CAREGIVER FOR OLDER ADULT PROGRAMS

Elder care is a crucial aspect of our society aiming to provide support and assistance to older adults who may need help with daily activities, health care, and overall well-being. The role of caregiver is wide reaching covering basic care skills, medical knowledge, communication, legal and ethical issues and emotional and psychological support.

As a caregiver in order to provide the best care for others, it is crucial to first take care of yourself. Caregiver respite programs that help prioritize a caregiver’s own health, emotional wellbeing, boundaries and finances are critical in helping take on the role of providing care to an older adult.

At times older adults may find themselves in the role of caregiver looking after a spouse or grandchildren unable to live with their biological parents. In addition to the challenge of this new role older adults may also be dealing with their own health related, financial, or legal issues. Support groups and programs are critical to help older adults rise to the challenge of caring for others.

Training and education programs in elder care are essential to ensure that caregivers are well-equipped to meet the needs of older adults giving them the respect, dignity, and high-quality care they deserve. Whether you are a professional caregiver or a family member providing support, these programs can equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful difference in caring for older adults.

CAREGIVER FOR OLDER ADULT PROGRAMS

Caregiver Support and Assistance | Caregiver Education and Training
Grandparents as Parents & Kinship Care

Caregiver Support and Assistance Programs

Caregiver Education & Training Programs

Grandparents As Parents and Kinship Care Programs

CAREGIVERS GUIDE

A free guide with practical advice for the caregiver from the Westchester Government

HOW TO BE A LONG-DISTANCE CAREGIVER TO AN ELDERLY PARENT

What do you do when you all of a sudden find yourself parenting parents? What may be an anxiety filled role can also be viewed proactively as that of a coordinator. As a long distance caregiver to an elderly parent you may experience a roller coaster of emotions and frustrations, however with the right organization, planning and quality of connection to your loved one, it can also be a very rewarding time.

1. MAINTAIN A REGULAR AND CONSISTENT TIME TO CALL OR TELECONFERENCE YOUR ELDERLY PARENT. Arrange a call time that suits both your schedule and your elderly parent's routine. Doing so will allow you to check in or chat at the same time every day or week. It will also avoid unnecessary worry if your loved one does not pick up the phone after multiple attempts. In some cases a cell phone may provide better communication and also ensure added safety.

2. DIVIDE THE CARE OF YOUR ELDERLY PARENT AMONG FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE WILLING TO ASSIST BASED ON INDIVIDUAL SKILL SET AND LOCATION. Discussing and designating manageable tasks to each person allows for multiple needs of your loved one to be met and also decreases the level of stress on one caregiver. The end result may be better quality of care. For example, one sibling living nearby may agree to take the elderly parent to the doctor every month since they are good with reminders and appointments. Another sibling living far away who is adept in financial matters would be responsible for on line bill paying and keeping records up to date.

3. KEEP UP TO DATE RECORDS FOR YOUR ELDERLY PARENT OR KNOW WHERE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS ARE. Examples of important information to keep track of are: medications, advanced directive instructions, a will, financial information and of course a contact list of your parents doctors, accountant and lawyer. A list of services for the elderly in your parent's community is also helpful.

4. INVOLVE YOUR ELDERLY PARENT IN THEIR OWN CARE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND RESPECT THEIR PRIVACY. One of the most important things is to encourage your loved ones involvement in their own care. The ability to make decisions, however small maintains a sense of control and dignity over their life. Be careful not to take that away from them in your well-intentioned concern. Respect your loved ones privacy such as asking them if they would like you present during a doctor's visit or asking for their permission in handling financial affairs.

5. IF YOU ARE ABLE TO VISIT MAKE QUALITY TIME A PRIORITY RATHER DEALING WITH HOUSEKEEPING TYPE ITEMS. Quality, one on one interaction is the kind that your loved one is most likely in need of and unable to receive from others. Make sure that you find an opportunity to just listen or take them out to a place nearby of their choosing for a change of scene. Designate a set time to deal with things such as paperwork or any needed modifications to the house or plan a separate visit all together if possible.

6. HIRE A GERIATRIC CARE MANAGER (GCM) TO HANDLE YOUR ELDERLY PARENTS AFFAIRS. If you are overwhelmed with the responsibility or simply need support consider using the services of a Geriatric Care Manager. This person is a professional gerontologist or nurse who is located near your parent and able to coordinate multiple services such as; housing, assisted living arrangements, medical services and more. A specific care plan for your parent is implemented and may be referred to so that everyone involved in their care is on the same page with respect to their well-being.

7. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF SO THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR ELDERLY PARENT. Join a support group to deal with emotions such as feelings of guilt, anxiety, anger or sadness that you may be experiencing from not being nearby. There is no shortage of groups to choose from wherever you may be.