Monday, August 13, 2012
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.
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If you find yourself placing your loved one in a facility, it is important that you know some ways you can cut your costs. Most importantly, all items your loved one may need from toothpaste to toilet paper will be an additional charge to your loved one's monthly bill, and it will come with an insane markup. You are far better off to purchase these items yourself and bring them into the facility (well marked). Many needed supplies, such as waterproof bed pads, can be found for a fraction of the cost you will be charged by shopping with online medical supply stores.
It is important to know that if you put your loved one into a facility, or if you utilize "non-medical" home services, such as a home caregiver, that the power of attorney has the right to view ALL documentation. However, most people only look at the medical chart and do not know that it is even more important to look at the charting on the ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). This is the charting that will tell you what is occurring with your loved one on a daily basis. It includes everything from showers and teeth brushing to daily activities participated in such as listening to music, social interactions, or games.
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