Fluid Intake and Dehydration

Dehydration and lack of fluids are often a problem with many different illnesses.  Ice chips are great for those that every single drop counts.  +Gatorade  is great for fluid intake.  +Crystal Light is also a great choice that counts as a water.  +Jello also counts as a fluid.  Carbonated and flavored water is great as it feels like drinking a soda, but it is water.  Popsicles and italian ice count as fluids.  Be cautious (if your loved one is not diabetic) to not get too many products with artificial sweeteners, as artificial sweeteners can cause diarrhea if overused.  No matter what mode of fluid you are trying to get down your loved ones, one thing is certain, it can be frustrating.  I can't sugar coat it for you, you will have to be persistent, patient, and sometimes sneaky.  Utilize every opportunity to encourage fluids.  If you have a loved one with neurological illness, they may refuse or say no, but often it is because their processing hasn't kicked in fully.  If you offer fluid and get refusal, try again in 15 to 30 seconds and give a directive.  Asking is often ineffective and confusing.  Rather than saying, "Would you like some water?" Phrase it by using their name and a directive like this: "Mom, take a sip of water."  Their name gets their attention and they do not have to try to process what you want them to do because you told them.  This seems so incredibly simple, but you would be surprised how helpful that little bit of information can help. Another helpful tip is to use a small med cup, such as the one that comes on the top of a cough syrup bottle, to push fluids.  Offering in a small amount is not as overwhelming and every ounce counts. Be aware that dehydration can actually mimic dementia or worsen an existing case of dementia, so the more fluids the better the presence of mind.

More on Cancer Care

It is also important when taking your loved one out for necessary outings to not only carry the bag of important items discussed in the last post, but also to avoid infection.  Most illnesses are spread hand to mouth, so it is important to utilize frequent hand washing, but also to avoid contaminated surfaces.  These would be surfaces such as door handles, water fountain handles, counter tops, and cash.  When you are unable to wash hands, utilize hand sanitizer, but don't use sanitizer as a replacement for hand washing if  you can.  +Lysol Disinfectant Spray now makes a pocket size can that can be carried with you.  Also, be cautious with restaurants, as food born illness is also a concern.

Loved ones and visitors need to use infection control practices when coming to visit as well.  Take off shoes at the door, wash hands, and avoid too much physical contact.  If anyone has a cold or infection, they need to understand that it is best for them to stay home and that it isn't personal.  Cook all food thoroughly and pay attention to food temperatures.  Keep the refrigerator cleaned out of excessive leftovers.

Many people want to know what they can do for you and your family during the difficult times of cancer treatment.  Be honest with them.  They would not ask if they did not want to help.  Often the family caregiver is missing work to take care of the sick one, gas back and forth to the doctor adds up, parking fees in the hospital garage are killer, and the list goes on.  Sometimes the best thing someone can give you is a roll of quarters, a gift certificate to +Walmart , or some +Redbox rentals.  Other times, having someone change your ac filter before you return from the hospital or clean your bathroom is what you really need.  Just be honest with your needs.  If someone can do it they will and if they can't they will tell you.  It isn't shameful to need help and support.

Cancer Care

I apologize for my absence.  I realized after caring for a client with cancer recently, that I have covered a lot of dimentia and neurological care issues, but there has been little coverage on my part regarding cancer care.  In my personal life, I have cared for my son through 3 different chemotherapy treatments, one being a drug trial in which intense documentation was required.  We will begin a new chemo journey on the 27th of this month, as he will begin a new drug trial out of Indianapolis for his tumor treatment.  So, I have professional and family caregiver experience for chemotherapy.

