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The Greatest Fears in Grief
Caregiving

Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

How to Talk About Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-in Caregiver and What to Look Out For

When you’re a live-in caregiver, your No. 1 priority should be the health, safety and well-being of the person you’re caring for. Given the rising tide of prescription drug and alcohol abuse among today’s seniors, that entails knowing the signs of drug and alcohol abuse—and being able to talk about a potential problem with drugs or alcohol when you have suspicions. Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

Substance Abuse and the Elderly

Substance abuse by elderly Americans—particularly of alcohol and prescription drugs—is “an invisible epidemic,” a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration warned in 1998.
By a recent estimate, more than half of older adults (ages 65 and older) drink alcohol, and of these seniors, roughly one in five drinks to excess at unsafe levels, according to a CBS News report in 2015.

Prescription drug abuse, too, is cause for concern, as evidenced by the fact that a vast majority (87 percent) of older Americans take at least one prescription drug on a regular basis, according to a 2005 report by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Among elderly people who seek medical attention, the rate of prescription drug abuse is reportedly between 13 and 15 percent. (The actual rate of drug abuse is likely much higher, given that many instances of abuse go unreported.)

Signs of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse – What to Look for

The signs of alcoholism and/or drug abuse in older Americans can be harder to miss—hence the term “invisible epidemic.” For example, a reliable sign of a substance use disorder (SUD) is having problems at work, but many older Americans are retired and no longer working. They may therefore not manifest this more obvious warning sign of a drug or alcohol problem. Sometimes, too, the symptoms of a SUD can masquerade as merely the natural symptoms of aging.

Live-in caregivers, by virtue of dwelling in close proximity to their elderly clients, are uniquely positioned to catch the signs of a potential SUD, however. In this sense, they are first responders on the frontlines of catching a substance abuse problem before it’s too late. Below are signs to look for if drugs or alcohol may be a source of concern: Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

  • Drinking alone and often
  • Ritualized drinking (for example, needing a drink at a certain hour of the day and becoming frustrated, irritable or belligerent when that’s not possible)
  • Drinking in spite of label warnings on prescription drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs
  • Slurred speech, the smell of liquor on one’s breath and/or signs of intoxication
  • Changes in mood (seeming down, anxious or depressed or more prone to sudden outbursts)
  • Memory problems
  • Unexplained burns, bruises, falls or other injuries
  • Other worsening health problems—or, chronic health complaints that seem to have no physical cause
  • A loss of interest in hobbies that once brought pleasure
  • A history of alcohol abuse or a recent life-changing event such as the loss of a spouse or retirement (coupled with one or more of the above signs)

Tips for Talking About Drug or Alcohol Abuse

If you suspect drug or alcohol abuse is at play based on the above signs, talking about your concerns may be the next step (depending on the circumstances). When you broach your concerns regarding drug or alcohol abuse, the following guidelines may help:

  • Talk with the person when they are not drinking or under the influence. If the person is intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or another drug, he or she will be less likely to hear you or more prone to defensiveness.
  • Emphasize your love and concern. Someone with an addiction problem is more likely to listen to your concerns when on the receiving end of a loving attempt to connect. This is not the time for barking orders or flushing pills or liquor down the toilet or sink dispenser. Instead, stay positive, by noting the qualities you admire in the person, the memories you’re grateful for, and the positive core values he or she has modeled for you (such as the love of family or the importance of faith). These core values can also be a way to reinforce the positive motivation(s) someone with a potential SUD might have for getting treatment. For example, if you know family is important to him or her, spending quality time with grandchildren may be a good incentive to enter drug or alcohol treatment.
  • Be gentle but direct about your concerns. In a great number of instances, just because a client is elderly does not mean he or she is not able to understand you, or needs to be babied or sheltered from the truth. Matter-of-factly and as non-judgmentally and non-confrontationally as possible, mention the behaviors you’re noticing that are causing you concern and why.
  • Avoid the terms “drug addict” and “alcoholic.” Because these terms can be stigmatizing, they can perpetuate people’s sense of shame and/or denial, thereby pushing them further away from receiving help. Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

 

By Linda Williams
Linda Williams is the Executive Director of Beach House Center for Recovery. She is also a seasoned clinician with specialization in addiction and trauma.
For additional information please visit The National Council on Seniors Drug & Alcohol Rehab: https://rehabnet.com/

Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

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Mid section of senior man with folded hands at nursing home
Aging

How to Notice Signs of Functional Decline in Seniors

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

After a certain age, some level of decline should be expected year after year. In our forties and fifties, this decline is incremental. It happens slowly, and while it can affect our physical and mental performance, most of us are still able to live our lives comfortably. But in our sixties and beyond, decline begins to speed up. Eventually, seniors reach a point of functional decline. This is the point where elderly care is required for seniors to live comfortably and safely.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to spot functional decline. While decline accelerates in seniors, it still happens gradually enough that functional decline can go unnoticed. As a result, seniors who require elderly care in some form — either from family caregivers, in-home elderly care professionals, or facility living — end up without the support they need. How to Notice Signs of Functional Decline in Seniors

So how can you spot signs of functional decline in elderly adults?

Learn the Signs of Functional Decline

To determine whether or not your loved one may need elderly care or another senior service, you need to know the signs of functional decline. Keep in mind that functional decline relates to physical and cognitive function, so you need to be aware of the signs of decline for both.

Signs of Physical Decline

  • Limited mobility
  • Change in posture/gait
  • Frailty/lack of strength
  • Poor coordination
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Limited stamina
  • Exhaustion
  • Poor balance
  • Pain/soreness
  • Signs of injury

Signs of Cognitive Decline

  • Memory problems
  • Mixed-up words
  • Confusion
  • Aggression
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Inexplicable behavior
  • Poor self-care
  • Poor housekeeping
  • Change in financial habits

Monitor Your Loved One for Signs

People sometimes miss signs of decline because they don’t know what to look for. But more often, people miss them because they aren’t really looking. Decline happens gradually enough that family members fail to recognize the point where elderly care may be necessary. To help prevent this from happening, family members should be making a conscious effort to monitor their elderly loved ones and track changes in their functional abilities. How to Notice Signs of Functional Decline in Seniors
One strategy is to take stock of the things your loved one has difficulty with over the course of a typical week or month. You can do this mentally, or you might consider taking private notes. This will allow you to compare how your loved one is functioning now compared to the past. Gradual changes become much more stark if you can compare how well they’re doing now to six months or a year ago.

You may also wish to have conversations with family members. Sometimes, individual family members each notice different signs of decline, but nobody notices all of them. Conversations with your loved one will also give you a better sense of the areas where they feel they’re having the most trouble. These conversations can also give insight into signs of decline that occur in private.

Should you determine that your loved one is suffering from functional decline, you may wish to explore elderly care options. If you are considering in-home elderly care, we invite you to contact your local Visiting Angels. Th care coordinators at our local offices will be happy to provide guidance about coping with decline, speak with you about your care options, and schedule your loved one for a free, in-home elderly care assessment. How to Notice Signs of Functional Decline in Seniors

How to Notice Signs of Functional Decline in Seniors

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Time to take pills
Health Tips

Tips To Avoid Self-Medication In Old People

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

According to research concluded, it was found that 68.6% of the elderly had at least are involved with self-medication. The term self-medication is described as human behavior in which individuals treat health problems and severe illness without consulting or taking advice from doctors or healthcare professionals.

A person takes non-prescribed medicines or services which are often term as over the counter (OTC) without consulting or visiting a doctor. It also refers to the people who take dietary supplements for fast results without a prescription.

Self-medication can be extremely harmful as we only look for the on-time recovery, but the effects can be too harsh in the long run. Obviously, the relief isn’t permanent, and it only heals for the time being; taking medicines, drugs, and aging supplements from pharmacists will have damaging effects on your health.

Some people are also looking for cost-effective methods, but the savings worth nothing as you are putting yourself on the stake, and later you will have to spend more.

As far as older people are concerned, they already are on the verge of death, they are weak, and their body isn’t able to fight the harmful effects that these medicines could cause, and by taking the medications which are not prescribed by the doctor will make them more vulnerable.

One thing has been observed that older people doing self-medication are mostly relying on old prescriptions, taking friends’ advice, or the most found, using the internet for instant remedies and cures. Yes, you can research and make alterations in your life accordingly, but doctors and health care professionals are meant for this job.

