Trusting someone else to care for someone you love isn’t easy, especially if it’s an older family member who needs care. Whether at home or in a facility, you’ll have questions you'll need answered. You’ll also be trying to prepare to be the best advocate possible for the aging family member to proactively manage any potential problems and to immediately resolve issues that do develop.
For example, explore these common caregiver issues and how to most effectively advocate for a senior you love:
You are concerned about challenging behaviors. In the event the older adult is susceptible to wandering, aggression, hoarding, angry outbursts, or any of a plethora of other difficult behaviors, you might feel ashamed or embarrassed. It may be difficult, but it’s important to share this with the care provider. More likely than not, they will have experience with effectively dealing with an array of personalities and personal nuances and will be able to incorporate strategies that will work most effectively with the aging adult.
You live far away. Technology has been a game changer in caring for aging relatives and allowing you to keep a finger on the pulse of how things are going. Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype with the senior regularly to check in. If a family portal is available for the care provider and family members to share notes and comments, take advantage of this communication tool. And if you are not able to visit in person, ask a friend or other family member who lives nearby to stop in routinely.
Your loved one has Alzheimer's. Aging loved ones with Alzheimer’s may struggle to effectively communicate their needs and feelings. As an example, a new caregiver might not know that Dad wears inserts in his shoes and she may put his shoes on in the morning without them. Dad might not know how to express this need or might have forgotten about this need and be uncomfortable that day. Or, he might act out because he is experiencing discomfort, which could result in other issues. As the older adult's advocate, make certain to share even the smallest details about the person’s preferences with the care provider.
The Care Company supports families and helps with common caregiver issues, working together to guarantee the highest quality of care and life for older adults, through personalized services such as:
Personal care services for safe baths/showers, getting dressed, etc.
Companionship for fun activities and conversations
Meal planning and preparation
Running errands
Transportation and accompaniment
Light housekeeping and laundry
And much more
If you need elderly care in Toronto or the surrounding areas, reach out to us online or at 416-422-2273 for a complimentary in-home consultation to allow us to get to know one another and to develop a care plan to best meet the needs of an older adult you love.