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Archive for October, 2008:
November is National Family Caregivers Month
Shortly after I became Gladys’ caregiver, I joined the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA). If you are a caregiver for a family member or friend, this organization is a good source of information. You can’t beat the cost of membership because it is free. The information below is from the most recent newsletter.
National Family Caregivers Month
Every year we celebrate family caregivers during the month of November. National Family Caregivers Month is a time to thank, support, educate and empower one another. This year is particularly exciting because it’s NFCA’s 15th anniversary.
As part of the celebration, we are launching a FREE National TeleClass to teach family caregivers how to communicate more effectively with healthcare professionals.
When: Thursday, November 6 and 13, at 2 PM Eastern time
How: By phone and Internet – The TeleClass will be FREE to all family caregivers
Why: The TeleClass will empower family caregivers to be better healthcare advocates for themselves and their loved ones.For more information on National Family Caregivers Month and the National TeleClass, visit www.thefamilycaregiver.org or call 800-896-3650.
Caregiver’s Dilemma Solved – Welcome Lexie to the Family
As a family caregiver, I am always looking for ways to make life easier for my sister, Gladys and for myself. A few weeks ago I was trying to decide whether or not to get a cat to keep Gladys company. The dilemma was that I already have a Siamese cat who is extremely territorial and quite anti-social.
The Problem
One of the problems that I have in terms of elder care for a family member with dementia is that I live in a three story townhouse. When we moved my sister here, we had to make the first level Gladys’ living quarters because she was left with quite a few physical limitations after her stroke. One of those limitations is that she cannot climb steps. Since she is limited to the first level, Gladys spends a lot of time alone. Because she loves cats, I thought a cat would be a good companion for her.
Problem Solved
Last Friday, I adopted Lexie from the Cobb County Animal Shelter. Lexie is a six year old tortoise shell domestic mix who lived with an older couple who moved and could not take her with them. She is very calm and affectionate, she loves to be petted. She is the exact opposite of my cat, Cocoa. Lexie has her own food and water dish and a separate litter box. All of which are downstairs.
Precautions
Before I brought Lexie home, I did a little homework on introducing her to our household. Many thanks for suggestions from some of you. Prior to Lexie’s arrival , I brought a child’s gate and installed it at the top of the stairs from the first level. In addition, I covered the gate. The gate of course separates the cats but the covering keeps them from seeing each other. This way they get accustomed to each other’s scents before they actually meet. So far Cocoa caught a glimpse of Lexie and let out an ear splitting shriek. Lexie just sat at the bottom of the steps and looked at Cocoa as if to say, “what’s the problem?”
Gladys’ Reaction to Lexie
Gladys loves having Lexie around. Her eyes light up and she gets excited when she sees Lexie. She whistles for her and looks for Lexie when she’s gone off exploring. Since Lexie has been here, I have seen some of the “old Gladys” that I knew when I was a child. Gladys is happy and I’m happy.
Related Reading
Elder Care and a Caregiver’s Dilemna
Cocoa Said She Didn’t Sign Up for Caregiving
Tips for Finding Good In-Home Caregivers
When we brought Gladys home after her stroke, we employed the services of an in-home caregiver. It was a good option at the time because Gladys had just left the hospital and she still had to undergo a lot of physical therapy. If an in-home caregiver is one of the options you are considering, this article will provide some tips for finding a good in-home caregiver.
This information is from Senior Sense, a quarterly publication provided by the University of Georgia Family and Consumer Sciences.
Learn about in-home care services
Determine exactly what kind of care or assistance your senior needs. In-home care generally is categorized into “skilled care” (medical care by nurses and therapists) and “in-home support services” (non-medical care including house-cleaning, dressing, and companionship). Look into who does what and how much various services cost. Social workers, physicians, the local area agency on aging, friends and relatives may refer you to reputable sources of in-home help.
Develop a profile of care needs
Assessing care needs can help you define your senior’s care needs and the kinds of help you need with caregiving. It will also help you determine in-home caregivers duties and skills needed, and to evaluate the job performance of in-home workers. The local area agency on aging may offer in-home assessments or direct you to an agency that does that.
Write a basic job description
Use the profile of your senior’s needs and a list of your needs as a caregiver. Clearly state your expectations and the worker’s duties and responsibilities.
Find out about legal, financial, and tax issues
In-home caregiving can be expensive. Review your insurance coverage, know your tax responsibilities if you hire someone on your own, and clearly understand what’s involved in working with an independent contractor.
Decide whether to hire on your own or through an agency
Home care agencies usually charge more than privately hired workers because the agency has a wide range of responsibilities for ensuring quality caregiving. Hiring someone privately may reduce your costs considerably, but it will take more time and effort to screen applicants, pay taxes and supervise the caregiver. You will also need a back-up plan for privately hired workers to cover vacations and other absences.
Screen and interview applicants
A trusting and comfortable relationship between you, the senior, and the in-home worker can determine the success of in-home services. Take time to select carefully. Interview all qualified applicants in person even if you are hiring a caregiver from an agency. Write your interview questions in advance. Be prepared to discuss all aspects off the in-home care you need.
Check references and backgrounds
Try to get three or more references, including at least one professional reference. Ask the references how they know the prospective caregiver and for how long. If you are not using an agency, conduct a criminal background check.
Sign an agreement
Complete an agreement clarifying conditions and terms of employment and setting guidelines for the caregiver to follow at all times. Both parties should have a signed copy of the agreement. Consider contacting an attorney to write your agreement. An agreement can be revised or updated as needed. Finding the right person to be an in-home caregiver for your senior can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Misunderstandings can develop for various reasons, despite your best efforts. Caregivers are employees, but they are almost family members too, making this relationship very sensitive. Some people compare the process to finding a good in-home caregiver for a child. In both situations, you’re putting your trust in someone to provide quality care for a vulnerable family member. Careful preparation, communication and ongoing monitoring of the caregiving process can help minimize problems.
If this article was helpful or if you have used the services of an in-home caregiver, please share in the comments section.
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