You must have heard or read this that the work suits in the hands of the one skilled to do it. It is crystal clear that if someone else does it, he’s sure to make a mess.

Why Is Self-Medication Prevalent In Older People?

Self-medication means that you are ignoring the consultation of doctors and getting things done in traditional ways with suggestions and pieces of advice, reading blogs, and taking older prescriptions, which are likely not to work anymore.

Self-medication is a habit, a habit that can have appalling consequences sooner or later. Older people are more immune to viruses, and that is why they have a high altitude of getting a fever, cold, cough, body aches, etc.

Instead of going to the doctor or health care professional and getting the right prescribed medicines, older people are more likely to rely upon self-medication and take medications that relieve them from the pain for the time being.

A minor issue that could be quickly resolved earlier with doctor’s assistance will lead to something that will become terrible in the long run and challenging to diagnose or treat.

The reasons as to why older people are more prevalent are that they mostly get the attitude of carelessness and laziness. They try to save money by taking cheap and injurious measures instead of subsequent medication.

Tips To Avoid Self-Medication In Older People

There are several tips and ways to stop and avoid self-medication. Remember that determination leads to productivity and desired results, and the first step always lies in your hands.

Here are the seven most useful and functional tips to avoid self-medication. Have a look!

1. Listening To The Perspective Of Care Takers

There are around 423,200 home service agencies in the United States, with 1,976,692 employees working with different SOPs. So, the perspective of caretakers matters the most. They provide health care assistance to most of the older people in different states.

Caretakers also urge that self-medication is harmful and should be wholly suppressed. Their beliefs are not any different than ours. The home health care providers follow strict rules and principles for medication and counsel older people to unfollow this practice.

2. Know The Relationship Between Addiction & Self-Medication

Older people are found to be more addicted to certain things because of the practices that have been carried for a long time. Self-medication has become an addiction to tens of thousands of aged people around the world. Effective strategies are needed to prevent addiction by avoiding self-medication and bad habits.

3. Saying ‘No’ To Non-Prescribed Medicines

Nowadays, more people are inclined towards the internet. Checking for remedies and buying medicines, just like gadgets, is common in people of old age.

But the fact is real that thousands of online pharmacies and self-medication articles are unauthentic and fake, and taking medicines from them can put you in a position where you have to spend hundreds of dollars later for getting back to normal, which will still be uncertain.

Non-Prescribed medicines could be of great danger to your health because it might be out-of-date, expired, diluted, or fake. These cautions are not a matter of concern for the sellers, as they are just trying to sell the most number of products by putting fancy descriptions and fake reviews. All they are trying to do is just manipulating and mocking the buyers.

4. Setting Medical Assistance At A Priority

Setting priorities play a pivotal part in human’s life. Older people are often neglected when it comes to getting medical assistance at a priority. Older people tend to be lazier, and in mere oblivion, the weaknesses also lead to unforeseen circumstances.

A doctor’s work can never be done by anyone else, nor can it be done on your own. Older people are not admitting the reality and instead try to get the situation handled themselves. Setting up medical assistance will prevent unwanted happenings.

Instead of taking matters in your own hands, you should acquire for doctor’s help by getting the appointment, meeting in person, diagnosing the illness, and living a healthier life.

The doctor’s guidance as to what medicine will be a perfect solution for you, its dosage, the amount of it to be taken in, the possible side effects, or any harmful interactions is essential. All of this may be told upon the prescription after proper screenings.

5. Create Awareness

Awareness has always been a more significant element in change and for a better society. Public perception is essential, but it can only be impacted if people realize its importance. Older adults are weak and in an instability mode, so to create awareness and to educate them about it is the duty of those associated with them.

‘The first step towards change is awareness, and the second is acceptance.” – Nathaniel Brandon

The community develops when there are awareness and know-how of things. Self-medication is like a slow poison that acts slowly but gradually affects you. Awareness campaigns should be held to educate people regarding the dreadful impact of self-medication and how it puts you in emerging danger.

Virtual awareness campaigns can also do the part. Advertisements on the internet, television broadcasting, and billboards can create high awareness by highlighting the adverse effects of self-medication.