First and foremost, I will address some ideas for nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and the difficulties that you may be facing when this occurs.  During this time, it is important that you not push your loved one beyond what they are capable of.  So, you may need to enlist the help of outside caregivers, either family, friends, or professionally, so that you can get out and do things you need to do without worry about your loved ones needs being met.  When you do have to get out with your loved one, bring a bag with a change of clothes, trash bags for vomiting and soiled clothes, wipes for diarrhea, medications, +Gatorade  or other drink with potassium and electrolyte replacement, saltines, sanitizer, disposable medical gloves, comfort items, and a light blanket.  I know this sounds like a lot, but it is important to just keep such a bag packed and ready to carry any time your loved one is with you.  It will make all the difference for you and your loved one.  You will never regret having it.  When your loved one goes out and the inevitable accident occurs, it will be very hard for him or her and he/she may react with anger and/or shame.  You should do everything in your power to assure him or her that there is nothing to be ashamed of and it is important to validate the anger, even if it is misdirected at you.  Cancer patients have a right to be angry at this thing that is invading their bodies and making them have to fight for their lives and their dignity.  They will feel bad enough that someone is having to help clean them up, so they don't need to feel bad for being mad about it.

It is important to push fluids and foods high in potassium and electrolytes when there is a side effect of vomiting and diarrhea. Gatorade, fortified waters, and other such sports drinks are great for hydration needs.  Sweet potatoes are higher in potassium than bananas, so both of those foods are great!  It is also a good idea to sprinkle cinnamon on either of them (if your loved one likes cinnamon), as it helps with nausea.  Teas are great for helping with hydration and nausea.  Cinnamon, ginger, lemon zest, and mint are all great for nausea.  Ice chips are great for hydration, as are popsicles and jello.
 

Caregiver Guilt

Well, first I must apologize for my short absence.  It has been a stressful couple of weeks.  Anyhow, I am having to confront a common caregiver problem in my own life and that is the issue of caregiver guilt.  Those of you that are caregivers will know exactly what I mean and need little explanation.  However, for the sake of disclosure, I will do my best to describe it.  Caregiver guilt is that feeling caregivers get in which they begin to isolate and/or no longer participate in things they once enjoyed because their loved one can either not participate or because the ordeal involved in having their loved one participate is so difficult.  I will use an example from my own life.

I have never been someone that enjoys aerobics or, well, most forms of exercise.  I like to walk, but with my son's difficulties with walking long distances and suffering from chronic pain, I felt guilty to leave him at home and I felt guilty to bring him along.  So I just stopped exercising.  That is not a good plan for a person like myself who has gained a lot of weight in the typical stress zones, what they call "apple fat."  I didn't even realize how horribly out of shape I had become until my son got his wheelchair (almost 2 weeks ago). Now he is pushing me to walk everyday and I am sucking some air my friends.  I am having to confront what I have done to myself by giving in to unhealthy guilt.

It isn't wrong for you, as a caregiver, to take some time to yourself and do something that is important to you, or perhaps just something you enjoy and can unwind doing.  What I have realized from my personal life is that my son wanted me to do things to be healthier and it made him feel badly because he felt like it was his fault if I was unhealthy.  Of course I never meant to send such a message, but your loved ones carry their own emotional burden when they are so reliant on you.  If they feel you are unhappy from the stress of taking care of them, they blame themselves.  So keep that in perspective when you have that unwarranted guilt pop its ugly head up and make you feel you can't or shouldn't do something you really should do.

Adaptive Equipment

This is an important topic for caregivers and patients.  I was reminded today of the importance of it in my own personal life.  My son has a debilitating neurological tumor that is taking up about one third of his body.  It causes him fatigue, bone problems, and chronic pain.  Without realizing it fully, over the years I have given up a lot of activities I would have done before because he could not do it with us.  I stopped going on hike and bike trails, because if I did he could not keep up and would tire and hurt.  I do most of my holiday shopping online because taking him to the store, where there may be a shortage of motorized carts, would cause him to tire and be in pain before I was finished shopping.  I have had to watch his friends ride their bicycles in circles around him while he tried to keep up because he cannot ride a bike due to the tumor in his leg.  We became accustomed to sitting things out together and just hanging out and watching movies.  That all changed today.

