Caring for an elderly parent can be stressful. Dividing the responsibility between siblings can create conflict as well. It is best to talk about your options ahead of time to avoid tense situations. To ease your way into caregiving follow the tips below:
1. Be honest if taking the bulk of the responsibility is becoming overwhelming. Let your siblings know the things they can do to help.
2. Plan ahead for your parent’s wishes. Decide ahead of time how you will divide responsibilities amongst your siblings.
3. Be flexible when it comes to the needs of your parents and siblings. Consider schedules, skills and interests when it comes to dividing the responsibility.
4. Research options to determine the type of care that your parent needs and look for organizations and resources that can meet your needs.
5. Talk and listen to your parent because their independence is important to them. It is best to talk to your family before caregiving starts.
So when it comes to caring for your elderly parents following the tips above will help prevent any conflict. Just be sure to always communicate how you are feeling and make sure your parent’s wishes aren’t being ignored.
As people get older, their needs will change. This includes changes in emotional and social needs. When a Rhode Island senior is experiencing a mental health problem, they will benefit from seeking treatment from a professional that deals strictly with geriatric patients. While finding a geriatric psychiatrist is easy enough, many senior ignore the fact that they may need help. As a caregiver, it is important for you to notice some signs that could indicate there is a mental health issue that needs treatment.
1. There are many reasons for seniors to see a geriatric psychiatrist. Some of the most common reasons are increased levels of stress, death of a spouse or loved one, problems with memory, depression and a family history of dementia.
2. Some seniors will experience emotional problems for the first time when they are diagnosed with a health issue that is age related, including Alzheimer’s, dementia, heart disease or diabetes. Since the diagnosis of a disease will increase stress and anxiety, many patients will benefit from seeing a psychiatrist.
3. If there is concern about the mental status of a senior, discuss options with a family doctor. They will be able to refer the senior to a geriatric psychiatrist in the area. Seniors can also find psychiatrists by contacting the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation.
4. And elderly adult who is coping with a mental health issue should make sure their geriatric psychiatrist is a part of their health care team. Since mental health is linked to physical health, it is important for the doctors to be able to work with one another in the treatment of a patient.
There will come appoint in the life of most Rhode Island seniors where they will require a little extra care. This could be due to an illness, disease or injury. However, it is important to determine what would be best for the senior. Many family members do not have the time to provide care and will immediately opt for a nursing home. While this may be the easy way out for the family member, it may not be what will benefit the senior. The information below discusses the differences between at home care and nursing home care.
1. Home care can consist of different services. Some seniors will only require one while other may need a combination of services. The most common at home care services include home health aides, physical therapy, speech therapy, nursing care and occupational therapy.
2. While these same services are available in a nursing home, seniors who are in a nursing home will lose their independence. This is an important thing to consider when making a decision regarding the right form of car for a senior loved one.
3. At home care must be provided by an approved Medicare group.
4. The services offered at many nursing homes, aside from the senior being watched around the clock, include wellness programs, meals, assisted living and activities.
5. While it may seem a nursing home is the easier choice, it does depend on the functioning of the senior. If they are able to care for themselves and just need some additional assistance, there is really no need to place them in a nursing home.
When someone you love is diagnosed with a terminal illness and the end is drawing near, you may consider palliative care options to help keep them comfortable. Family caregivers can choose either hospitals that offer palliative care programs, hospices, or in-home care. Before making the decision on what is best for your loved one, discuss needs with your loved one’s health care provider to determine the option that best meets those needs.
Here is an overview of the palliative care options:
Hospital Care
• 33% of mid-sized to large hospitals in Texas alone offer palliative care programs with 50 beds or more
• Patients get around the clock care to meet their medical needs
• Doctors and nurses will administer medications, and manage the basic needs of a patient
• Some hospitals may offer counseling services for families, or entertainment activities for the ailing patients
• Some hospitals may have staff that provide care only to the patients in the palliative care wing
• Other hospitals with smaller programs may not be 100% focused on the patients in the palliative care program
Hospice Care
• The hospice program has a philosophy that accepts death as the final stage of life
• Uses a variety of professionals, from medical providers, to social workers, therapists and more
• Administers pain medication to control symptoms and pain
• Spiritual care for the senior and family may be arranged
• Family conferences may be conducted by the main care provider so close family members know what to expect
• Bereavement counseling is arranged for the families once the senior has passed
Home Care
• Most palliative care in the US is administered at home
• Often the main caregiver is a family member or close friend who is responsible for administering medication and tending to the basic needs of the senior
• A medical professional, such as a nurse or doctor may supervise the well-being of the patient, by dropping by and providing instructions to the primary caregiver
• A professional caregiver can be hired to provide respite or care full-time; however, families have to look for an organization that deals with medical, vs. non-medical care
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniorsand the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
It is now possible for seniors who need a caregiver to remain in their home much longer. This is due to new technology that allows caregivers to monitor the senior while they are at home. Though this is an expensive system, it is becoming very popular. More seniors are trying new devices that will allow them to remain in the comfort of their homes as they age.
1. Monitoring patients at home through use of video is a great way for caregivers to keep an eye on patients, especially those who have a chronic illness.
2. The system uses various cameras that are set up in the home. The caregiver can remotely control each camera to view all activity in the home.