6. Understand The Role Of Drug Control Authority

There are thousands of online consultants and pharmacies operating without getting proper licensing and are not being monitored for security protocols and checks and balances. Older people being at home use the internet and try to get immediate solutions to their problems and often get in contact with the fake and manipulative sellers online. They aren’t familiar with the safety regulations imposed by these authorities for consumer protection.

Drug Control Authorities should keep a proper eye on as many of the fake sellers as they could. Registrations should be done, adequate issuance of licensing must be done, and monitoring of the products.

People are advised to buy research papers online but not to go online for consultation and medical prescriptions instead of consulting doctors for better and satisfying results.

7. Look For Reliable Pharmacists

Tens of thousands of pharmacies and online consultation services are fooling people. Taking online consultation is not as easy as buying essay help UK online. Pharmacists must be educated on the possible consequences of selling non-prescribed medicines and violating consumer protection regulations.

Even if you are taking an online consultation, make sure they are qualified and have a proper and updated license. Also, make sure that they pay attention to details and show a kind attitude. Lack of attention from your pharmacist increases the possibility of medical errors.

What are the Perils of Self-Medication? Getting It Concluded

Self-medication is dangerous and is not advisable to anyone, especially older adults, because they have a weak immune system. If you consume medicines without having a legit prescription, a lot of problems such as medical complications, over-dosage, and poisoning may occur. I have accumulated all the potential perils that self-medication can cause:

  1. You will be addicted to it.
  2. It will cause long term side effects.
  3. Your body condition may get relapsed.
  4. It can also cause instantaneous on-spot death.
  5. It will damage other healthy organs of your body.

 

Sickness and body-aches happen rarely, and for that, taking your own invented or friend’s prescribed medicine or doing remedy you read about on social media may heal you for the time being. Still, in the longer run, it will not be beneficial. Besides, it will make you more receptive to new diseases and illnesses.

Visiting doctor and implementing on the doctor’s prescription will save you from happening hazardous and keep you healthy and wealthy.

Author Bio

Claudia Jeffrey is currently working as Content Strategist at Crowd Writer, a credible platform to get on-time delivery of essay help UK. She has gained a credible reputation with her outstanding write-ups on the health and well-being of elders. She likes to share her views and opinions through writing.

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Managing Diabetes in Older Adults
Conditions & Treatments

Managing Diabetes in Older Adults

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Managing Diabetes in Older Adults as a Caregiver

If you provide care for an older family member, there’s a good chance you need to help them manage diabetes or their risk of becoming diabetic. More than 29 million Americans are diabetics, and another 86 million are at risk of developing diabetes due to high blood sugar. Diabetes is especially common in older adults – more than a quarter of American seniors are currently managing diabetes. Managing Caregiving Shortcuts to Make Life EasierDiabetes in Older Adults
The good news for caregivers is that by educating yourself on diabetes, you can play an active role in managing your loved one’s blood sugar and their risk of a diabetic episode. Managing Diabetes in Older Adults

Start with Self-Education

The first thing to do when caring for a diabetic parent is to teach yourself all that you can about your parent’s condition. While your parent may be used to caring for their diabetes, you may find there’s a steep learning curve to helping them manage this condition.
Luckily, there are plenty of resources available for those who care for older adults with diabetes. Start by speaking with your loved one’s physician, who will be able to talk you through their specific diabetes concerns. After that, you’ll be able to find practically everything you need to know online. We suggest starting with the American Diabetes Association, who offer a number of invaluable resources for those learning about diabetes. Managing Diabetes in Older Adults

Blood Sugar Tests & Medications

If your family member is managing diabetes, they are likely testing their blood sugar one or more times each day. But old age can make testing blood sugar difficult, or can trigger memory difficulties that cause seniors to forget to test their sugar levels. Because of this, you may be called on to assist your loved one with blood sugar testing.
Once again, we recommend speaking with your loved one’s doctor first. Your loved one’s personal physician should be familiar with the type of blood testing equipment your loved one uses and will be able to give you tips on how to test and record blood sugar levels.
Medications are commonly used to manage diabetes in older adults. Some seniors with diabetes are prescribed oral medications, while others use injectable insulin. As a caregiver, you should know which medications your loved one takes, what dosages they are prescribed, and what their medication schedule is. If they require assistance with their medications, your loved one’s doctor or pharmacist can instruct you in how you can help. Managing Diabetes in Older Adults

Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle

Managing diabetes in older adults ultimately comes down to lifestyle. Seniors with diabetes need to treat their bodies right to keep blood glucose within a healthy range. You can help an elderly loved one manage their diabetes by assisting and encouraging them in healthy lifestyle choices.
Lifestyle choices that help manage diabetes in older adults include:

  • Monitoring for low or high blood glucose levels. This not only includes regular blood sugar testing, but also monitoring your loved one for the symptoms of unhealthy blood sugar fluctuations.
  • Healthy diet. Your loved one’s diet will have the biggest impact on his or her blood sugar levels. You can help by planning and preparing healthy, balanced meals and ensuring they have healthy food options around them.
  • Regular Exercise. Light aerobic exercise can help control diabetes in older adults. Encourage your loved one to garden, talk walks, or participate in aquatic fitness classes.
  • Check Feet Regularly. Feet are the most vulnerable areas for a diabetic infection. But older adults with mobility and flexibility issues can find it hard to check their feet properly. You can assist your loved one by checking their feet for them each day, or as often as possible.

Of course, managing diabetes in older adults can be difficult, especially on your own. If you’re concerned that your loved one needs additional care and monitoring, ask other family members if they can help.
Alternatively, you can hire a care professional. Home nurses can help manage diabetes in older adults by assisting with medications and blood sugar monitoring. If your loved one doesn’t need assistance with medications or blood sugar testing, you might a consider a non-medical home care provider, who can help with meal planning, meal preparation, encouraging exercise, and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

Managing Diabetes in Older Adults

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Caregiving

Seniors who have Elderly Parents

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

As life expectancy increases, it is more common than ever to find senior citizens who have elderly parents. Ideally, parents remain able to take care of themselves in their own homes. But, it is also true that many senior citizens find themselves either helping care for their elderly parent or choosing a facility that can attend to their needs.

Caring for Your Elderly Parent

For some senior citizens who have elderly parents, the care needed is primarily social. If their parent is able to take care of their own day-to-day needs, care might be a bit of help with errands and appointments or a simple meal together time and again.

But if your elderly parent’s health declines, you may find they are in need of more support over time. In this instance, if you decide to care for your elderly parent yourself, in your own home, be sure you have the right support systems in place. All day, every day, is a lot for one individual. Talk to other family members to see if they can help out. Or, even if you don’t have the resources for full-time help, there could be a part-time hire that would alleviate your stress.

The Caregiving Relationship

When you are in a caregiver and care recipient relationship, there can be pitfalls. Children and parents often have patterns in place. For some parents, they expect to make all of the household decisions and are unable to relinquish that control. For others, it is criticizing the choices of their adult children. If you are in a situation where an aging parent with declining health continues to be overly critical, it can be incredibly difficult to establish new patterns.

If you are taking care of a loved one and they seem to desire control over you and the household, seek help. Talking through issues, and finding ways to set boundaries, can turn around a difficult relationship. Establish what is essential for your own mental and physical health.

Deciding on a Care Facility

Sometimes, a family decides the best option is for an aging parent to move to a facility. There are steps to making this transition easier for senior citizens who have elderly parents.

Although getting the process started can be awkward, you might find everyone is happier once you find a center. First, get the individual who is moving to a center involved. Let them have a say in the decision because it will be their home, not yours. That said, be sure the nursing home or senior center chosen is fiscally responsible. Look into what insurance will cover and if other benefits are applicable, such as veterans’ benefits.

If you are one of the many senior citizens who have elderly parents, know you are not alone. And if you find yourself experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression, there is help. Reach out today.

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How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House
Exercise & Fitness

How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

At Visiting Angels®, we know how important home is to elderly adults. After all, the very goal of senior home care is to help seniors extend their years spent in the comfort of home. But as recent research has found, spending too much time at home can significantly shorten the lifespan of seniors. How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House
According to results published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, seniors who rarely leave the house have higher rates of mortality than seniors who leave their homes regularly. Meanwhile, seniors who leave the house every day have the lower rates of mortality of all.
These results were true even when researchers adjust for a range of health conditions. This suggests that spending almost all of one’s time at home isn’t just a sign of poor health, but an active contributor to it. That leads to a simple conclusion: spending more time out of the house could increase the average lifespan of elderly adults.
So how can family, friends, and caregivers encourage seniors to spend more time out of the house? Here are a few strategies.