Today, my teenaged son got a beautiful, red sports wheelchair from +Allumed Medical Supply.  He can now get involved in wheelchair sports or get on the court with his friends in P.E.  For the first time, I went on a 2 mile walk with my son...and he kept getting ahead of me!  This weekend I want to go down to the walkway along the river together, maybe have a picnic afterwards.  It is wonderful!

I tell you our story because I want to emphasize that adaptive equipment for your loved one can be the difference between independence and dependence.  It can be the ability to have your loved one do more for themselves, and you have less stress on your shoulders.  The best resource I have found for these aides is +Allegro Medical.  They have the lowest prices I have found and exceptional service, which shipment to your front door.  Utilize walkers, canes, gait belts, wheelchairs, grabbers, adaptive eating devices, showering and bathing aids, dressing aids, the list goes on!  Anything that promotes freedom and safety!  Most of all, nobody...especially your loved one, should ever feel guilty or "less than" for utilizing the equipment they need.

Long Term Care Insurance

I want to address an important topic.  For those of you that are caregivers for a family member, you have seen all of the ins and outs needed for long term care.  It is so important, if you are financially able, to carry long term care insurance.  There are many companies beginning to carry this insurance, for instance +Mutual of Omaha.  LTC insurance can kick in and cover expenses in the event that you become incapacitated or require care longer than a few months (generally set at longer than 12 weeks).  If you purchase LTC insurance, make sure it covers "non-medical" and "personal care" services, so that you can have the full care that you may need, and you may be able to stay in your home much longer, or retain ownership of your home while in long term rehabilitation. 

Scalp and Foot Massage

A simple activity that can be done to reduce stress for both patient and caregiver is to utilize scalp and/or foot massage.  You will often find among those that are recovering from stroke, in particular, that scalp massage can be extremely beneficial in reducing blood pressure, headaches, agitation, and tension.  For whatever reason, stroke victims will often have "knots" in their head where the muscles on the outside of the scalp are actually so tightened they ball up in a manner most of us are only familiar with in our neck or in other stress points, such as lower back.  Scalp massage can also help with dementia when patients are "sun downing" as a relaxing redirection when they become distressed (assuming they will allow you to touch them at that time).  Foot massage can be helpful in getting cooperation with foot care, improving circulation in the feet, and also in being able to apply lotion to prevent skin damage to the feet. +Dollar Tree and +Bath and Body Works have some very relaxing lotions and bath oils, and there is also a great line of products from +Aveeno Cetaphil for those with sensitive skin. Both types of massage do not take any particular talent or skill to do, just willingness, and both can have very helpful results.

Self Care for the Caregiver

I know I have discussed this topic a lot, but it is imperative that you caregivers out there pay attention.  Whatever that thing is that relaxes you and helps you to unwind, I strongly encourage you to do it.  As a single mom of 2 disabled kids, a professional caregiver, a full time student, budding blogger, and now getting my feet wet in marketing as well, finding time to take care of myself sometimes seems like a hysterically laughable idea.  However, I have found that when I am in my car alone, driving hither and yon, if I crank my tunes up, roll down my windows, and bust a move, I arrive feeling a lot more relaxed and also able to tolerate the many demands on my time and attention.  Sure, the rest of you may be annoyed with me when you are sitting next to me in traffic or if I am rolling through your neighborhood, but just keep in mind this obnoxious behavior is essential to my sanity.  :)  One of the coping mechanisms I DO NOT recommend has been my other tendency, which is to stress eat.  Maybe now that a few of you are reading this, you can post some of your own suggestions.

Showering and the Elderly

As people age, the bathroom goes from being the bathroom to the scariest place in the house.  Most bathrooms are somewhat confined for space, can be hazardous because of slick flooring, but bath rugs can be equally hazardous if you have a foot shuffler that doesn't pick up his or her feet.  Due to thinning skin, baths feel like a raging inferno or the arctic sea and it is hard to get the water temperature comfortable.  Also, the lighting in the shower/bath area is usually dim in most bathrooms.  So, it is not a shock that many elderly persons begin to avoid getting showers or they greatly protest doing so.