3. By using the computer system, caregivers can communicate with patients. They can “join” them for dinner or just have a way to talk about things even when the caregiver cannot physically be present.
4. Telecaregiving does take privacy into consideration and no cameras are installed in bedrooms or bathrooms. However, if a patient is in either of these unmonitored areas for an extended period of time, the caregiver will call the home to make sure the patient is okay.
5. This is an expensive service, but it is beneficial and allows seniors to remain living at home and not have to have an individual providing care for them all day. The telecaregiver can still ensure health and safety from afar.
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniorsand the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
Caring for a senior requires a lot of planning and coordination. This is why care coordinators play such an important role in the life of a senior. Seniors need to have services that will help them function. The needs of each senior will vary, so it is up to the care coordinator to make sure that the senior is safe and healthy and that they are receiving the services they need. Other responsibilities of the care coordinator are provided below.
1. The gathering of information from all healthcare providers. This means collecting important medical information from each doctor that treats the senior.
2. The care coordinator must be able to effectively assess the home environment as well as the needs of the person receiving care.
3. Coordinators must be able to find private services and resources that will meet the needs of the senior.
4. There must always be ongoing communication between all of the parties involved. This includes the individual receiving care, the caregivers, doctors and family members. It is important to keep all those involved up to date.
5. The care coordinator should also be able to assess daily situations to make sure the senior is in fact receiving all of the services they need to function. If there is something that changes with the senior’s health, changes to the type of care and services they receive may be required.
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniorsand the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
When it comes time to place a senior in a nursing home, there are many options. Since every senior has a different set of needs, this should be taken into consideration when comparing nursing homes. Another important factor in making the right decision is the turnover rate of the staff. The list below provides some important information on this topic.
1. Always ask to talk to the nurses’ aides. These are the people that will be spending the most time with the senior.
2. Most nursing homes will deny this request because there is such a high turnover rate of aides. There are very few nursing homes that staff aides for any length of time.
3. More than 70 percent of aides and nursing assistants will change jobs within the year.
4. When talking to aides and assistants, always ask how long they have been doing this kind of work and how long they have been at this nursing home.
5. When you are able to find a home that has a low turnover rate and a reliable staff, this may be a good choice.
6. The key is to look for a nursing home that has a constant staff. When a senior is in a nursing home, they should be able to rely on people and having the same aides for a long period of time is very beneficial.
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniorsand the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
Protecting seniors from skin cancer is a major issue. Many seniors have other health problems, so the last thing they need is a diagnosis of skin cancer. To help seniors protect themselves from the damaging rays of the sun, there are some useful tips provided below. Keeping seniors safe and healthy throughout the summer can be done with a few simple steps.
1. Try to avoid exposure to the sun between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. This is when the UV rays are the strongest.
2. Always use a sunscreen on all areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun.
3. Seniors should wear light and airy clothing that will protect their skin from the sun. This can be difficult during the heat of the summer, but seniors need to keep their arms and legs covered as much as possible.
4. Wear a hat when in direct sunlight. This will help to protect the face, neck, head and ears.
5. Sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays can be beneficial.
6. During the midday hours, seniors should try to stay in the shade as much as possible if they will be outside for any length of time.
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniorsand the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
Caregivers have a large load to carry. Taking on this role is never an easy thing to do. The caregiver will be responsible for the senior in every aspect. This is why it is essential that all caregivers be prepared for what they will have to do. The following list contains some of the most common things that caregivers have not prepared for.
1. Caregivers are often not prepared to deal with medication management. Seniors who have multiple health problems will be taking a lot of medications. Caregivers must know what pills are for what condition and how much the seniors needs and when. Some drugs will interact with others, so caregivers must also be aware of this.
2. Many seniors will have medical equipment that will help them during the day. Caregivers must know how to safely operate this equipment.
3. Coordinating care can be quite a challenge. Caregivers must know when the senior has a doctor’s appointment. Most seniors have multiple appointments, so coordinating them is essential, though it may be a difficult task.
4. Many of these things cannot be trained. The caregiver must learn these things along the way. They are important issues and have a huge effect on the care of a senior.
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniorsand the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
Treating a chronic disease requires various steps. There is actually a right order in which seniors should deal with a chronic disease or illness. The following information will provide seniors with information on what steps should be taken when treating a chronic disease.
1. The first thing is to determine the actual cause of the illness.
2. Daily diets play a large role in maintaining health. It is important for any senior with a chronic illness to make sure all allergens are removed from their diet.
3. The digestive system is also important. Seniors should be tested to make sure there are no problems with their digestive tract.
4. Increase the intake of essential nutrients. Many times, seniors will have a diet that does not allow them to get the nutrients they need to help fight off illness.
5. Poor diets can have an impact on the balance of hormones in the body. Insulin resistance, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, axis dysfunction and subclinical adrenal insufficiency, thyroid dysfunction and sex hormones all need to be in balance.
6. Increasing the metabolism can be helpful. This will provide seniors with more energy, which can help them remain healthy.
7. Detoxification is important. Removing mercury and lead from the body will help with cleansing.
8. Seniors need to know how to take care of their minds and body. These work together to help seniors achieve optimal health.
9. Hidden infections can be the cause of resistance to certain medications.
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniorsand the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
