Improving the safety of your home for elderly loved ones

Everybody get old; it’s a simple fact of life that can be hard to face. The truth is that muscles and bones get weaker and the home can slowly become a dangerous place. However, making some minor modifications to keep your loved ones safe is a very easy process.Improving safety indoorsYou can’t always prevent falls, but there are many things that you can do to help prevent them. Here are a few ideas:• Clear floors of clutter – The majority of falls come from having a messy house. Be sure to keep all floors clear. The less of a struggle is it to move around the home, the less chance of falling. Make sure things are within reach, as well.

• Well lit rooms – Just as important as important as having clear floors, make sure things are lit well enough so you can see that the floors are clear. Keep plenty of flashlights around for blackouts, too.

• Safety railings – Grab bars and safety railings can be installed all around the house. Be sure to fix them to the bathtub and next to the toilet. Bed railings can also help keep your loved ones from falling out of bed at night.

• Non-Slip mats – Place non-slip mats underneath rugs and be sure to use them in the bathtub and on stairs.Improving safety outdoorsBeing safe outdoors is just as important as being safe in your home, but there’s not as much you can do to prevent danger. Make sure you assist your loved one by holding their arm when walking. If any roads or sidewalks become wet or icy, be sure to salt or sand them. Using a cane for any uneven ground is also advised.What to do if they do fallNot all falls can be prevented, accidents happen. When they do, the first thing you should do is not panic. If you panic, you’ll cause your loved one to panic as well. If they’re not able to get up, cover them with a blanket until help arrives.Overall, you can’t prevent every fall, accident, or slip. You can, however, prevent the majority of them. The home is the place your loved ones will probably spend the most time in, so it’s the first place you should start.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:John George Senior Housing

Caregiving - Families Don't Always Play Fair

In our busy world, caregiving can become a complicated task especially when multiple family members are involved. Who will take responsibility for what tasks? Often the majority of the work is delegated to the family member who has the most available time. Caregivers placed in this position feel that this is not always fair and that their brothers, sisters, or other family members take advantage of them. This resentment creeps into family relationships. The individual with the majority of the caregiving burden burns out and their health may fail. Statistics report that caregiver stress is at an all time high resulting in physical and emotional declines. Exhausted caregivers are taken to task by family members for not doing more. Or the caregivers themselves feel guilty that they are not doing enough to care for their older adult. Many times this is a no win situation unless other family members will commit to providing support through time or money. Signs of caregiver exhaustion can be seen in the older adult through poor general appearance or hygiene, poor nutrition, dehydration, lack of socialization or missed medical appointments. At times the primary caregiver is so exhausted that they do not notice weight loss or other changes in the older adult that may be seen by other family members who express concern. It is at this point that family disagreements may occur about the best care for the older adult. Some family members may recommend facility placement or in home care because they feel the primary caregiver is unable to provide the best care.In this situation a compromise is usually the best course of action for the older adult and the entire family. The primary caregiver may feel unappreciated or victimized because other family members feel he or she is not providing the best care. While neither side may want to be seen as giving in it may be in the best interests of the older adult to compromise. Outside evaluations from physicians or case managers may also prove helpful in deciding on the best course of action. Many older adults would prefer to remain at home if the cost of care is not prohibitive or if the care necessary does not exceed what can be provided. Many times a trained personal care provider can provide the majority of care when skilled nursing is not needed. Families should know that there are many options available for assistance so that any one family member need not be overwhelmed. These include not only in home care, but day care, family counseling and other services.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/

About the Author:Pamela Dombrowski-Wilson is an author and owner of In Home and Family Services, Inc. a counseling and direct care company serving older adults and their family members. Visit htp://www.inhomeandfamily.com or http://www.pameladwilson.com/ for more informaion

