It is important to talk to parent(s) while they are legally able. Talk with your parent(s) while they are able to make decisions and prepare the way legally for their care. If you are the only child or the trusted family member, make sure that you have copies of any medical records they want you to have and that if you do not, make sure that they have legal documents in place so that you can obtain copies if necessary.
Caring for your parent(s) or other close relatives can be very stressful. If they are living in their home, there are many problems to be anticipated and activities to be ready for in order to take action. If your parents have a power outage, what will need to be done. Natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes, floods are very hard to prepare for but plans need to be made. A car hitting a power pole or a lightening strike taking a transformer out can be more than an inconvenience, but these can be handled.
These problems mean actions that must be taken if a parent is on oxygen systems or a ventilator. These machines can produce life threatening circumstances. Some oxygen systems require electrical power to produce oxygen. Ventilators require electrical power and a generator backup to continue functioning.
For oxygen, having a spare backup tank can save the day, but the people assisting need training in switching over the tank. Oxygen should never be used near an open flame and smoking must be prohibited in the residence. Backup generators run on gasoline and must be outside the house in a covered place. Placement is an important consideration as is access. I would seriously consider a battery operated electric starter. All caregivers must be familiar with the operation of equipment and emergency operations.
Know the laws in your state for the operations of equipment and requirements for placement and operation. Contact the utility companies for cooperation and to notify them of power or gas needs and what equipment is being used. They can sometimes offer special rates and have other suggestions for assistance.
Then there is other electrical equipment, such as electric beds, air-loss mattresses, and air-mattress toppers that use electricity for the pumps. The beds generally don't have problems in power outages as they have hand cranks for use. The other systems can have built in battery backups and their use needs training to know their use. Another essential activity is surprise emergency drills that need to be in place to test the caregivers and equipment.
Then there is suction equipment, IV pumps, and other electrical devices that may be used in the patient's home. Most have battery backups and again caregivers need to be trained in switching in the event of a power outage and for all associated safety precautions.
These indicate a lot of plans to be made and how complicated the situations can be when caring for a parent or close relative. Don't get me wrong, this is something that often needs to be done and a family member is often an excellent solution.
Showing posts with label Eldercare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eldercare. Show all posts
March 14, 2011
March 8, 2011
Caring for Elderly Parents or Relatives
Talk with your parent(s) while they are able to make decisions and prepare the way legally for their care. If you are the only child or the trusted child, make sure that they have legal documents in place so that you can obtain copies if necessary. Know what your limitations and rights are.
Your parents, in-laws, or close relative will be the central characters in your planning process. You need to first discover what their wishes and ideas are for how they want to live out their last years. All decisions must involve them and, as much as possible, revolve around and incorporate their wishes and desires.
Make sure that the safety and well-being of your parent(s) are the most important issue. It is important to help them within the realm of their desires within safe parameters and finances will determine the success. Do not wait until a crises to try to do this as alternatives may be limited and following their desires may not be possible. Hopefully, they will have a living will and other legal documents to facilitate their wishes.
If you have many siblings, getting everyone together may be difficult during the planning stage. Even then some decisions may need to be made. The parents need to be heard and if this is not done, many of the siblings may be shut out by them because they know what they want, desire, and what may not be possible. Allowing each family member to be heard is always a good idea and then the one put in charge by the parents will know where cooperation can be expected.
If this has not been discussed prior, the discussion should include options if they are not able to live in their own home. Find out if there are finances allowing for each option, a nursing home, board and care homes, or assisted living facilities. While they are able to live at home, will they need assistance and at what level.
It is also a fact that family members may see things differently than their parents. This is where parents often decide to leave all children out of the planning and select the one they trust to fulfill their wishes. So allowing everyone a voice may not be the best, but should be the best option. In any discussion, be sure to include end-of-life issues.
Make informed decisions, learn where to find information, and the options you will have in caring for your parent(s), or other relatives. If you are the one in charge, how will you handle caring for your family, your parent(s), and time for yourself. Will your spouse be able to handle some of the responsibilities? This is important to know on the front side rather then well into a problem.
Make sure that you have the support of your family and do not forget to take care of yourself, because you know that others are depending on you.
