10 Reasons to Learn Elder Care Basics

About this time last year, we made the decision to move my god-sister to Georgia so I could take care of her.  Also about that time, I had some conversations with my accountant who was looking after her father who lived alone.  Both of us are now taking care of elderly family members.  One of my co-workers spends two weekends a month taking care of her mother in another city.  None of us had a lot of time to think about or plan for it.

This is not the exception, it is the norm.  Strokes, heart attacks, Alzheimer’s and the normal aging process are just a few of the reasons we become caregivers.  They are also some of the reasons we are caught off guard.  Strokes and heart attacks are unexpected.  Alzheimer’s usually sneaks up on us because we either don’t know or ignore the symptoms.

1. Our society is aging at a rapid rate.  More and more of us will be taking care of aging family members.
2. There are more than 54 million family caregivers in the United Stated today.  That number will rise significantly within the next 5-10 years.
3. The government is not prepared to provide assistance for family caregivers.
4. Families should have a course of action prepared to take care of aging family members.
5. Consideration should be given to changes that need to be made to the home.
6. Living wills and legal documents should be prepared and signed before any form of dementia sets in.
7. Begin reading about elder care, aging and forms of dementia to prepare for future issues.
8. Become familiar with drug stores and medical supply stores in your community so you will know where to buy supplies.
9. Start searching out geriatricians and other doctors who specialize in caring for the elderly.
10. Begin talking to friends and assemble a support group that you can count on for respite and emergencies.

None of us want to admit that our parents and relatives are unable to take care of themselves.  We see them as matriarchs and patriarchs that are strong and self sufficient.  We ignore the signs of dementia and dismiss them as normal signs of aging.  Nevertheless, if they live long enough, we will be faced with caregiving.

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Caregivers Make a Difference On March 3rd – National Call In Day

Please make note of the following information from the National Family Caregivers Association March E-Newsletter

Make This the Year You Speak Up: Make a Phone Call on March 3

Family caregivers have a unique opportunity to make a difference on March 3 just by making a phone call. The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities and the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations are hosting a national call-in day on March 3 to encourage our U.S. senators to include long-term services and supports in any healthcare reform effort.

Call-In Information:

When: March 3 (Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.)

Call-In Number: 800/958-5374

When you call, you will be asked which state you are calling from and you will be connected to your senators’ offices. Below is a sample script for your use.

Hello (state name and where you are calling from). I’m calling to ask the senator to help make sure long-term services and supports are part of healthcare reform. The nation lacks a comprehensive national public-private system for financing and delivering long-term services and supports for individuals with disabilities and seniors. We need a national solution for this national problem. Please ensure long-term services and supports are included in upcoming hearings and legislation. Thank you.

ENCOURAGE ALL THE FAMILY CAREGIVERS YOU KNOW TO JOIN THE NFCA COMMUNITY OF CAREGIVERS. THERE IS NO COST! Just click here: http://thefamilycaregiver.org

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Caregiver Self Care – Keeping Balance In Your Life

Maria Hoaglund, a hospice and bereavement counselor begins this video by talking about caregivers and grieving but moves on to talk about the need for balance in caregiving.  Caregivers constantly need to be reminded that we must take care of ourselves and have some balance in our lives.

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