GCMs are responsible for creating individualized care plans for each client while keeping their lifestyle, physician orders and personal goals in mind. These professionals then work with a senior’s entire care team, which can include family members, professional caregivers, Read more →
Entries categorized "In-home care"
Many times in-home caregivers’ best efforts are met with anger or even abuse dished out by the elder they are intended to care for. It is crucial for the family and hired caregiver(s) to determine the underlying reason for a senior’s lack of cooperation and find ways to remedy the situation. Read more →
Dear SE: This is frustrating for you, I know, but unfortunately this is a problem that many caregivers face and there is rarely a quick fix. So, how to convince your mom? Read more →
If a loved one who used to wear makeup, bathe regularly, or refuse to don a wrinkled shirt suddenly stops taking care of themselves, it’s wise to rule out depression first. A simple checkup with a doctor is a good idea, especially if low energy seems to be part of this change in behavior or they just don’t seem to be interested in much of anything anymore. Read more →
As with so many things regarding our aging parents, you could consider how you are approaching your mom. You might think that you are doing so with compassion and gentleness, but it’s possible that your frustration is showing. If you want to double-check yourself, reading How To Communicate With Your Older Parents So They Hear You could prove helpful. Read more →
Know when you can fix it and when to seek help: ER doctors know just enough to keep us out of trouble and how to delegate the tasks that stress us out. We’re not the masters of making everything better. We function as part of a team and not in isolation. So, caregivers, don’t expect to know everything, but know when to call for help and where to go for resources. Read more →
We were fortunate in that we knew and trusted the staff. I can only imagine how hard this must be for anyone who has been newly admitted to a facility. Now, because of technology, there are a few more options. Read more →
Dear Fearing: You truly have your hands full. Preventing burnout is the right approach because like so many things, backing off once you are completely immersed in them presents even more problems. I hope that you can put a plan in place that will work for the long haul. Read more →
believe that fear is the foundation of much of a senior’s reluctance and even disrespect for non-family caregivers. The presence of an outsider may suggest to them that their family can't (or doesn't want to) take care of their needs. It also magnifies Read more →
Dear RE: I’m sorry about your husband’s stroke and his increased need for care. That would be hard anytime, but as you mentioned, every choice you make is far harder now that we’re dealing with COVID-19 and the issue of contagion. Few people feel completely secure ... Read more →