Caregiving: A Helping Hand in a time of Need.
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While most older adults over 65 percieve themselves as being 10-20 years younger, care of the elderly adult can be challenging or rewarding. But
knowing and understanding their needs (and yours) will help family caregiver face the real facts about what lies ahead. With the resources and
counseling services readily available, you can determine in advance, which care level you cannot exceed as a family member.
As elders age, family members are often expected to provide care and assistance. This may cause a wide range of emotions that extend from love &
sympathy to anger, guilt, anxiety and frustration. Currently, 72% of the elderly caregiving is provided by family members.
In the past, only two options were available: In-home care (most often provided by family members) or institutionalization. Today, communitiy care
providers offer various levels of professional In-Home assistance, Respite and Daycare facilities and Residential/Assisted Living alternatives.
Annual care costs for the elderly are projected to exceed the entire Federal budget by the year 2025, as the largest segment of our population - the
"Baby Boomer" generation moves into their 70s & 80s. With fewer children and the demands of 2-spouse working households, 8 of every 10 elderly
Americans will require the services of a non-related, paid caregiver.
Eldercare is one of the top five fastest growing service industries worldwide - opening the door to many career and professional opportunities.
The Three Stages of Aging
1) Age 65-75
Many in this age group are just now thinking about retiring or have recently and are in pursuit of their
life-long dream of "just taking it easy" or involved in leisure activity.
Some decide they want to"down-size" and move to a more age-defined setting. Some may already be facing
health concerns, the death of a spouse, sibling or close friend, while others are blessed with good health and
vitality and are quite able to pursue their interests unhindered and without a need for care.
2) Age 75-85
During this stage, limitations due to disabilities from illness or degenerative disease are common. Necessary
lifestyle changes may cause withdrawl for short or long periods of time as they Slowly adjust to the
limitations. They spend a lot of time reviewing and reminiscing their life. This time is often referred to as:
"the Golden Years". It can be a very rewarding opportunity for the elder and his/her family members to share
the past or possibly resolve some previously unresolved issues. They can however become more easily
depressed or moody. By this time, they have may have witnessed their spouse, or other loved ones pass
away - leaving them to feel isolated and lonely. Opportunities for on-going socialization and interaction with
others their age should be encouraged.
3) Age 85 and older
By this time, he/she has usually become frail and subject to serious injury, should they fall. Bones break
easily and hip injuries are common. A potentially life-threatening illness may be diagnosed. At this point,
alternate housing and supervised care is usually necessary.
Symptoms of early Alzheimer's may appear, but remain undiagnosed. These may be limited to short-term
memory loss or wandering, but may also include disorientation and/or incontinence and require assistance
with the normal Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Continued socialization at adult daycare or a senior center
can play a vital role in their care plan.
Getting the Information You Need...
To help you organize the facts and determine your elderly family member's needs, the following items should
be addressed with him/her, other family members, their personal physician and professional caregivers.
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Socialization
Self Care
Physical Condition/Wellness
Medication(s) - what, how many
& when
Disabilities or physical limitations
Medical condition(s)
Therapy & exercise
Does he/she maintain the ability to:
Shop and make purchase decisions
independently?
Prepare his/her own nutritious meals
and self-administer medications?
Bathe regularly, dress and make
themselves presentable without help?
Handle emergency situations - know
what to do and/or who to call?
Manage personal finances?
Does the elder family member maintain
ongoing contact with others in the same
age group on a regular basis?
Are there regular opportunities for
creative activities, outings and social
events away from the immediate family?
Take Care of Yourself First!!!
If you allow yourself to become ill, exhausted or stressed, you cannot effectively meet the needs of your elder.
1. Ask for help before you need it.
2. Establish boundaries on what you can and cannot do.
3. Negotiate and assign certain tasks to other family members.
4. Seek out local programs that offer caregiver services and support, if you are the only family member available.
5. Find an outlet, such as a community support group to express your feelings of anger, frustration or guilt.
6. Allow yourself time for rest, relaxation, quiet time and socialization.
Remember, It is never too soon to encourage open and pro-active discussion about their preference and choices for
end-of-life care. Legal documents such as wills, power of attorney and most importantly, medical power of attorney
can save much heartache, stress and grief, should the elder suddenly suffer a stroke or become incompetent - which
often happens.
We hope you will benefit from our Related Sites & Resources page. It offers links to other aging information
and caregiver resources.
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