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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information "Caregivers support elders in making important decisions"
By Bea Cowlin, Elder Services’ Caregiver Liaison
There are many elders who age with few health issues or needs. There are also elders who are not as fortunate. Nationwide there are 5.8 to 7 million people (family, friends and neighbors) who provide care to persons 65 and older who need assistance with activities of daily living.
It is important for families to have conversations concerning difficult caregiving issues. One can begin these conversations by asking the “what if” questions: What if something happened and you needed assistance at home? What if you have an illness that requires more assistance than I can provide?
An important issue for caregivers to recognize during these conversations, is that these “what if” situations usually mean a loss for the elder they may be caring for: loss of independence, loss of possessions including a residence of many years, loss of mobility, loss of friends and family. Any loss impacts how your loved one feels. A caregiver needs to first listen to and hear those feelings, and then state gently and honestly what they feel they can and cannot do to help.
Once a caregiver has these conversations, it may be easier to determine if services are needed. A first step could be a call to Elder Services to see if a loved one is appropriate for services in the home.
It is always our goal to keep elders in their homes for as long as possible. If an elder can no longer remain in his or her home, it is important to explore all the alternatives. Does your relative just need to downsize from a home to an apartment in senior housing? Services from Elder Services can help an elder remain in an apartment for many years.
What if your relative needs more assistance and cannot remain alone in an apartment? There are several housing programs available through Elder Services including Supportive Housing, Adult Family Care, Group Adult Foster Care, and a Personal Care Assistance program. You may also visit assisted-living facilities to see what they have to offer. All of these options have different levels of care to keep your loved one in the community.
Some caregivers may consider having their loved ones move into their homes, but there are families who are unable to accommodate a relative. Many issues need to be considered and discussed with all family members. What is a caregiver’s relationship with the relative? Is it loving, strained, or dysfunctional? What are the caregiver’s other family responsibilities? Spouse and children should be involved in the decision-making process. Will this arrangement affect the caregiver’s job if he or she is working? Does the caregiver have a support system for his or her own needs? It is important to consider what is best for all who will be affected by this arrangement.
At some point in time, a caregiver may face the decision of placing a loved one in a nursing home. This is a most difficult period of time for the elder, the caregiver, and any family members involved. Although the choice of last resort, there are many reasons that nursing home placement is considered, such as safety issues, or inability of the caregiver to provide the appropriate care needed, illness of the caregiver, inability of the caregiver to cope with the stress of continuous caregiving. All of these are valid reasons to consider nursing home placement.
Being a caregiver can be both challenging and rewarding. It is important to educate yourself and access information that can help your loved one and you. To obtain services from Elder Services, call our Information and Referral Department at (413) 499-0524 or 800-544-5242. For caregiver information and support, call Bea Cowlin, Caregiver Liaison, also at (413) 499-0524 or 800-544-5242.