November and December are undeniably heavy mail months. Seniors find a plethora of flyers and unsolicited information regarding Medicare, supplemental health insurance, or political flyers in their mailboxes. Information on caring for a loved one, a commitment not traditionally covered by insurance, is seldom found.
The National Library of Health has broken down the statistics of caring for a family member over the age of sixty-five to be at least 17.7 million individuals in the United States. Older family members needing assistance due to physical, mental, or cognitive limitations are the primary care recipients. Most caregivers are “unpaid,” saving billions of dollars for the medical world. The role of caregiver is typically a female over the age of forty. Statistics indicate thirty to sixty-eight percent of caregivers die before the person they are caring for.
Caregiving is serious. Emotional and physical stress are predictable for those taking care of a loved one. An understanding of the caregiver role needs to be defined before making a commitment. Consider normal caregiving tasks and the ability to fulfill those tasks before accepting responsibility.
- Scheduling and attending medical appointments: Is your own schedule flexible? Do you have a vehicle easy to get in and out of? Are you able to understand and discuss the doctor’s findings with your Senior? Is there ample time to oversee a care plan? Are you willing to monitor medication?
- Nutritious meals: Shopping for the right foods and another’s preferences may be either fun or challenging. Do you like to plan meals? Cook? Help your loved one eat? Would you be able to order nutritious meals and have them delivered?
- Bathing, personal hygiene, and toileting: Are you comfortable and physically capable of transferring and/or supporting someone in the shower or helping them on and off the toilet? Willing to launder clothes? Dress someone? Brush teeth and comb hair?
- Companionship: Patience and resourcefulness are the talents of a good companion. What a wonderful gift… just to be there.
Bridge to Better Living cares for Seniors… after all, most of us hope to be Seniors. The communities Transition Consultants assist clients to transition to Senior Communities offering the best and most needed care. Bridge to Better Living takes caring a step further by staying abreast of advancements in geriatric medicine, knowing the changes Retirement Communities make, and championing legislation aimed at improving the lives of Seniors. Contact Bridge to Better Living. We always have and always will care about YOU.