In most family caregiver situations there is a single person who does the majority, if not all, of the caregiving. Even if there are multiple adult children involved there is almost always a “point person” who is in charge. Often, there is only one person involved.
The most common reason people call my office seeking in-home care is that the caller is responsible for a loved one suffering from dementia and that loved one can’t be left alone. One of the most important things we can ask when dealing with loved ones as they age is “what are the early warning signs of dementia?”
Last month I tackled the topic of guardianships and conservatorships. As a quick review, if someone is incapacitated either due to disease or injury an “interested person” can petition the court to make those financial decisions (conservatorship) or non-financial decisions (guardian-ship) on behalf of the incapacitated individual. Sounds complicated, doesn’t it?
This is one of the harder questions I am asked by families. Usually what happens is one of the children of an elderly person or couple calls and is already frustrated. That child has already had “the conversation” with the parent(s) and each time the parent has refused to listen.
When a family is at the point of considering moving a loved one out of their home and into a facility, they will have to consider what type of facility is most appropriate. The family will hear terms like independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facility. Just what do these terms mean?
This is a question with which most of us must deal at some point. In our society, we tend to buy larger houses as our family grows and fill those houses with “stuff.” In some cases, lots and lots of stuff.
This is a question not asked often enough. None of us likes to think about aging. We don’t like to think about getting sick and not being able to make decisions about our health or finances. However, now is the time to deal with these decisions. If you don’t make your wishes known while you still can, someone else will be tasked with those weighty matters.
I am often asked by families how to broach the subject of care with their loved ones. Since it is that time of year again where families are together after, perhaps, not seeing each other for an extended period of time, I thought this would be a good question to address this month.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Yes, it’s that time of year again when we eagerly anticipate joyful holiday greetings. But what will the holidays be like for our loved ones who have dreaded this holiday season?
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