CompanionCare

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  • #931

    CompanionCare
    Participant

    Yes, they have good metabolism. That said, if weight loss continues, bring it to the attention of family members. They should, in turn, talk to the family doctor about this and determine if there are other causes or a new health concern.

    #927

    CompanionCare
    Participant

    It really takes the involvement and decision making of the family members. If the senior is cognitively limited, frankly, it is a conversation between social workers and family members on the areas of concern and what options for care are available. Ideally you want the senior included in the decision-making process to the fullest extent that he or she can participate.

    #914

    CompanionCare
    Participant

    Clothes that are easy to care and comfortable. Clothes with elastic waist bands or Velcro closures are great choices. Nothing tight around the neck. Forget zippers, hooks, snaps, and buttons because they are frustrating and stressful to negotiate. Buy soft fabric clothes. Pull-over tops work. Always wear socks and sturdy, non-slip shoes, preferably those that don’t have laces (i.e., loafers, slip-ons, low-riders, sandals); look for those which use Velcro fasteners.

    #904

    CompanionCare
    Participant

    See a doctor to assess the cause of the problem. The physician can find the possible health-related culprits of not getting enough zzzz’s at night (i.e., poor nutrition, anxiety, side effects from prescription medication, cardiovascular or neurological condition, depression, and so forth). There are also relaxation exercises (yoga, meditation, tai chi) that can help an elderly person who has trouble sleeping.

    #893

    CompanionCare
    Participant

    Instead of using outside providers or full-service agencies to find a live-in caretaker in the senior’s own home, or moving in with a family member, another approach would be to have the services provided in the privacy of the caregiver’s own home. Before you consider that option, you might first want to perform a background check and identity verification and ask for references. What kind of services and to what extent does the senior need? Does the senior have minor problems, but needs help with dressing and bathing, or does the senior have a medical condition that needs more intensive monitoring? Is the caregiver competent to manage the level of care needed? Is the caregiver’s home fall-safe? Will the caregiver take care of more than one senior in her home? Does the community require a business license of a caregiver who opens her home to caring for seniors? Are there zoning restrictions that might impact the caregiver’s home? Or there any special occupational licenses or certificates required (i.e, CPR certificate or CNA license)?

    You could also run the idea by, and get some unbiased feedback from, a third party (i.e., geriatric care manager, social worker, the senior’s doctor). If all looks somewhat reasonable and doable, you could try it temporarily.

    #889

    CompanionCare
    Participant

    Yes, absolutely. Again it depends on what day-to-day services are needed (i.e., cleaning, driving, dressing, bathing, grocery shopping, reading), to what extent, and whether the senior needs limited or constant assistance. The best way to find someone is to ask close friends of the family members; the next choice is to approach a clergy person or the senior’s physician. You could also consider calling your local Agency on Aging, geriatric care managers, or social workers in the area to ask for referrals.

    #841

    CompanionCare
    Participant

    When emotions cause overwhelming fear and panic, it is important to listen and then talk to her in a calm comforting voice. Make jokes; tell stories. Look at family pictures or a family album and ask her to tell you a story or help turn the pages. If the caregiver starts noticing increasing panic attacks, he or she should talk to family members as it could point to bigger issues.

    #789

    CompanionCare
    Participant

    Pill boxes have compartments in which you can efficiently label the medications, the right dosage to take, and times to take. Go online to gather information on a) dispenser devices that automatically separate medications by day at certain times and b) reminder devices (audibly, visually) that prompt the senior into taking pills at timed intervals. There are also devices that detect whether a senior has ingested the pills. If the medication is not taken within a predetermined time, an alarm is sounded. Cell phones also can provide reminders when medication must be taken.

    #779

    CompanionCare
    Participant

    Depends on the mobility of the parent. Frankly any exercise that can be incorporated into the day to help improve coordination, strength and endurance is a huge benefit to his or her well-being. If your parent can walk up and down the stairs, encourage such activity… with applause. If s/he is taking medications that cause dizziness, you may have to forgo the exercise entirely or walk with them. If your parent uses a cane, walker or is wheelchair bound, you will have to find some other form of exercise. If stairways are taken out of the picture, consider placing gates to prevent your parent from trying to walk up or roam around, unaided, by themselves.

    #774

    CompanionCare
    Participant

    There are several supportive safety products on the market for the shower or tub, such as shower seats, tub lifts, grab bars and handheld nozzles. You might also consider sponge baths in a warm room–turning your mom over several times. Many caregivers prefer the sponge baths to showers.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)