Just Having Conversations

One of the best ways to keep the lines of communication open between yourself and the elder care providers is by just having regular conversations. There are many things that the elder care providers may need to talk to you about such as:

• Health concerns for your elderly loved one
• Daily routines
• Appointments
• Transportation
• Nutritional needs

The more you speak to the professional caregivers, the more you will be in touch with how your elderly loved one is doing.

Keeping Contact Info Updated

Another way to keep the lines of communication open between yourself and your elderly loved one’s senior care providers is by keeping contact info updated. For example, if your phone number or email changes, be sure to share the change with the elder care providers. If they don’t have your correct number or contact info, they aren’t going to be able to update you on what is going on with your elderly loved one.

Regular Meetings

Another way for you to keep in touch with and communicate with the elder care providers is by having regular meetings with you, your elderly loved one, and the elderly care providers. The meetings don’t have to be very long and they don’t have to be every day. However, it would be a good idea to have the meetings put on your schedule and on your elderly loved one’s calendar. If you have regular meetings with the home care providers, you won’t feel left in the dark about what is going on with your elderly loved one, especially when you can’t be there as often as you would like.

Connect on a Social Basis

If you just aren’t feeling comfortable with the home care providers yet, it may be a good idea for you to spend some time at your elderly loved one’s home when the care providers are there. That way, you can be around them in more of a social environment to get used to them and their presence in your elderly loved one’s home.

Conclusion

These are some of the best tips to keep lines of communication open with you, your elderly loved ones, and their elder care providers. If you can follow through with these tips, you won’t have as many issues with not knowing what is happening in your elderly loved one’s life. In addition, you will always be able to ensure your elderly loved one is being well taken care of.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in Evesham, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Attentive Care Inc. at 1-800-493-5660

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5705584/

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Get Paperwork and Permissions in Place ASAP

When you’re a family caregiver, you’ll likely be managing a lot of your parents’ appointment scheduling. You’re also going to be the one that takes them to and from medical appointments.

Get paperwork in place as quickly as you can. Your parents’ doctors cannot speak to you unless HIPAA privacy paperwork is properly filled out. A medical power of attorney helps with decision making if your parents can’t speak for themselves.

Rely on Friends and Family

Talk to close friends and family members. If others can stay with your parents from time to time, it will help you out. Caregiving can be very demanding work. You don’t want to have so much to do that you get overwhelmed.

Join a Support Group

Carers need to be able to vent. Sometimes, family members don’t cut it. You’ll find that the best way to vent your frustrations, fears, and stresses is by finding a group of people in your shoes. A support group is ideal. You’ll find several great groups online and others in local churches, senior centers, and hospitals.

Don’t Let Nutritional Needs Slip

After a long day of cooking and cleaning for your parents, you may not be in a mood to cook. You stop and get fast food, pizza, or Chinese. Over time, the poor nutritional content is going to drag you down.

Instead of relying on takeout meals, work on quick and healthy meals. You can prep the items on slower days and have them in the freezer. Before you leave for your parents, pull out the items you need and have them thawing while you’re away.

Prioritize Daily Tasks

Prioritize the important tasks and get those done first. Anything that’s left can be completed by yourself or others as there is time. Things that are most important are medication reminders, personal care and hygiene, meals, and keeping up with appointments.

Leave an Hour a Day for Yourself

Do not ignore your own needs. Try to guarantee that you have an hour to yourself. During that hour, shut others and distractions out and read a book, play a game, watch your favorite show, take a bath, or go for a walk. Do whatever relaxes you or helps you release stress.

Hire Elder Care Services

Elder care should be the first thing every family caregiver discusses with the family. You may not need elder care services every day, but there will be times you need to rely on professional caregivers. If you have a bad cold, you should be at home resting. A caregiver can take over while you recuperate.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Cherry Hill, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Attentive Care Inc. 1-800-493-5660

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