Out-of-the-House Activities for Seniors

  • Have a Cup of Coffee. One of the best ways to get older adults out of the house is to make a cup of coffee at a local café or a lunchtime visit to a favorite restaurant a part of their daily routine. This can be done with a group of friends, a family member, or a professional caregiver.
  • Run Errands Together. Many seniors stop running errands as they grow older, preferring to have family, friends, or caregivers do them on their behalf. An alternative is to do these errands together. That way, seniors have someone with them to lend a hand and take care of any difficult aspects to errands, but they still get to enjoy time out in the community.
  • Take a Short Walk. A short walk around the neighborhood or through a local park is a great way to not only get seniors out of the house, but also to get them active. Even a short, five to ten-minute walk offers cardiovascular health benefits for seniors, and it’s the perfect way to get fresh air in warm weather.
  • Sign Up for Weekly Activities. Local community centers, seniors’ centers, and religious institutions often host a range of weekly activities perfect for seniors. Card games, tai chi classes, and book clubs are just some examples of popular activities for elderly adults.
  • Take Advantage of Community Markets. Many communities have weekly farmers’ markets, many of which are senior-friendly spaces. These markets are a great way to spend time outside, while also picking up healthy fruits and vegetables for during the week. Depending on your loved one’s interests, you might also find success with flea markets or arts-and-crafts markets.
  • Get Fresh Air Close to Home. You don’t need to go far to get out of the house. Elderly adults — particularly those with mobility difficulties — can get daily fresh air by spending time on their porch or in their backyard. Consider adding a birdfeeder, buying outdoor plants, or changing the garden so that your loved one has a reason for spending time outside.

When encouraging seniors to spend time out of the house, there may be limitations or difficulties you need to plan around. Many seniors become housebound due to physical health concerns that make it difficult to leave the home, so family members and friends may need to find activities that are easier to access and enjoy.
Another common issue is who seniors perform these activities with. Socially isolated seniors may not have friends or family available to join them when they leave the home. If seniors don’t enjoy spending time outside alone, it can be difficult to motivate them to get out of the house. Hiring a senior home care service, like Visiting Angels, to accompany your loved one for out-of-the-home activities may be helpful if this is the case.
How Exercise Helps the Body and Brain

How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House

How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House

How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House

How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House How to Get Seniors to Spend More Time Out of the House

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Understand Your Caregiving Options
Caregiving

Understand Your Caregiving Options

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Choosing Between 24-Hour Home Care and Live-In Caregivers

There are a number of reasons why a senior might require round-the-clock care. Severe illness, acute disability, or a memory disorder can all lead to 24/7 care and support. While many seniors and their families choose to make the move to a nursing home at this stage, others prefer to receive care at home, where seniors feel most comfortable. Understand Your Caregiving Options
If you have a loved one who requires constant care, you’ll need to choose between a live-in caregiver and a 24-hour home care service. Each offers its own benefits and drawbacks, and the right service for your loved one will depend on your loved one’s care needs, their living situation, your family’s involvement in your loved one’s care, and a number of other circumstances.
Visiting Angels has been providing seniors with professional, 24-hour home care for nearly two decades. Below, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of 24-hour home care and live-in caregivers, what each of these services offers, and how you can make the right choice for your loved one.

When & Why to Choose 24-Hour Care

If you feel that a loved one cannot live safely without constant care and supervision, some form of 24-hour care becomes necessary. Sometimes it’s possible for family members to share 24-hour caregiving responsibilities. But more often than not, professional assistance is needed. Understand Your Caregiving Options
Some of the most common reasons for choosing 24-hour care include:

  • Memory Disorders. Seniors suffering from advanced forms of dementia can be a risk to themselves without constant monitoring and support.
  • Severe Illness. If a loved one suffers from a serious illness, they may require regular medical or non-medical care to ensure their well-being.
  • Acute Disability. Physical disabilities can make it impossible for seniors to safely perform necessary tasks, like going to the bathroom, without help from a caregiver.