First, keep your loved one in a routine of getting showered or bathed. If you give in to much to the protesting, it actually gets worse instead of better.  Not only can this effect their overall health and hygiene, but if they get out of the routine they will sometimes become combative when you have the "enough is enough" point and require them to bathe.  There are some ways to make it less traumatic.  First, make sure there is good lighting and adequate grab bars.  Many medical supply stores will carry grab bars, but you are likely to find the same thing at +The Home Depot a lot cheaper.  Those with dementia, low vision, and aphasia (difficulty understanding), in particular are already terrified and confused.  Don't add making them feel like they are being shoved naked into a dark hole part of their experience.  You have to try to see it from their point of view.  If they need bathing assistance, do it quickly, with compassion, and go in head to toe fashion.  They do not enjoy being in there as we do, so don't drag it out.  Utilize bath aides, such as shower seats and removable shower heads that the spray can be adjusted.  It is terrifying to many elderly to have water running directly over them (such as with a stationary shower head) and they develop a fear of drowning.  There is a great website called +Allegro Medical that you can get any number of adaptive aides and medical supplies and save yourself tons of money.  I know from experience that they are the cheapest and best that I have seen for all things medical.  (Great for incontinence supplies as well.)

Also, make sure the shower area is heated.  If you don't have a heater in the bathroom (lots of houses don't anymore), get a little heater to turn on while they are in there.  It truly does help.  A large towel is great for keeping them warm, but when it comes to drying off another person, hand towels actually work better.  If you or a caregiver are assisting with the shower, always use that time to do a body assessment for bruising, sores, etc.  That does not mean you suspect abuse, just that skin breakdown and integrity are so crucial and bruising and sores can occur without the most loving of caregivers ever knowing it.  Last, I would encourage some type of reward for the resistant bather.  Time the shower where they can have an afternoon snack, a favorite magazine, or just anything enjoyable to them that can be done afterwards so that it doesn't seem so bad.

Avoiding Bedsores

As our bodies age, the skin begins to thin at the surface.  This explains why the elderly can bruise easily and are also frequently cold.  It is important as your loved one declines in mobility that you be aware of ways to avoid bed sores and contractures.  One thing that may seem silly, is to never go to bed with the sheets tucked in at the bottom of the bed.  A tucked in top sheet can cause toes to contract, which can cause further mobility issues.  It is also important to let your loved one move as much as is feasible.

Bed sores and contractures occur when the body sits or lays in one position for too long without movement or blood flow.  Simply by having your loved one shift their seating, stand up for a minute, walk about the room, repositioned with pillows during sleep. etc. you can help to avoid bedsores and contractures.  If you see persistent reddening in an area, most frequently noticed at the sacral area of the spine, it is important to begin to apply barrier cream and keep your loved one off of the area receiving too much pressure. A bedsore can turn necrotic (septic or deadly) in a hurry if left unattended.  So try to assess or have your caregiver assess your loved one's body on a regular basis, such as with toileting or changing clothes.

When confronting issues of incontinence care with the added difficulty of decreased mobility, special care should be given to the sacral area.  This area is often affected by urine at night and then when pressure is added from sitting or laying in bed, infectious sores can develop in a hurry.  I recommend using a barrier cream such as +Boudreaux's Butt Paste to try to prevent redness and skin breakdown.

I am going to post a link today, as this will have a lot of encouragement and ideas on this site.  Here you go: www.facebook.com/ComforcareAustin and it is my place of employment. Love these folks!

