Page 19 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - September 2019 - 26-09
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• Start a class or attend a program.
• Volunteer in the community.
• Spend time with your kids and grand kids.
• Get a work project done.
• Travel or take a vacation.
• Pursue an art project.
• Take up a new hobby or join a sports team.
• Try hiking, biking, birding, or otherwise get
tures to your older loved one’s home. • Add voice-activated technology that
There are also community-based services available designed to help in such a situation such as meals on wheels, handy care services, and even respite programs. Begin by reaching out to your Area Agency on Aging or county millage program. Other in-home services can be provided from agencies that offer medical and non-medical services. An in-home com- panion might offer the peace of mind that you need, if only for a short time. You will find a variety of in-home service providers in this issue.
out into nature.
accident or incident.
• Equip your loved one with a personal G.P.S.
The list is endless. Maybe you could pull out the bucket list that you have started, or even start one to give you direction. Write them down so that you can see them. The most important thing is that you go out and do them or at least something similar. As an example, rather than traveling to Italy maybe you could go to a film event about it.
watch from Miles for Memories. It will track their movement, allow for interaction, provide reminders, and find them should they wander away from home.
It’s not selfish to put yourself first every now and then. In fact, it’s essential to your health and peace of mind. And taking some time off may even come back to benefit your loved one! You may return to caregiving rest- ed, recharged, and refocused, making things better for your older relative.
• Use a group chat or a virtual workstation to mass-communicate with siblings, caregivers, healthcare providers, and others about your loved one’s health needs.
Enlist the help of family members and friends to make sure you get a break. Work with them to schedule breaks regularly. If they are unavailable, you can still be sure to get your much-needed break with respite care services. There will be a Caregiver Retreat in October that not only will give you a break, but will also provide respite care services needed. See page 12 for more. You must RSVP ahead for respite services.
Establish how others can help. Not only can you bring in help but you can intention- ally create a list of things that others can help with. When you get that call from the church friend or neighbor that says, “Please let me know if I can help,” have a plan to respond. They will enjoy helping as well. If they are unable to help with the first item on your list, move to the next.
• Bring coffee and donuts for a visit.
• Prepare a meal.
• Pick up the mail.
• Cut the grass.
• Tend to the garden areas.
• Change light bulbs.
• Change smoke detector batteries.
• Help clean the kitchen, bathroom, etc.
• Bring out the trash.
• Pick up groceries or medications.
• Drive to an appointment.
• Help with meal preparation.
• Sit with them while you need a break.
While it is true that the cost of moving to an assisted living facility may seem daunting there are sources of financial support. See
the article on page 7 to evaluate how to pay for costs. Consider that when you are acting as a caregiver, it is not uncommon for you and other family members to be experiencing over $5,000 in expenses every year to support them in their own home. A move to a facility will create an immediate saving to the family, not to mention added time, that you might
be able to put toward the cost of an assisted living facility, or other housing option. Safety, security, and socialization options generally increase when moving to a facility, along with your peace of mind.
Technology can be your friend. From regular reminders while you are away, to support services, technology can be your best friend. You can view what’s happening at your loved one’s home, talk to them, chart their movement, or actually find them if they wander with the new Miles for Memories G.P.S. watch. Consider investing in technology to help you keep your loved one safe while home alone.
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I-94 Marshall
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Old US 12 Indiana
Ohio
Senior Times - September 2019
• Add cameras, sensors, or home security fea-
Page 19
includes two-way interaction.
• Equip your senior relative with an alert but-
ton, to instantly call 9-1-1 in the event of an
• Make use of automated pill dispensers, dig- ital calendars, and other mechanisms to help keep your loved one’s schedule on track.
Be open to right-sizing their living envi- ronment for safety and socialization if need- ed. It’s vital to keep a close eye on your senior loved one’s health status and living conditions. Despite your best efforts, it may be time to hire a professional caregiver. Seek help if you notice that you are not equipped to handle more challenging activities of daily living such as bathing and personal hygiene issues; difficulty with eating or movement; or are challenged with managing their household as well as your own. If you notice mental
and behavioral changes in your elder, such as frequent memory lapses and confusion, mood swings, poor speech, or abusive behavior, it may be time for a change.
• Scan and store your loved one’s import- ant paperwork and records for easy virtual access later on.
9011 W. Chicago (US 12) • Allen, Michigan 49227
Allen
