Five resolutions senior caregivers should make in 2012

One of the most heart-rending scenarios faced by caregivers is watching the decline of senior family members. The decline may be gradual (onset of dementia, frequent falls, loss of mobility) or it can be sudden in the case of a fall with injury, surgery, or a stroke. Caregivers should have a plan in place in the event that a decision is required for short or long-term care. If you are caring for a senior family member, here are five resolutions from Mardy Chizek, an RN and Eldercare Navigator and president of Westmont, Illinois' Charism Eldercare Services that you should make in 2012 regarding caring for a senior in your family.

1.) Explore short and long-term medical care options

The time to make decisions about short and long-term care is before a senior requires such care. Making this decision has long-term ramifications, so it should be made based on research and conversations with health experts specializing in senior care. Your decision will largely be determined by the health conditions, financial resources, availability of family and the physical environment of the home. Seniors can often remain at home, attended by non-medical attendants, in home nursing support, and family members. Adult day care can also help keep seniors active and address loneliness. More serious health conditions may require assisted living or a skilled nursing facility. Investigate each of the possibilities so you are prepared to make an informed decision when the time comes.

2.) Assess financial matters

If you do not know the financial situation of a senior family member, you may be unable to act in their best interest. Do you know the location of insurance papers, a will, mortgage deeds, stocks and bonds; and how much they receive from pensions, social security and other income?. What does Medicare pay for? Will the senior be eligible for Medicaid? Who will manage the seniors' day-to-day financial matters if they are unable to do so? Can a family member be appointed power of attorney? Is there a reliable and trustworthy family member available that wants the responsibility? It is particularly desirable if a single source can attend to the medical, financial and legal needs.

3.) Be up to date on medications a senior is taking

As a caregiver it is vital that you know the proper dosages of medications a senior is taking, how frequently they should be taking them, why they are taking medications, where they get their medications filled, and what over the counter medications they are taking (including vitamins, antacids, herbal remedies, to name a few). This information will be critical for the attending healthcare provider and even more important in an emergency situation. Senior patients and caregivers need to understand the dangers and life threatening adverse drug events (ADE's) from medications. Multiple physicians may be ordering medications with no one provider aware of all of the medications being taken. A New England Journal of Medicine study estimates that annually there are 100,000 emergency hospitalizations for ADEs. The four drug classes that cause the most emergency visits are: warfarin (Coumadin), oral antiplatelet medications, insulin and oral diabetes medications. Alone or together these medications account for 67% of emergency hospitalizations in those over the age of 65.

4.) Look and Learn

Seniors often do not divulge information about their ability to perform activities of daily living. Often it is for fear of the consequences of admitting their deficits. As a caregiver you need to ensure that a family member is eating properly, is taking their medication, is not in pain, is ambulating safely with a steady gait, is lucid enough for decision making, and is able to live safely in their environment. Major or minor structural modification may be necessary to provide safety. Emergency notification devices may be needed. There are many options and issues in a home that may not be immediately visible to the untrained eye. If you are worried about a senior, it may be worthwhile to engage a professional to visit the senior.

5.) Commit to stay involved

There is no question that caregiving for a senior puts enormous pressure on a family and adds another layer of stress. It may be difficult to make frequent in-home visits due to responsibility or distance. Telephone calls certainly are welcome, but may not be enough to assure that issues are under control. Hearing deficits may inhibit telephone communication. Most seniors are not technologically savvy, but if they are adept at e-mail and texting, this may be a good option to stay in touch.

Neighbors may be willing to provide updates and may be available in emergency situations. If you make a commitment to a communication time or strategy, try to maintain it because the senior will become concerned if you do not follow up as planned. They are still your parents or loved one and are concerned about your wellbeing

Aging is a part of the life cycle, but it can be lived with dignity while maintaining a good quality of life. But it requires that caregivers be prepared by planning prospectively and addressing issues in a timely manner. This will allow you to make better decisions while reducing the stress in your life as a caregiver.

For more information on making informed caregiving decisions, visit Mardy Chizek and Charism Eldercare Services on-line at www.charism.net.