Avoid Burnout When Caregiving An Aging ParentBy

When providing care to aging or disabled parents, many caregivers ignore the most important person involved in the caregiving process. "Who?" - you may ask? The answer might surprise you: The Caregiver.Many times caregivers get so wrapped up in attending to parent’s needs, trying to fit quality time with their own family into their schedule, and oftentimes attempting to balance a career, they forget or simply neglect to take some time for their own personal needs.As a caregiver, the results of not allocating personal time can easily lead to intense emotions such as stress, anxiety, frustration, guilt, and feeling extremely overwhelmed. Many caregivers fail to realize that these emotions and feelings could lead to caregiver burnout.If you have just taken the reins as a caregiver to your parent, or perhaps you have been serving in the role for years, you may have never heard of the term “caregiver burnout” or would even recognize the early warning signs. And you may not be aware that caregivers have an increased risk for depression, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.Caregiver burnout is the unpleasant side effects many adult children have to cope with when providing care to their aging or disabled parents. The signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout may display themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.The most important thing to remember as a caregiver, and to avoid burnout, is to make some time for yourself. Whether it is treating yourself to a shopping trip, preparing your favorite meal, or going on a vacation getaway for the weekend with your own family, remember you should not feel guilty for putting your own wants and needs first.The second thing to remember as a caregiver is never hesitate or feel embarrassed to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask a sibling or another family member for assistance. You may also consider adult day care, or respite care to provide you some relief.Even if you just need a day away from your role as caregiver, don’t let your guilty conscience persuade you otherwise. It would be better to enjoy a day of rest and relaxation to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul before letting yourself fall into the ruts of burnout.There are proven and effective methods to combat and prevent caregiver burnout. These techniques are easy and simple daily activities. Anyone can practice these burnout-relieving techniques, whether it’s taking an early morning jog or writing in a journal before bed.You will find yourself amazed at how taking less than an hour a day can alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes along with providing care to an aging or disabled parent, especially those with rapidly deteriorating health or suffering from the heart-wrenching effects of Alzheimer’s disease.In addition of ways to prevent caregiver burnout, there are also many helpful resources available to guide you through the confusing emotions and physically exhausting situations you may find yourself in as a caregiver. If you feel you may already be experiencing burnout, talk to someone, whether it’s your spouse, friend, or physician.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/

About the Author:Dana Sanders is the author of "Becoming Your Parent's Caregiver", an ebook written out of her own experience and that provides advice for the children of an aging or disabled parent. Please visit http://www.caregivingaparent.com/ for information to help you care for your parent.

Coping With The Emotional Challenges Of Caregiving A Parent

By: Dana Sanders


Do you know someone acting as a caregiver to an aging or disabled parent, maybe a friend, loved-one, or a co-worker? Are you serving as the role of caregiver yourself? Do the emotional challenges seem impossible to deal with some days, and you just don’t know how you can handle anymore?

As a caregiver for my mother, I would like to share my personal experiences and insight on how to successfully cope with the emotional challenges of serving as a caregiver to an aging or disabled parent. In my e-book Becoming Your Parent’s Caregiver, I detail my caregiver experiences and helpful resources to help you cope with all the emotional challenges you may face while serving as caregiver.

I believe the best way for caregivers to cope with the many emotions they will experience in providing care to aging parents is to prepare themselves for the wide range of emotions that pave the long and unforgettable road of caregiving.

Initially caregivers may relish in a great sense of self-worth and accomplishment, believing they have found a worthwhile purpose in their life. While some adult children are thwarted into the role of caregiver unexpectedly, many others eagerly agree to the role with a nurturing perspective that only they can provide the best care for their parent.

However, months or even years down the emotion-paved road of caregiving, the gung ho attitude is usually lost, or quickly dissipating. Caregivers begin to encounter more overwhelming emotions such as fear, frustration, guilt, and even caregiver burnout. When I provided care for my mother, I experienced all of these emotions at one time or another.

The one same fear most caregivers share is that of the unknown. Many caregivers worry that they won’t be able to afford adequate housing, appropriate medical care, or long-term insurance, if and when, the time ever comes to make those decisions. Caregiving to a parent on a limited income can make matters even more stressful. However, caregivers can combat the fear of the unknown by making preparations and planning before making any life-altering decisions.

Aside from fear, caregivers also feel extreme emotions of being overwhelmed at least once during their role as caregiver. Often caregivers feel guilty and torn between spending time with their own families and friends, while acting as a caregiver. Caregivers with a career also feel overwhelmed trying to juggle a career while trying to successfully allocate time to be a caregiver. The legal responsibilities associated with caregiving are also overwhelming. Issues such as naming a Power of Attorney, Living Wills, and Healthcare Proxies, can not only be physically and emotionally draining for a caregiver, but extremely frustrating if preparations haven’t been made in advance.

Usually in the midst of being overwhelmed, the caregiver forgets about the most important person of all - the caregiver. Oftentimes caregivers hold to the belief that they can do it all, never asking siblings or other family members to share in the caregiving responsibilities.

If you or someone you know find yourself in this situation, it’s important to realize asking for help and seeking support groups is not a sign of weakness. There is also a wealth of valuable resources available to help cope with all the emotional challenges of acting as a caregiver to an aging or disabled parent.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com


About the Author:

Dana Sanders is the author of Becoming Your Parent's Caregiver, an ebook written out of her own experience and that provides advice for the children of an aging or disabled parent. Please visit www.caregivingaparent.com for information to help you care for your parent.