Caregivers - Get the 411 on Caregiving

Motorized Wheelchairs for Seniors on the Go

2011-11-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

If you or someone you know is experiencing mobility problems or can't stand or walk for even short periods of time, then you might want to look into a power wheelchair. These come in all different shapes and sizes, ranging from kind of the traditional looking wheelchair with a small motor, to three and four wheel scooters or even fancy motorized wheelchairs like this one. The picture here is a Pride Jazzy 600 Power Wheelchair and it is good for both indoors and outdoors. The joystick on the armrest is used to steer and control it, and it can maneuver quite nicely. If you are a senior who would still like to be active, then something like this may be just what you need.

Meals on Wheels Program

2011-11-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

One of the most helpful programs while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's was the Meals on Wheels program. The volunteers who delivered the meals were always friendly and encouraging. They took a special interest in the patient and even included some little extras on birthdays or other special times of the year. Our senior was on a much different schedule than the rest of the families, so it was pretty rare that they ate with the rest of the family. However, it was always a comfort to know that a special meal was already prepared, sitting in the refrigerator for when it was needed. For more information on the Meals on Wheels program visit their website: http://www.mowaa.org. If you are caring for a loved one or you are a senior yourself and its not as easy to cook and prepare meals as it used to be, then definitely check into this program. From their website you can locate a local group in your area that can help you.

How Pets Assist With Caregiving

2011-10-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

If you are caring for a loved one, you've probably noticed that our pets, whether it be a favorite cat or a dog, can sometimes provide tremendous comfort for those that we are caring for. Our cat Hershey used to love to lay on the recliner or bed with Grandma and snuggle up against her leg or side. She had Alzheimer's disease and was unable to move around on her own or communicate much and sometimes she would be anxious or agitated, but she seemed to be particularly peaceful when Hershey was laying besider her. What was particularly interesting is if Hershey was laying on the kid's bed or next to them and their legs were under the covers he woud go after them and play like most cats do, but not with Grandma. He seemed to sense what she needed most, and he would not paw at her feet or anything like that, but instead, he would lie peacefully beside her and just be a comfort to her.

Beware of Treatment Scams

2011-10-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

Elderly people are common targets for deceitful con artists who claim that they are supplying remarkable cures and medical breakthroughs. Often, what they really offer is only false hope. As time goes on, symptoms are no better, perhaps worse, and a great deal of money is often lost. The worst part is that these charlatans keep older people from seeking and getting suitable medical treatment. False advertising can come from many sources, including telephone calls, e-mail, magazines, and newspapers. Some of the most prevalent fraudulent claims include anti-aging preparations, or products that promise that you can eat anything that you desire and still lost weight. Cures for serious or chronic ailments including Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and diabetes may also be claimed. A basic rule that will serve you well, regardless of age, is when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. So, no matter what the claim, always do your own due diligence so that you can steer clear of any treatment scams.

Hospice Care

2010-11-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

Most of us have probably heard of hospice care or hospice services, but may not know much about it or how it might be of assistance. If you are a caregiver, especially one that is caring for a loved one who is terminally ill, then hospice can be extremely helpful. Although some services may vary from organization to organization, this article will give you a brief introduction to hospice care and describe some of the services and resources that it provides.

Hospice care is not corrective care or regular medical care that is meant to cure a disease. It is normally intended to assist caregivers who are caring for someone with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live, if the disease runs its normal course. Hospice care can be provided for someone residing in a nursing home or regular care facility, or it can be provided for someone who is cared for at home. Normally, a hospice care team will include doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, a chaplain, home health assistants and much more.

The hospice team is able to answer all of the questions that a caregiver may have and offer helpful advice. Home health assistants and nurses can help with many of the day-to-day tasks of caregiving, including bathing the patient. A doctor is readily available to visit and check on the patient, and let you know what to expect as time goes on. Doctors and nurses are typically available around the clock, by telephone, to answer any questions that you may have. Hospice can also arrange for equipment and supplies, provide medication, and help manage any pain or discomfort associated with the patient's condition.

On top of all the medical care and resources that hospice provides, their social workers are there to encourage you and give advice on care. Counselors are also available for both the patient and family members. We saw firsthand how loving and supportive they were with the recent passing of a loved one who had Alzheimer's disease.

Keep in mind that once a patient goes on hospice care it does not have to be a permanent arrangement. If their condition suddenly improves, they can go back off of hospice care and resume regular medical treatments. Again, this is the beauty of having a highly trained and experienced hospice team that is regularly monitoring the patient's condition and who is in close communication with the caregiver.

Being a caregiver is never easy. Many of the caregivers of today who are taking care of a loved one, have never had any formal caregiver training or medical training. They demonstrate their love each day by doing the best they can to care for another. When dealing with end of life issues you do not have to go it alone. Hospice is there to come along beside you and walk with you and guide you through this very difficult time.

