Elder Care Information

Caring for Aging Relatives


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It happens somewhat slowly in the beginning, maybe with a small cough that gets worse as time goes on. It might simply begin with absent mindedness which is totally out of character, followed by total memory lapses. What do we do when our parents eventually need taking care of after they have spent so much of their adult lives taking care of us? What precisely is a child's responsibility to them? Is it self-centered to relocate them into an assisted home? And which siblings should shoulder the responsibility? These are questions which plague families whenever a parent happens to become sick.

It is certainly very normal for feelings of guilt and even occasionally depression to happen to you because of a deteriorating parent. But happily there are some good associations that do offer expert advice on coping with these problems. And there are specialists in this arena who can work with you to help you through the hard times.

Local hospitals, hospices and nursing homes usually have such names and numbers to assist you in this regard. If your dad feels certain that someone has broken into the house just to steal his chocolate when he has in fact eaten it himself, do not argue with him or say that his theories are irrational. Just calmly acknowledge how he feels and make him feel safe and loved. Do small things to alleviate his fears like simply letting him see you lock the doors or secure the windows at night before going to bed. If you get an unsatisfactory attitude from his physician, take him to a geriatric psychiatrist for further examination.

Erratic behavior is one of the earlies warning signals of dementia. If your mom starts cussing at the dinner table in front of the kids just because her steak is a bit undercooked, correct her calmly by teaching her the appropriate behavior: "Excuse me, my steak is a little undercooked, can you put it back on the grill for me please?"

Never resort to bad language yourself, as this will just perpetuate the unwanted behavior. If you feel yourself losing your own temper, take a few deep breaths until you are able to control your emotions. If you are being verbally assualted then it may be best to detach from being called offensive names. Give 3 warnings, use the silent treatment and then just walk away if the behavior goes on.

This can be one of the touphest problems to cope with, particularly for a very stubborn parent. Driving is so commonly related to having freedom and yet if you get reports that your dad is passing stop signs or driving on the wrong side of the street you have to deal with it. If you take his keys away from him, he may resent you, so it may be best to take a more indirect approach.

Take him or her for a "normal" checkup to check his vision, then ask the physician for a note expressing that the patient should not be driving anymore. Send the letter to the DMV requesting that his license be taken away. This may take a few weeks, but when the DMV takes away his license, be sympathetic and do research on transportation for seniors in the area, which is usually inexpensive and efficient.

For further information go to Fish Oil News and find out some additional facts about aging and the possible effect of fish oil on Alzheimers.

Ryan Joseph is a writer/researcher. For more info. visit http://www.omega3fishoil.org/


MORE RESOURCES:

Eldercare Expert Shares Caregiver Challenges
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AgingAvenues.com is the areas newest, most comprehensive on-line resource for learning about eldercare issues, how to prepare, find community resources and ...


Elder Care Marketing Expert Offers Free 2009 Marketing Kick-Start ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Nov 19, 2008
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN, and an elder care marketing expert, released her 2009 Marketing Kick-Start CD this week. LTC Expert Publications and http://www. ...


AMDA partners with ReachMD, in effort to attract eldercare physicians
McKnight's Long Term Care News, NY - Nov 18, 2008
The American Medical Directors Association has announced a strategic programming partnership with ReachMD, The Channel for Medical Professionals. ...


UNR NevadaNews

Free elder care training class offered in Gardnerville
UNR NevadaNews, NV - Nov 18, 2008
The workshop is designed for friends and family members caring for elders as well as professional caregivers. By Anne McMillin Are you caring for an older ...


Reader views: Elder care; Height's victory; American - not black ...
Wisconsin State Journal, WI - Nov 18, 2008
Saturday's State Journal reported on a lawsuit involving the Willows Nursing Home in Sun Prairie. I am the legal guardian for a woman who lives there. ...


New Jersey Jewish News

Holidays and your aging parent
New Jersey Jewish News, NJ - 17 hours ago
by Susan Schechter, LCSW Editor’s note: MetroWest CARES, the Committee Addressing Resources for Eldercare Services, is coordinated by United Jewish ...


Elder care monitors dwindle in Oklahoma
NewsOK.com, OK - Nov 15, 2008
BY WENDY K. KLEINMAN Understaffing at the state Health Department is delaying inspections at Oklahoma’s 670 long-term care centers, officials said. ...


Dr. Harry Weinstein dies - elder-care leader
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - Nov 12, 2008
Dr. Harry Weinstein, a San Francisco physician noted for his long dedication to the care of the elderly, the disabled and the homeless, has died at the age ...


Healthy dining options available for seniors
The Republican - MassLive.com, MA - Nov 18, 2008
Since your mother is over the age of 60, she qualifies for many services offered through WestMass ElderCare Inc. WestMass ElderCare is a private, ...


LETTER: Despite cuts, elder care facility continues mission, 11-16-08
Fall River Herald News,  USA - Nov 15, 2008
On Nov. 17, Bristol Elder Services, Inc. will establish a waiting list for home care services. The commonwealth is facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis ...

Elder-Care - Google News


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