Caregiving: A Universal Occupation

From the Family Caregiver Alliance:

Most people will become caregivers - or need one - at some point in their lives. A caregiver is anyone who provides basic assistance and care for someone who is frail, disabled or ill and needs help. Caregivers perform a wide variety of tasks to assist someone else in their daily life. Many family members and friends do not consider such assistance "caregiving" as they are just doing what comes naturally to them: Taking care of someone they love. But that care may be required for months or even years and may take an emotional, physical and financial toll on caregiving families.

For some people, caregiving occurs gradually over time. For others, it can happen overnight. For the most part, friends, neighbors, and most of all, families, provide - without pay - the vast majority of care.

Although each disorder or illness has its own unique features, family members and caregivers often share common problems, situations and strategies. The following are the 10 suggested methods to help you with your caregiving role.

1) Lay the foundation. Establish a baseline of information to lay the groundwork for making current and future care decisions. Talk to your family members and friends.

2) Get a medical assessment and diagnosis. It is important for your family member and for you as a caregiver to know the exact nature of the illness or disorder and establish the best course of medical treatment.

3) Educate yourself, your family and your friends. Information is empowering. Talk to your physician. Read books - do research on the internet or at the library.

4) Determine your loved one's needs. While one person in the beginning of the caregiving role may need to provide assistance with grocery shopping and bill paying, another may need to provide assistance with bathing, eating and hygiene.

5) Determine the appropriate plan of care. It is important for you to think about and plan for both the short and long term needs of your family member. This plan will be a work in progress as your family members needs change over time. Begin by listing the tasks you are willing and capable of doing and those for which additional support may be required. Be honest with yourself. Include in your plan what should happen in case you are no longer able to provide care.

6) Look at finances. Most people prefer to keep their financial affairs private. In order to best prepare and provide for a family members care, you will need to gain a full understanding of their financial assets and liabilities. Include your family member, siblings, spouses and other interested parties. Be sure you fully discuss what will be needed and how to handle out-of-pocket expenses.

7) Review all legal documents. These include Living wills, Power of Attorney, Advanced Health Care Directives, Social Security numbers, birth, marriage and death certificates, divorce decrees and property settlements. Military records, income tax returns, trust agreements and burial arrangements should also be reviewed.

8) Safety-proof your home. Look for potential dangers from:

>Fire hazards such as stoves, appliances, cigarettes, lighters and matches

>Sharp objects such as knives, razors and sewing needles

>Poisons, medicines, hazardous household products

>Loose rugs, furniture and cluttered pathways

>Inadequate lighting

>Water heater temperature

>Cars. Do not allow an impaired person to drive

>Items outside that may cause falls (hoses, tools, gates, toys...)

9) Connect with others. Join a support group in order to gain assistance from other caregivers facing similar circumstances. Support group attendees provide one another with social and emotional support, as well as practical information and advice about local resources. They are a safe and confidential place for caregivers to vent emotions and problems as well.

10) Take care of yourself. Although this step appears last on the list, it is the most important step. Caregiving is stressful, particularly for those caring for someone with dementia. Taking these steps may assist you with your care measures and can improve your ability to continue providing the best care for your family member.

For more information regarding caregiver tips - Please contact the Alzheimer's Association at (716) 626-0600.

For information regarding ElderWood Senior Care, please contact us at (716) 633-3900.