Your parents, in-laws, or close relative will be the central characters in your planning process. You need to first discover what their wishes and ideas are for how they want to live out their last years. All decisions must involve them and, as much as possible, revolve around and incorporate their wishes and desires.
Make sure that the safety and well-being of your parent(s) are the most important issue. It is important to help them within the realm of their desires within safe parameters and finances will determine the success. Do not wait until a crises to try to do this as alternatives may be limited and following their desires may not be possible. Hopefully, they will have a living will and other legal documents to facilitate their wishes.
If you have many siblings, getting everyone together may be difficult during the planning stage. Even then some decisions may need to be made. The parents need to be heard and if this is not done, many of the siblings may be shut out by them because they know what they want, desire, and what may not be possible. Allowing each family member to be heard is always a good idea and then the one put in charge by the parents will know where cooperation can be expected.
If this has not been discussed prior, the discussion should include options if they are not able to live in their own home. Find out if there are finances allowing for each option, a nursing home, board and care homes, or assisted living facilities. While they are able to live at home, will they need assistance and at what level.
It is also a fact that family members may see things differently than their parents. This is where parents often decide to leave all children out of the planning and select the one they trust to fulfill their wishes. So allowing everyone a voice may not be the best, but should be the best option. In any discussion, be sure to include end-of-life issues.
Make informed decisions, learn where to find information, and the options you will have in caring for your parent(s), or other relatives. If you are the one in charge, how will you handle caring for your family, your parent(s), and time for yourself. Will your spouse be able to handle some of the responsibilities? This is important to know on the front side rather then well into a problem.
Make sure that you have the support of your family and do not forget to take care of yourself, because you know that others are depending on you.
March 2, 2011
More Tips for Caregivers of the Elder Generation
Do you have a parent that needs care, or older relatives needing to be cared for. This can mean many challenges for the “in-between” or sandwich generation. No, this is not a repeat of the last blog.
What are the problems that you will face if you take on the care of a parent or older relative? How will your children react? How will the parent(s) react? These are just two of a multitude of problems and hurdles you will face. Many problems may be financial and others will be dealing with human nature. When I speak about a parent I put the (s) after to indicate possibly both and I want you to understand this could also be an older relative like an aunt or uncle and even a distant relative that has been close to you or your family.
Decisions need to be made and sometimes there just does not seem to be enough hours in a day. Will the parent(s) be able to completely care for themselves, only care partially with some or many limits, or will they be totally unable to care for themselves.
Decisions need to be made about where the parent(s) is going to live. Will they be able to stay in the home, and will it be necessary to have round the clock supervision or just a daily visit or someone only during the day? If it is just one parent, do you have room for an additional person living in your house? Or will an assisted living facility or nursing home be necessary? How is the person going to be able to get to and from doctors and other appointments?
These are just a few of the decisions to be made concerning the parent(s). Will you be able to handle the finances for their care or does the parent have the money available? If you are a single parent, how will this affect you and your children? Even if you and your spouse have a stable marriage, looking after a parent can place a burden on the marriage.
This is the reason for the prior blog to provide sources of assistance. Always consider talking to a pastor or minister of your church as they also can often provide resources.
Finally, if the parent(s) will talk about this and make plans before something happens, then many steps can be saved and everyone will know what is expected.
What are the problems that you will face if you take on the care of a parent or older relative? How will your children react? How will the parent(s) react? These are just two of a multitude of problems and hurdles you will face. Many problems may be financial and others will be dealing with human nature. When I speak about a parent I put the (s) after to indicate possibly both and I want you to understand this could also be an older relative like an aunt or uncle and even a distant relative that has been close to you or your family.
Decisions need to be made and sometimes there just does not seem to be enough hours in a day. Will the parent(s) be able to completely care for themselves, only care partially with some or many limits, or will they be totally unable to care for themselves.
Decisions need to be made about where the parent(s) is going to live. Will they be able to stay in the home, and will it be necessary to have round the clock supervision or just a daily visit or someone only during the day? If it is just one parent, do you have room for an additional person living in your house? Or will an assisted living facility or nursing home be necessary? How is the person going to be able to get to and from doctors and other appointments?