Importance of Respite Care

It is imperative for caregivers, employed and financially compensated, to take respite care.  Even if it is just 2 to 4 hours a week, this time away from the care giving responsibilities can be a tremendous asset in fighting caregiver fatigue and depression.  For those with loved ones at home with issues such as dementia, this respite time can be crucial, even if all it is utilized for is to be able to sleep for several solid hours in a week.  Caregivers often suffer from severe sleep deprivation and will decline quickly in their own health if their own needs cannot be met.  So much time and energy is consumed by care giving, that many caregivers begin to see a marked decline in their own health occur from the stress involved with the job.  Some common medical problems that begin to arise are: weight gain, especially fat in the front belly, or as some term it, the "deep apple fat."  This is a dangerous form of weight gain in that it indicates a higher tendency towards heart disease and diabetes.  This type of weight gain occurs because of the increase in stress hormones in the body and how the body gets signals to store fat.  Sleep deprivation is another serious medical problem that may arise for a care giver.  If you have a loved one with dementia or that is a serious fall risk, you find yourself bolting up in the night and listening for every little sound.  This lack of deep sleep can be very detrimental to mental functioning and outlook.  High blood pressure is always a concern, as is diabetes, depression, anxiety, and bowel problems.  Even if the only respite one can get is to soak in a relaxing tub with a favorite scented bubble bath from +Bath and Body Works, the rejuvenation time can work wonders. Caregiver and compassion fatigue is not an issue to dismiss or take lightly.

"Non-Medical" Services

It is important to know that your first line of health care is ironically referred to as "non-medical" services.  Companies such as the one I work for, +Comforcare Home Care  Senior Services of Austin, will provide professionals to help toilet, shower, dress, feed, exercise, and groom your loved one.  Caregivers can also assist with household needs, such as cleaning, cooking, shopping, etc.  Many family members mistakenly think they can handle all of these aspects on their own, but end up being worn down by the stress of caring for someone's daily personal needs.  This is especially true for dementia patients, as night time hours can be exhausting for the family caregiver, and then trying to also care for all of their loved ones daily needs during the day can cause a speedy burn out.  A professional caregiver can assist with daily body assessments to prevent wound issues, daily blood pressure monitoring, medication reminders, and a wide range of services that will be needed well before a nurse, doctor, or facility enter the picture.

Activities for the Elderly with Illness

It is important to encourage your loved one to participate in some form of activities to help combat depression and agitation from chronic illness and/or declining health.  Many people think that the activities have to complicated and scheduled, but that is simply not the case.  If you have a loved one that can no longer sew or do handwork that they once loved, you can have them "help" you roll up a ball of yarn from a tangled mess.  If your loved one once loved to paint, but cannot do it anymore, try a simple paint by number or coloring mandalas.  Mandalas are used therapeutically in many circumstances and are excellent for dementia patients.  There are books sold, but there are also a lot of free mandala coloring pages online.  Cards are great tools to get interaction.  Even if they cannot play a card game, you can have them "sort" the deck by sets, numbers, etc.  Many patients enjoy just having you sit next to them and play cards, asking arbitrary questions that they can choose to answer or not, such as, "I wonder if I should put this queen on that king?" or "What number goes after 3?"  This helps keep them interactive and if they engage, it can help them with neurological sequencing, number and shape recognition, etc.  Dominoes is helpful in that respect as well.  Remember that it doesn't really matter if they can play a game properly as much as it matters that they are interacting and enjoying the activity.

Each person is different and one must learn what their loved one gets excited over.  Some enjoy sending cards and just signing their name.  Some enjoy folding laundry or washing dishes.  Cooking is great, everything from making a sandwich to making cupcakes, because cooking is a deeply rooted cultural activity that we associate with love, family, etc. and that also engages a person in following directions and sequencing steps.  Men love to be engaged in a ball game and if they can't drink alcohol, get them a special root beer to enjoy.  Activities with the elderly do not have to be dramatic and elaborately planned events, but more in the little daily joys.  As the caregiver, let yourself relax and just enjoy the moments you have.  A few extra minutes with your loved one sitting with you in the kitchen while you prepare a meal will be one of the little things you will think about when you need a pleasant memory, so allow yourself to breathe and enjoy those moments.