Long Distance Caregivers

2010-09-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Being a caregiver while living in another state or city, far away from your loved one is never easy. Some long distance caregivers manage all of the affairs and care for a senior, while others provide support and assistance for the primary caregiver while living far away. Here are some tips for anyone who finds themselves in either of these types of caregiving roles.

First of all, don't try to do it all on your own. Utilize other family members, friends, and neighbors of your loved one. If possible, they can stop in and check on them or provide assistance from time to time, and most importantly let you know if anything needs your attention. You may also want to arrange for special programs like Meals on Wheels or utilize home health-care services to provide some care and assistance in the familiar surroundings of your senior's own home.

Give your long distance caregiving arrangement sufficient time, so that you can fairly assess how well its working, and identify adjustments that may need to be made. Resist the initial temptation to relocate, and only consider moving your elder into your home after you have had lots of time to think about it and consider other options. This is not a decision that should be taken lightly, as it will have a major impact on your own family.

Technology is great, and it has made it even more easy to communicate regularly with those that we love. Take advantage of what is available so that you can stay in touch regularly. This may include regular phone calls, or emails, instant messaging, or Skype video conferences -- if you can set them up with a computer with a webcam and show them how to use it.

Try to be careful to save your vacation days so that you can make visits or emergency visits if necessary. You may also be able to plan some of your holiday time off so that you can visit them. This can make for some great family time together, but it also allows you to better assess your senior's current health and living conditions so that you are able to better provide for their needs.

These are just a few tips for those who are caring for a loved one from far away. Most of all don't get discouraged or beat yourself up for not doing more. Do the best that you can, and enlist the help of others. Whether you realize it or not right now, you are a tremendous blessing to the person you are caring for.

Click here if you are looking for more information on Elderly in Home Care

Overbed Table

2010-09-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

There are many uses for overbed tables like this one from Invacare. For someone who is bedridden or pretty much confined to a chair they are wonderful when eating, or for holding reading materials, glasses or other personal items. They can adjust to different heights and can be moved in and out of tight spots and swivel as needed. Click on the link below for more information.
Over Bed Table

Tips For Caring For an Elderly Parent

2010-09-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

There are many different elder care options available today. One option that you may want to consider is elderly home care. It allows parents or a loved one to remain at home, in familiar surroundings, and still get the assistance that they need. Often, caregivers include family, friends, or caregiving professionals that provide a wide range of senior home care services. This can be an ideal situation if you are caring for elderly parents or overseeing their care, where their primary needs are non-medical care.

In this type of setting, care can range from someone stopping in periodically, to a live-in caregiver that provides 24 hour care. Some examples of non-medical elderly home care may include: preparing meals or help with feeding, assistance with bathing and grooming, light housekeeping, assisting with medication, grocery shopping, bill paying or running errands.

In our particular caregiving situation, family members have teamed up to provide much of the home care for my mother-in-law, who has advanced Alzheimer's disease. However, at times, we have enlisted the help of friends, our church family, and companies specializing in elderly home care services to provide for her needs. Even if your family is well equipped for caregiving, its important to be familiar with some of the senior home care services that are available today. Taking advantage of these services may give you the occasional day off or vacation that you need, without putting undo stress on your family or friends.

Even if you have other family members or friends that assist you in caring for a loved one, there are times when they are not available. At these times, being familiar with companies or caregivers that specialize in providing elderly home care can be important. Each local area normally has companies that offer a wide range of elderly assistance services. Normally, you can find these online by searching for the word "caregivers." However, here are some nationwide, senior care service providers, that you may want to consider.

Visiting Angels
Specializes in non-medical home care services for the elderly, allowing them to maintain as much independence as possible in familiar surroundings. They have over 300 offices across the country. Their website is: www.visitingangels.com.

Cargiver Needed
Search by state for caregivers, nurses, and sitters. They offer both non-medical and medical care for the elderly and for children. Both live in and live out caregiving options are available. Their website is: www.caregiverneeded.com.

Right at Home
They can provide home health care from as little as a few hours to 24-hours a day. Services include: caring companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, bathing assistance, respite for family caregivers, and much more. Their website is: www.rightathome.net.

These are just a few of the many resources that are available for today's caregivers. Over the years we have been blessed to have family members and close friends that have teamed up with us to care for a loved one with Alzheimer's. However, utilizing other caregiver resources has given us much needed breaks, while still providing excellent care.

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Senior Safety - Preventing Dangerous Falls

2010-09-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

Stumbling or falling can be particularly devastating for seniors, resulting in hip fractures, head injuries or other serious conditions. In fact, thousands of seniors die each year from injuries sustained in falls that could easily be avoided.

The sad thing is a fall or a close call can cause more than a serious physical injury. Often, seniors can be haunted by a fear of falling, which causes them to sink into a more sedentary lifestyle, causing a further decline in muscle strength and mobility.

Ideally, you want your senior to be safe and avoid falls and injuries, but still be able to enjoy an active life. There are many things that can be done to help keep your senior safe and avoid falls. Here are a few tips that you may want to consider, that can help keep the senior you love safe and sound.

