those who are very young.
25-year-old Korrie Johnson has cerebral palsy and limited mobility, but is overall healthy and mentally fit. Her mother used to help her with daily tasks, but is now unable to do so because she was injured in a serious car crash. Johnson had no other choice but to move into a nursing home in order to receive basic assistance.
“This is no place for someone my age,” she told the Star Tribune. Most of the other residents have dementia and other debilitating conditions.
Johnson is far from the only disabled person living in an institution and wishing to be free. In her home state of Minnesota, approximately 1,500 people under age 65 live in nursing homes. With a bit of help, many of them would likely be able to live at home and lead productive lives.

Solving the Home Caregiver Crisis

Advocates argue that unnecessary institutionalization, such as what Johnson is experiencing, violates civil rights. The Supreme Court “Olmstead” ruling (1999) mandates that states provide their residents with care in the most integrated environment possible.
Even from an economic perspective, home care makes sense. It tends to cost taxpayers less than nursing home care (5).
A critical component of fixing the caregiver shortage is making home caretaking a better profession. Worker cooperatives may help improve conditions for home caregivers, as well as provide training opportunities. Additionally, changes to Medicaid rules could provide caregivers with increased pay and benefits, more stability, and room for advancement (1).
As a society, we must recognize the importance of this profession, and treat home caregivers with the respect they deserve.
Sources

  1. Forbes– The Shortage of Home Care Workers: Worse Than You Think
  2. The Columbus Dispatch– Crisis in care: Lack of quality caregivers, constant turnover tough on disabled, families
  3. The Chicago Tribune– ‘Crisis mode’: As boomers age, a shortage of caregivers
  4. Bostonomix– Demand For Senior Home Care Grows, But Its Pay Remains Low
  5. Star Tribune– Shortage of home health workers forcing young Minnesotans with disabilities into institutions

This guest blog post was contributed by Reiter & Walsh ABC Law Centers.

What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

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