Here is a great article I found that I wanted to share. The original article can be found at http://www.alzinfo.org/alzheimers-caregiving.asp#3.
Archive for the ‘caregivers’ Category
How Can Social Support Ease Caregiver Stress in Indianapolis Indiana?
Friday, May 15th, 2009"Happy Nurses Week" from Aging Avenues of Indianapolis Indiana!
Thursday, May 7th, 2009Happy Nurses Week from all of us at Aging Avenues.
Swine Flu Facts for Seniors and Caregivers in Indianapolis, Indiana
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009Here is very helpful information that will address the concerns that many have over the recent outbreak of Swine Flu.
Are Caregiver’s Responsible for Their Parent’s Debt in Indianapolis, IN?
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009Are Caregiver’s Responsible for Their Parent’s Debt?
I’m sure many adult children of aging parents and caregivers think about this question a lot.
Treating an Illness Is One Thing. What About a Patient With Many?
Friday, April 17th, 2009The New York Times recently posted an article that relates to many seniors and aging loved ones.
Know the Difference Between Hiring Private Caregivers and Using a Home Care Agency in Indianapolis Indiana
Friday, April 10th, 2009I found this article in the Wall Street Journal and decided to pass it on to all of you. If you are considering hiring home care services, it’s important to know what the family’s legal and financial responsibilities are when it comes to private caregivers. Ultimately, in may be a better option to hire a home care agency.
Seniors Will Pay More for Caregivers
Thursday, December 4th, 2008In June 2007 the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a long-standing regulation which exempts home care companies from having to pay overtime. The Supreme Court recognized this as a unique employment situtation of companion workers and the affordability it provides to consumers. The legislation, if enacted would increase the costs to seniors, lower the quality of care and giver workers less choice and flexibility. Agencies will be forced to hire many different caregivers for one client which disrupts the continuity of care that is so essential. Obviously this will also drive up the cost of home care services. Seniors may have to turn to hiring private help with has no training, background checks, supervision or insurance. There would be no relief staff if they were sick. To make sure this doesn’t happen write your congressman and ask them to REJECT S.2061 – H.R. 3582. It’s for the good of everyone!
Biggest Challenge in Providing Care for Seniors
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008Unfortunately today it’s almost necessary for both people to work outside the home. It often becomes difficult to continue to work and care for a loved one because both demand so much time. They may have family leave available but often people cannot afford to take the time off.
We’re also a more self centered society today and aren’t as willing to take elders into our homes. That’s not always the right decision either though. It all boils down to money to get the assistance to help someone remain independent or to care for someone in their home.
Families, government, communities and churches are going to have to work together to develop affordable options to help people remain in their homes. There are limited resources available to help seniors remain in their homes. Many seniors cannot afford to pay privately for in home care and they are often then forced to go to a nursing home. We also face a huge labor shortage of caregivers, aids, nurses and geriatric physicians to provide care for seniors.
Being educated and prepared is one way you can overcome some of these challenges. Begin the conversation with your parents before they need any help so that you can plan accordingly.
National Caregiver Month
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008November is National Caregiver Month which is a time to honor all those, paid or not that care for someone. Having worked in a nursing home I can assure you that the staff works very hard caring for their elderly parents. Because the job involves some not so pleasant tasks I can assure you that if they didn’t like what they were doing they wouldn’t be doing it.
Caregivers that are taking care of the loved one at home I give a special saluate to. You’re doing the job of three people, that’s how many people it takes to care for them in a nursing home. If you’re like most caregivers you’re also working, caring for your own family and trying to keep up with the other things you do. Don’t burn yourself out. It’s ok to ask for help, you can’t do it all. Take a Caregiver Burnout Quiz at http://www.agingavenues.com/topicview.php?id=146&cat=1.
Give any caregiver you know A Hug Today!
The Sandwich Generation – Adult Children Caring For Their Aging Parents
Wednesday, October 29th, 2008Adults in 2008 are busier now versus prior generations. The internet, cell phones, texting and tivo keep us connected to others 24 hours a day. The concept to deliver more… both at work and at home with our families add stressors to us that our parents never faced.
Add on top of this… your aging parents, the ones you’ve always went to for advise… always reliable to be your anchor in times of need… now relying on you to meet their daily needs. For many, being thrown into this stress inducing role that is now labeled as the “Sandwich Generation” can be a huge challenge.
The Sandwich Generation, are those adults who find themselves not only caring for their dependant children, but now responsible for the care of their aging parents. Caring for ones parents can involve several different scenarios. The aging parents may or may not still live on their own, but will often require assistance with personal care, errands &/or financial assistance.
The Sandwich Generation is estimated to grow, given the current life expectancy increases. This will result in many middle aged adults, ages 45-56, finding themselves with at least one of their parents still living. Add to this the fact that women are having children at an older age and voila’ – you find yourself parenting your parents, while parenting your children at the same time.
Women are working outside the home now more than ever, therefore providing your aging parents the support they may all of a sudden need will prove to be a difficult hurdle. In addition, with the baby boomers aging, this need is projected to snowball and you may find yourself knee-deep in the “Where do I go from here?” group.
If you find yourself suddenly faced with this dilemma, there are many resources available to get information. Researching the internet and discussing this with your parents Physicians are good places to start. Organizations can provide support and assistance for the Sandwich Generation; but locating who can provide quality care and be affordable at the same time, can get complicated. Seeking advice from friends or others who have been through this, will give you the valuable support you may need.
Helpful Resources
Kiplinger’s Financial Solutions for the Sandwich Generation: Ensuring You Have Enough for You, Your Children, and Your Parents
The Hard Questions For Adult Children And Their Aging Parents: 100 Essential Questions For Facing The Future Together, with Courage and Compassion
Caring for Your Aging Parents: A Common-Sense Guide for Transforming a Difficult Time Into a Loving, Cooperative Relationship
www.AgingAvenues.com offers a wide variety of resources for caregivers
Author: Angela Reeves, RN, Director of Clinical Services and Public Health Advocate, Sterling Healthcare Management Services