24-hour care will ensure that your loved one has someone around to assist them with activities of daily living at all times of the day. These can include light housekeeping, meal planning, meal preparation, and companionship. It also ensures that your loved one is looked after throughout the day, ensuring a watchful eye to keep them safe, offer guidance, and take action in case of an emergency.

24-Hour Home Care vs. Live-In Caregivers

Round-the-clock home care for seniors is a care option that is offered by a number of home care agencies and occasionally by independent caregivers. Here is what you need to know about both types of care to make the right choice for your loved one:

  • 24-Hour Home Care. 24-hour home care services are delivered by a team of caregivers. These caregivers are scheduled on 12-hour or 8-hour shifts to ensure that someone is always with your loved one. This makes constant-monitoring and assistance possible (as opposed to live-in care, which requires a sleeping period for the caregiver). Shorter shifts also ensure that caregivers are alert throughout their time on duty. With a rotating team of caregivers, communication between caregivers is essential.
  • Live-In Caregivers. Live-in care services are performed by a single caregiver over a 24-hour period. Usually, two caregivers split these duties over the course of the week. With the same caregiver providing care over a 24-hour period, caregivers can more quickly build a relationship with care recipients. Over the course of a 24-hour shift, a live-in caregiver receives an eight-hour sleeping period, which prevents constant monitoring.

Cost can be another factor that differentiates 24-hour home care from live-in care. While 24-hour home care is usually the more expensive option, rates can vary widely between providers. In some areas, it’s not uncommon to find 24-hour home care plans that are less expensive than live-in care.

Choosing the Right Care for Your Loved One

If your loved one requires round-the-clock care, here are the factors that you should consider when choosing between 24-hour home care and live-in care:

  • What are your loved one’s care needs? If your loved one has specialized care needs, that will narrow down the care providers who are able to provide quality care for your loved one.
  • How important is constant monitoring? If you feel that a caregiver should be alert and on duty all 24 hours of the day, then 24-hour home care by rotating caregivers may be necessary. However, some live-in caregivers will make accommodations to avoid care interruptions.
  • How do costs compare in your area? While cost of care is no object for some families, most of us don’t have that luxury. Meet with providers in your area to ensure an accurate cost comparison.
  • How will the care relationship be developed and maintained? Live-in caregivers are often able to develop stronger care relationships with care recipient by spending more time with them, though some home care agencies take steps to ensure a strong relationship between caregivers and care recipients.

Hiring a Caregivers vs. Choosing an Agency

Additionally, it’s important to consider the value of choosing an agency rather than hiring a caregiver on your own. One of the main benefits of choosing an agency is that they will handle all insurance and liability concerns. For example, the agency you choose should be bonded, insured and licensed if required by your state. If you hire a caregiver directly, who will hold the insurance? You or the caregiver?
Home care agencies also manage federal and state taxes or 1099 for the caregiver allowing you to focus on spending quality time with your loved one. When hiring a caregiver independently, you’ll be responsible for managing taxes, 1099 forms and being aware of any changes in regulations. A reputable agency will also run background and criminal history checks on caregivers ensuring they are trustworthy and reliable.
If you’re considering 24-hour home care for your loved one, get in touch with your local Visiting Angels office. Many of our home care agencies offer affordable 24-hour care plans that are tailored to each client’s needs. Your local office will be happy to meet with you for an in-person, no-cost consultation. Understand Your Caregiving Options

Understand Your Caregiving Options

 

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Making the Move to Senior Living Easy for Mom
Housing Tips

Making the Move to Senior Living Easy for Mom

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Don’t wait until the weekend before the move! Follow these 6 tips for a smooth transition:

