“Not only did they care for my father as if he was family,
they showed compassion, love and tenderness when it was needed, and he knew
this with his disabilities that they cared about him, and he was safe in their
presence.” – Sara T., Georgia
Take a Break
Respite care is a service that enables family caregivers to
take a much-needed break from their daily responsibilities. It can range from a few hours a day, to
several days a week. Experts all agree it is vital for family caregivers to
take occasional time away from their responsibilities to focus on balancing
their own lives and maintaining a positive attitude. If you’ve ever thought,
“If only I could get a few moments of alone time, it would help me be more
patient,” “I wish our family
could take a short vacation like
we did before,” or “I would like to return to work, at least part-time,” then it’s
definitely time to arrange for some respite care. A recent national study of
nearly 900 family caregivers, found their number one most desired and needed
service was respite time.
Education, emotional
support and maintaining social contact are vital tools a caregiver needs to
create balance in their life. A strategy
that includes regular, frequent and planned respite care is by far the best way
to achieve a stable and manageable schedule. The many caregivers who fall victim to
burnout could have avoided this by using regular respite services early on in their care plan before it
was too late.. Plan your respite time
carefully to avoid potentially stressful situations that can ruin your
much-needed break. And lastly, use respite care along with other services and
assistance to ensure a well rounded, sustainable home care plan.
Why Wait Till Fall?
Many people are surprised when they realize that falling is
the number one cause of injury and injury related deaths for the elderly.
According to the CDC, in 2005 “15,800 people 65 and older died from injuries
related to unintentional falls; about 1.8 million people 65 and older were
treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries from falls.” The elderly
and their families face a barrage of challenges on a daily basis; the fear of
falling should not be among them. Home care providers should be at the
forefront of this issue by helping promote fall prevention as a natural part of
an ongoing healthy lifestyle. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
reports that at the start of 2010, seven US states have enacted legislation to
create and fund fall prevention programs, and several other states are adopting
similar programs by the end of the year. Meantime, you can start your own simple,
low cost program right now by
maintaining a healthy exercise routine, good nutrition, regular medical
check-ups, wearing appropriate footwear, and sustaining a safe living space; measures you can take now – that will reduce your risk in the future.
Did You Know…
- Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injury
in the U.S.
- Falls account for 25 percent of all hospital
admissions, and 40 percent of all nursing home admissions, 40 percent of those
admitted do not return to independent living and 25 percent die within a year.
- Fear of repeat falls can cause older adults to
limit their activities and physical fitness and actually increase their risk of
falling again.
- Many falls do not result in injury, but a large
percentage of non-injured fallers (47 percent) can’t get up without assistance.
Betrayal of Trust
Everyone has had an elderly relative, friend or neighbor,
and has seen the challenges aging can create to independent daily living.
Eventually our loved ones will begin to require assistance on one level or
another. In some cases it’s just a ride to the grocery store or doctor’s
appointment as driving becomes too difficult for our aging relatives. In more
severe cases, caregiving becomes a full time job, as aging friends or family
can no longer manage day to day tasks on their own.
Elderly caregiving can be an enriching and fulfilling
experience for spouses, adult children, friends and relatives. Looking after
aging family members and friends can create a closeness and friendship for both
the caregiver and seniors in their care. But as the condition of an elderly
family member or friend deteriorates the pressure of caregiving increases and
can lead to mental and physical strain. In some cases, caregivers become so
burdened, they are unable to keep from lashing out against elders in their
care, creating a potentially dangerous situation for all parties involved. Adult
Protective Services received a total of 565,747 reports of elder abuse in 2004,
up by 16% from 2000. More alarming is that these numbers only include
documented cases of abuse; statistics show that for every case of elder abuse
that is reported, another 12 to 13 are not. If self-neglect is factored into
those statistics, another 25% can be added to the already staggering number of
elder abuse cases in the US.
Among caregivers, high risk factors for elder abuse include
the inability to cope with the daily anxieties and demands of care giving,
along with depression, which is very common in high stress situations.
Additionally, a lack of support from other potential caregivers creates
feelings of isolation that can be difficult to manage. The mental health of a caregiver
can be affected if they come to feel that caring for the elderly is a burden
with no psychological reward. This train
of thought can lead to other complications such as substance abuse, depression,
and feelings of seclusion. Even with the proper training, professional
caregivers can become overwhelmed and anxious if they have too many responsibilities
or have to work in poor conditions.
Family caregivers need to plan and coordinate to maintain a
balance in their lives that includes their caregiving responsibilities, but
allows personal space and time away. One way to relieve tension from one person
is by sharing the work with family, friends and neighbors. Some caregivers may
have a sense of guilt when they declare the need for help and sharing
responsibility. It is important to remember that asking for assistance does not
make you weak, unloving or selfish. You are not failing to meet family
obligations; you are honoring them by seeking the help we all need when we have
a positive, balanced understanding of
the reality that is caregiving.
Senior Resources
The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
(NCPEA) is an association of researchers, practitioners, educators, and
advocates dedicated to protecting the safety, security, and dignity of
America's most vulnerable citizens.
www.preventelderabuse.org
This website is your online course in fall prevention. Start
by visiting Your Medical Conditions, Your Medications, Your Strength &
Balance or Your Home Environment.
www.learnnottofall.com
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