“Caregiving for seniors is a longer duration,” she said. “As a physician, we do a great job helping people live longer but we lack the care people need as they grow older.”
Caregiving is stressful, and long-term efforts can lead to burnout. If possible, make caregiving a group effort. Teamwork among neighbors, family and others can ease the burden for anyone who feels they carry most of the caregiving responsibilities.
“We lack access to programs that offer training for caring for older parents or spouses,” Jneidi said.
Credit: Photographer:
Credit: Photographer:
It is best to start at the doctor’s office, she says. A physician can help determine if a senior citizen needs support for physical limitations, such as arthritis or falling issues, or mental support for issues such as dementia.
Caregivers need to ensure they have permission to make appointments and receive test results on the family member’s behalf.
The visit is also a chance to set expectations for the patient and caregivers about any changes in the home that are needed, such as walk in showers or using a walker. Families should also review financial information to look for any areas of concern and set up Power of Attorney rights, if needed.
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Many physicians’ offices today include social workers as a standard of care to help link families to resources. Attending medical appointments with a loved one allows for caregivers to understanding health issues and medications, or any side effects, to help them advocate better.
“It is very important to have a list of medications including over the counter medicine, like multivitamins,” Jneidi said. “Ensure medication is taken as directed and use pill organizers for anyone who has trouble keeping track of their medicines.”
Caregivers should also recognize their own needs and plan breaks when they are tired or overwhelmed.
Most importantly, caregivers should recognize they are doing their best and be willing to ask for outside help from area agencies.
MORE TIPS FROM JNEIDI
What mistakes are common when providing caregiving for senior citizens?
We treat them as children, and it is a mistake because adults should be treated as adults. Caregivers should not impede a person’s independence. Understand that a physical disability is a physical impairment, and we need to help seniors but not perform activities for them to the extent that they feel like they can’t do anything.
What are your top tips for caregivers who are supporting a senior citizen?
- Be very patient because you’re going to need to be calm and try to understand their needs without making them feel humiliated.
- Be a problem solver. Know and understand the problem to help with the need. You might face a different problem every day.
- Provide the care you can give and accept that you have limitations and will need extra help.
- Balance assistance with maintaining seniors’ dignity.
- Respect boundaries and provide appropriate support during changes – if they are moving to assisted living you want to help in the transition period, so they don’t feel like they are alone dealing with a big change.
What are the challenges of providing caregiving services to senior citizens?
End of life planning is important and many people don’t want to talk about it. It is a chance to hear what the individual wants and respect their wishes.
There are a lot of social challenges and seniors can be lonely if they stay at home, and long term that could affect their memory.
Caregiving can be stressful and sad as independence is lost in the person they are helping.
Contact this writer at writeawayk@gmail.com.
About the Author