Some Tips to Help Caregivers Cope with Dementia

I apologize for my brief absence.  Some of you may not know that in addition to being a professional caregiver in elder care for +Comforcare Home Care , I am also a family caregiver in my personal life of 2 children with neurological illness.  So, my perspective comes from many different angles.  I am currently trying to get my son into a drug trial in Indiana for a drug that will hopefully shrink his neurological tumor that takes up about 1/3 of his body.  So life stays busy...as I am sure you can all relate!

Anyhow, when a loved one gets dementia, it can sometimes seem more taxing for the caregiver than for the patient.  There are some important basic "rules" that can help you to cope.  First and foremost is DO NOT ARGUE!  Arguing will only frustrate you both.  There is an old saying, "You can be right, or you can be happy."  When dealing with dementia patients, this rule holds very true.  An important skill to perfect is what professionals call "redirecting".  This would be used when your loved one becomes fixated about something and cannot seem to let the conversation end or the task stop, etc.  The brain gets put into a continuous looping process.  To try to counteract this issue, try to get them focused on something else.  For example, grandpa keeps asking why the kids aren't home from school yet.  He is convinced the children should be home. (Never mind that the "kids" are grown and have kids in college now, etc.)  He is pacing back and forth and wanting to make phone calls to see where the kids are.  Here is an example of redirection you could use from a fictional conversation:

Grandpa:  "Why aren't the kids off the bus?"

Wife: "I am sure they will be here soon.  Did you fix that squeak in the door?"

Grandpa: "What squeak?"

Wife:  "I will go get the WD40 so you can fix it."

Then get it and let him lube the door hinges.  He will feel useful and it breaks the loop effect.  Otherwise, you may find yourself in a never ending conversation like this:

Grandpa:  "Why aren't the kids off the bus?"

Wife: "Dear, our youngest child just turned 50!  Don't you remember?"

Grandpa: "Oh."

(3 to 5 minutes later)
Grandpa: "Why aren't the kids off the bus?"  And so forth...

Redirection involves completely changing the topic and engaging your loved one in an activity to break the brain loop.  Also, asking a dementia patient if they remember something is like giving them a pop quiz they will not be able to pass, and it will get them agitated.  Tell them who you are and tell them what is happening with each step.  If you can imagine what it is to be in their shoes for a moment, it makes it easier to not get so easily frustrated.  Imagine someone going into the bathroom with you and pulling your pants down and you had no clue what was going on!  Scary, right?

It is also important to let your loved one do things for themselves, even if you have to re-do them.  Let them fold laundry...does it matter that much if you have to refold shirts, etc.  Let them rinse dishes or help you cook.  Just engage them in what is going on around them so they feel a part of it
These are some of my thoughts for today.  Hope they help.

Some Tips for the Doctor's Office

One of the important aspects of lowering your stress as a family caregiver is to keep appointments straight and also to know ways to reduce the stress surrounding doctor's appointments.  If you utilize a cell phone, most phones now have an electronic planner/calendar.  It is important to learn to utilize those features so you do not overbook appointments, can keep track of phone numbers, and can set alarms to remind you of upcoming appointments or needed "to-dos".  I highly recommend investing in a good phone with these features.  Also, it is important to know that many of the smart phones now have a picture/word app that can help you to care for a loved one with aphasia, meaning they know what they want, but they cannot think of the word to go with the idea.  This is common among patients with brain injury (such as from stroke) or dementia.  If you are not comfortable with learning the new technology in this area, please get a good planner.  When I first began my personal journey as a family caregiver of a disabled child, I carried around what looked like a monstrous leather briefcase all the time.  Now I have a phone in my back pocket that holds just about all of the information I need.  I would also recommend ordering all radiological films on a cd from your hospital to keep with your personal files and if you are seeing a lot of specialists, get a digital copy of their record as well.  Nothing is worse than to have waited months to get in to see a specialist and when you get there the files were not sent and they are unable to give you the answers you seek because they will have to look over the files when they get them.  You do not want to waste such a wait with a basic check up and "We will see you in another 6 weeks after we have gotten your files".