Sturdy Chairs and Furniture - Make sure that all of the chairs and furniture in the house are solid and sturdy. A wobbly chair or table are a recipe for disaster. Make sure that furniture is solid and secure, so when your senior grabs hold of it to steady themselves it will render the help that they need.

Railings and Handholds - Railings and handholds should be located near all stairways or hallways where necessary. Railings or grab bars in bathrooms or showers are also a good idea and can be great tools for helping to keep your senior safe and avoid an untimely slip or fall.

Adequate Lighting is Important - Normally as we age our eyesight diminishes, especially if your senior has cataracts. Make sure that there is adequate lighting to light their way, especially at night if they get up to use the bathroom. Nightlights and motion activated lights or lights on timers can be a great help for ensuring that there is plenty of light to navigate through the house. Inadequate lighting and poor eyesight are a dangerous combination, and a major cause for many falls.

These are just a few practical things that you can do that can make a big difference in keeping your senior safe. You may also want to investigate medical alert systems just in case a fall does occur. Especially if your senior lives alone, these devices can be used to render aid quickly in the case of an emergency. Hopefully, some of these tips will be helpful for keeping your senior safe and active for many years to come.

Find more information on elderly care at home here.

Lightweight Transport Chairs

2010-08-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

Lightweight transport chairs like this one can be a great help for a caregiver. Many of these weigh only 15-20 p0unds and can easily fold up and fit in the trunk of your car or out of the way in a bedroom. Medline, Invacare, and NOVA offer many different models and there are other companies as well. These are great for taking a loved one to the bathroom or transporting someone in and out of a vehicle if they have limited mobility.

Who Are the Caregivers of Today?

2010-08-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

Today's caregivers are not alone, and represent a very large, diverse group. Although there are many nurses and professional caregivers that serve in this role, family members make up about 80 to 90 percent of the caregivers of the elderly. About 75 percent of the caregivers are women. The majority of these are mostly daughters who are caring for an aging parent. In many cases an elderly spouse starts out as the primary caregiver, but eventually passes the baton on to their adult daughters and sons when they become overwhelmed or their own health begins to suffer.

Estimates vary, but currently there are probably over 10 million older people that require some type of assistance in performing their day-to-day activities. In 2006 there were 37.3 million people that were 65 or older, representing 12.4 percent of the U.S. population. That is approximately 1 out of every 8 Americans, and is expected to grow to about 20 percent by the year 2030. The good news is that people are living longer than ever before, and people over 65 have much experience and talent to offer. In fact many folks are still healthy and active into their 80s, 90s or beyond. However, sooner of later you may be in a position where you need some assistance for yourself, or you are providing care for someone else.

Click here for helpful caregiver support information.

If you or a loved one have limited mobility, then a portable wheelchair or motorized wheelchair may be just what you need to remain active.

Senior Care - 5 Ways to Provide Caregiver Support

2008-08-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Encouraging Notes
A great way to show your support for a caregiver is to send them a short encouraging note. We all like to hear an encouraging word from time to time. This doesn't have to be a written note. In fact, a quick email will work just fine, and while you are at it you may even want to include a link to their favorite comic or a funny story just to brighten their day.

Send Them an E-card
There are many websites today that allow you to send free e-cards that are beautifully done. For example, www.hallmark.com and www.dayspring.com offer some wonderful e-cards. Consider sending one that will make them smile or give them a good laugh for the day. This could be just what they need on those days when they just need a little help smiling, and a good laugh would be just the thing to lighten their day.

Give the Caregiver a Short Break
Give the caregiver a short break for a few hours one evening and let them go out to a movie, restaurant or some other place that they enjoy. Offering to watch the loved one, even for a few hours, can mean a lot, and often is just what the caregiver needs to recharge their batteries.

Run Errands, Handle Details
Another way to provide support for a caregiver is to run some errands or take care of some other tasks for them so they don't have to deal with them. Caring for a loved one can not only be physically demanding at times, but it can also be very mentally taxing. Often, just not having to worry about other details can provide welcome relief. If you are good with numbers or details maybe you can offer to assist the caregiver with some forms or paperwork, or take care of some other details for them.

Weekend Getaways
Occasionally, a weekend getaway or short vacation may be the best thing that you can do for a caregiver. Make all of the necessary arrangements for taking care of the loved one, so that the caregiver can focus on their trip. This is a great way that siblings or other family members can step up and provide needed relief for caregivers. This can be especially nice for caregivers that enjoy travel and used to take trips, but now find themselves having to stay close to home. Maybe its a trip to the mountains or to the beach where they can relax and enjoy some beautiful scenery. Most of all the break will be good for their mental and physical health, and when they return they will be more refreshed to care for the loved one.

This is just a few ways that you, as a close friend or family member, can support the primary caregiver. Over the years we have been blessed to have family members and close friends that have teamed up with us to care for a loved one with Alzheimer's. Some of these tips that I've shared have meant a lot, at times, for the primary caregiver.

Get more information on caregiving here: Caregiver Resources