These are just a few of the decisions to be made concerning the parent(s). Will you be able to handle the finances for their care or does the parent have the money available? If you are a single parent, how will this affect you and your children? Even if you and your spouse have a stable marriage, looking after a parent can place a burden on the marriage.
This is the reason for the prior blog to provide sources of assistance. Always consider talking to a pastor or minister of your church as they also can often provide resources.
Finally, if the parent(s) will talk about this and make plans before something happens, then many steps can be saved and everyone will know what is expected.
February 28, 2011
Tips for Caregivers of the Elder Generation
Do you have a parent that needs care, or older relatives needing to be cared for. This can mean many challenges for the “in-between” or sandwich generation. This term, “sandwich generation”, was popularized in the early 1990's by Carol Abaya, an eldercare expert and columnist.
This is more a listing of organizations that may provide guidance or assistance for eldercare of your parent(s), or other close relative. Even though I will be listing several caregiver resources, do not forget that many eldercare religious organizations exist and may be good resources. Just because I use eldercare, many organizations have other names, “aging services”, and “elder homes” are just a few of the terms.
The following list of caregiver resources is not complete, but will give you ideas and may provide what you are looking for. Some people may not need this if their parents have planned properly.
The National Association of Social Workers (socialworkers.org) can assist you in locating social workers specializing in geriatric care.
The National association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (caremanager.org) makes referrals to eldercare professionals, who (for a fee) will assess your parents' needs and help coordinate care.
Benefitscheckup.org lists federal, state, and local benefits (other than Medicare) for which you parents may qualify.
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (longtermcareliving.com) can walk you through long-term care and assisted living options.
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela.com) is a source for legal information and eldercare attorney referrals.
You may not need many of these services, but you should have a list available. The next thing that is necessary, before your parents are not legally able to do this, is talk to your parent(s) about having a lawyer draft two documents of importance. The first is a durable power of attorney for finances and the second is a durable medical power of attorney for medical decisions.
Have the parents keep the documents up-to-date and in a secure place like a safety deposit box. Family members should know of their location. Have the parents check with the financial institution and notify the institution of any changes to prevent complications when they go into effect. Also check with the institution to find out if they have any additional requirements that need to be addressed.
If you are the trusted person for your parents, you may be present for all of this. If there are other family members, they need to be notified to avoid future conflicts and hurt feelings. Not all families members are accepting of this, but most will work with the family member chosen by the parents.
If you are a parent with children, consider doing this for your children to avoid future problems as well.
This is more a listing of organizations that may provide guidance or assistance for eldercare of your parent(s), or other close relative. Even though I will be listing several caregiver resources, do not forget that many eldercare religious organizations exist and may be good resources. Just because I use eldercare, many organizations have other names, “aging services”, and “elder homes” are just a few of the terms.
The following list of caregiver resources is not complete, but will give you ideas and may provide what you are looking for. Some people may not need this if their parents have planned properly.
The National Association of Social Workers (socialworkers.org) can assist you in locating social workers specializing in geriatric care.
The National association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (caremanager.org) makes referrals to eldercare professionals, who (for a fee) will assess your parents' needs and help coordinate care.
Benefitscheckup.org lists federal, state, and local benefits (other than Medicare) for which you parents may qualify.
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (longtermcareliving.com) can walk you through long-term care and assisted living options.
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela.com) is a source for legal information and eldercare attorney referrals.
You may not need many of these services, but you should have a list available. The next thing that is necessary, before your parents are not legally able to do this, is talk to your parent(s) about having a lawyer draft two documents of importance. The first is a durable power of attorney for finances and the second is a durable medical power of attorney for medical decisions.
Have the parents keep the documents up-to-date and in a secure place like a safety deposit box. Family members should know of their location. Have the parents check with the financial institution and notify the institution of any changes to prevent complications when they go into effect. Also check with the institution to find out if they have any additional requirements that need to be addressed.
If you are the trusted person for your parents, you may be present for all of this. If there are other family members, they need to be notified to avoid future conflicts and hurt feelings. Not all families members are accepting of this, but most will work with the family member chosen by the parents.
If you are a parent with children, consider doing this for your children to avoid future problems as well.
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