Also, it is important when you have an appointment that you make it as stress free and as enjoyable as possible.  Always carry a bag (even if you are a male caregiver) that has a snack, drink, word puzzle, a deck of cards, and a good book.  We always know the "newbies" from the pros at the doctors' offices.  Once you have been a caregiver for some time, you stop caring what it looks like to others when you are in a waiting room...or heaven forbid a surgical waiting area.  Go ahead and take that nap, play cards, do a word puzzle, and if you are allowed to, eat those +M&Ms for crying out loud.  If you are not able to eat or drink, you are going to want something as soon as the door hits you on your way out.  Also, for heaven's sake, wear comfortable shoes and clothes!  No one cares if you are dressed to the nines for the doctor.

If it is possible, plan a pleasant stop after the doctor appointment so you have something to look forward to, even if it is just getting an ice cream at +Dairy Queen or stopping by the garden section at +The Home Depot  somewhere to look at the plants.  Do something that is pleasant so you do not get eaten up with anger and resentment that the only thing you ever do is go to the doctor.  It is very important to do that for yourself and your loved one.

Caregiver Stress and Suicide Prevention

Most people are unaware that the largest suicide demographic is now men over the age of 70 and a large number of them are caregivers to an aging spouse.  The suicide rate of men 70 and over is nearly 3 times the numbers of teen suicides.  It is important as a family caregiver that you reach out for support and not feel that you must do all things on your own.  Many insurance companies and also local social agencies offer case management services and can assist in getting a loved one all of the appointments and needed services.  These people are actually paid to sit on hold on the phone and fight with insurance companies over "uncovered" medical needs.  They also have access to many resources, such as caregiver support groups and volunteer service organizations.  If you are a family member of one of the caregivers over 70, as mentioned above, please know that when they actually do reach out for help, they truly need it.  Be actively involved as a support system to them.  Help them find resources so they are not overwhelmed.  Be alert to signs of depression, such as avoiding social events, avoiding necessary chores, neglecting personal hygiene, and oversleeping (or not sleeping enough).  Weight loss or gain is also a red flag.  Be aware if your elderly caregiver begins to give away important items, as though actively willing things before death.  Check in with them frequently, even if it is only by phone.  A daily call to say "hi" and see how someone is doing never killed anyone, but isolation certainly does. 

Elder Care and Caregiver Stress

According to the 2010 census in the United States, we now have over half of the United States population being age 50 and over.  With an aging national population, we are confronted with many unprecedented social issues.  One of the most concerning phenomenons of our time is what sociologists refer to as "the sandwiched generation."  These are the working class individuals that are mid 40s to mid 50s and finding themselves supporting children in school or college and also taking care of their aging parents, while trying to carve out some sort of retirement for themselves.  As this generation tries to navigate the complex maze of elder care, it is difficult to even know where to begin.  However, the upside to this boom in an aging population is that people are no longer forced into nursing care being their only option to consider.  Personal care agencies, such as the company I work for (+Comforcare), home healthcare companies such as +Amedysis, personal care homes, assisted living, and independent living are all viable options that were not available in the past.  First and foremost, those individuals needing elder care for their parents need to have their parents sign medical power of attorney to someone trusted, general power of attorney if the parents are having difficulty managing their personal affairs, living will, last will and testament, and if the parent chooses, a "do not resuscitate" (DNR) order.  All of these legal documents can be easily put into place by utilizing online legal sources or even accessing some of these forms available for purchase at local office supply stores such as +Office Depot, without having the costly expenses of hiring an attorney.