  1. Set aside a weekend: Moving takes time. Set aside a weekend to do it right.
  2. Get the family involved: Get as many family members as possible to help with the move. Aside from helping the move go more quickly, it’ll help remind your Mom that she has a support system.
  3. Identify the true junk: Walk with your Mom through her house or apartment identifying items that all agree can be donated, recycled, or trashed. Remember: just because Mom owns it, doesn’t mean she has to move it!
  4. Set aside items moving with the senior: Identify what will be moved to the new senior living apartment. Make sure you are mindful of the senior living apartment’s floor plan and size constraints so that you do not attempt to bring more than will fit.
  5. Identify remaining items with sentimental value: After removing all known junk and all items that will be moving with the senior, you are left with items whose futures are up in the air. The most important of the remaining items are things with sentimental value. As a family, discuss the future of these items, attempting to honor your older loved ones wishes as much as possible. Find safe places for these items, ideally with family members who will appreciate them, so that your loved one is confident these items are being respected and treasured. Let your loved one know that she can have the items back anytime if she is to leave senior living, but in the meantime they will be kept safe.
  6. Take care of the rest: With obvious junk gone, items being moved gone, and objects with sentimental value gone, you should be left with objects with some value or use but that do not have sentimental value. These items could be sold to help fund the move, or donated to a good cause.

Moving is never easy, at any age, but I hope these tips will help you organize your Mom’s move to senior living and take a little pain out of the process. Ma

king the Move to Senior Living Easy for Mom
Author: Jeff Anderson

The Piggy Bank

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Caregiving

Communicating and Alzheimer’s Disease

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

One of the challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is effectively communicating with them. They may have difficulty expressing their needs or the caregiver may not know how to address their changing ability. Caregivers can also get annoyed or frustrated because their caree repeats words or forgets the words for common items.

To make communication go more smoothly, it helps to understand what the common challenges are, and then move forward with solutions. Once you understand the challenge, it can be easier to communicate with them. You realize what they are experiencing is a normal part of the disease, and not them.

I had a client who did her best to hide her communication challenges. She was actually really good at it. She would throw out a random word if she didn’t remember the word she wanted and would change the subject before her children realized she was struggling. They thought their mom was being difficult, because she was so good at it. It took a two week visit for her daughter to realize that her mom was not in a position to live alone anymore – not due to communication, but due to other deficits.

Common Communication Changes with Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Inability to name objects
  • Difficulty in finding the correct word for objects, places or people
  • Inability to recognize a word or phrase
  • Using a general term instead of specific words and descriptions are vague
  • Becoming stuck on ideas or words and repeating them over and over
  • Easily losing their train of thought
  • Using inappropriate, silly, rude, insulting or disrespectful language during conversation
  • Increasingly poor written word comprehension
  • Gradual loss of writing ability
  • Combining languages or returning to native language
  • Decreasing levels of speech and use of nonsense syllables
  • Reliance on gestures rather than speech

 

Studies show that people with Alzheimer’s disease retain a strong desire to communicate, despite their challenges.

Communication Techniques for Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Distraction or Redirection: Attempt to engage them in a different conversation or activity.
  • Address the Underlying Feeling: Inquire about feelings – “You sound like you miss your mother,” or “Are you worried about your mother?”
  • Ignore the statement: It may not always add value to respond. Sometimes the most helpful response will be no response.
  • Bend the truth: While we’ve always been taught that lying is wrong, sometimes, it makes sense when speaking to someone with Alzheimer’s disease. They may still believe their mother is alive and when you tell them the truth it can be upsetting. Sometimes, accepting their reality that their mother is still alive is easier for them than upsetting them. If lying is the only way to relieve distress and no other measures have been successful, then it may be justified.

Components for Simplifying Communication with Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Patience
  • Show your interest in the subject
  • Offer comfort and reassurance
  • Listen for a response
  • Avoid criticizing, correcting or finishing their thoughts
  • Avoid arguing
  • Offer a guess as to what they need
  • Limit distractions
  • Encourage non-verbal communication
  • Be calm and supportive
  • Focus on feelings, not facts
  • Pay attention to your tone
  • Identify yourself and address the elder by name
  • Speak slowly and clearly
  • Use short, simple, familiar words and short sentences
  • Ask on question at a time
  • Allow enough time for a response
  • Avoid pronouns (he, she, they) and negative statements
  • Use non-verbal communication such as pointing and touch
  • Offer assistance as needed
  • Be flexible and understanding

 

I have worked with many clients who had Alzheimer’s disease and am a Schmieding Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver. I have used all of these techniques in communicating with my clients and found them to be useful. As an outsider, it can be easier to communicate with someone with Alzheimer’s disease, versus their family who knew the person they were. Hopefully, these suggestions will make communication easier for your family.

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