ElderCare Transitions

Let’s talk about…being a Caregiver.

To most people, a “caregiver” is someone that is hired to provide services for an individual in need.  Or some people think of a caregiver as someone who works in the facility where mom/dad/aunt/uncle is living.  One of the surprising aspects of being a caregiver is that some people don’t realize that they have become a caregiver.

It may start out very simply –

• You notice your neighbor isn’t bringing his paper in or picking up his mail as early or as regularly as he does.  So you offer to bring in the mail/paper…and running to the store is no big deal.
• You may go visit to mom and notice the laundry is piling up or the house isn’t quite as clean as it has been in the past. So you do a few loads and run the sweeper while you visit…and doing a little cooking while you're there is not a problem.
• Dad may say he’s low on groceries – so you pick up a few things for him the next time you go to the store…and clean out the refrigerator of food that’s spoiled.

Frequently, what we view as the simple chores of maintaining a home – including cooking, cleaning, paying bills, doing laundry – aren’t so simple anymore.  Whether it is physically or cognitively – the planning and energy necessary to execute these tasks becomes diminished…and you are providing the care necessary to keep your loved one going.  You are on the road to becoming a caregiver.

As the care you provide increases, challenges will arise.  Providing care and oversight for another individual requires time, effort, patience, understanding – the list goes on.

This is scratching the surface of a very complex subject.  Recognizing your role as a caregiver, assessing the need for a caregiver, identifying a capable caregiver – these are conversations family members should be having with each other.   Those discussions are critical to insure the safety of your elder loved one.

If you need help starting the conversation, let’s talk!

Let’s talk about…Medication Management.

“Medication management” may have many meanings.  Let’s talk specifically about two issues.

First and foremost, you and your loved ones should know which medications you are taking and what problems they are meant to address.  You should also make every effort to know which medications you take are affected by what you eat and/or drink.  You should always have a complete and updated list of medications – and herbal supplements – readily available for any doctor or hospital visit.  Preparing a word document and saving it as a PDF on your phone is a great way to have it readily available; and your family member can access it if you are unable to do so.

Secondly, you should have system set-up to make sure you are taking the proper dosage in a timely manner.  There are many varieties of pill poxes/trays available.  I am always worried when I meet a client who has all the pills lined up in bottles on the counter and he/she says “I have a system”.  That is a system ready to collapse.  As we get older and have less of a daily routine, remembering “if” or “when” we took our medication is a challenge.  If medication for diabetes or high blood pressure or cardiac- related illnesses are in the mix, the risk of creating a health crisis by under-medicating or over-medicating is real.  If you or someone you love does not have a system to manage their medications, now is the time to suggest a change.

If you need help starting the conversation, let’s talk!

Let’s talk about…Power of Attorney & Advanced Directives!

For many of people, if I mention appointing a Power of Attorney, they feel as if I am suggesting they give up their independence and control.  Quite the contrary!  By identifying who you want to assume responsibility for your decision-making is a very powerful statement.  A well-crafted document is actually the best way for you continue to exercise your control and direct your decision-making if you should become incapacitated.

Many individuals have said “I am quite capable of making my own decisions!”  And that is true.  However, if the situation arises when you are:

• Suddenly incapacitated due to illness or accident
• You undergo a surgical procedure and complications arise

Who will speak for you?  More importantly, who have you spoken to that knows how you want to be treated or cared for?

Hospitals and physicians’ offices are required to ask if you have Advanced Directives – that is the document that let’s medical professionals know how you want to be medically cared for in a life-threatening situation.  It is also considered a document that advises those close to you how you want end of life care to be directed.  Again, this is a document that allows you to retain control of your life choices.

Both the documents mentioned are critical for so many reasons.  First, it allows you piece of mind that you have chosen “who” is in charge if you can’t be.  It assures you that “what” you want to happen is what happens.  And most importantly, if and “when” something happens, your loved ones are not operating in panic or crisis mode - because you put together a plan.

If you need help starting the conversation, let’s talk!