| Senior Guidance Directory, Inc.
For Caregivers Caring for someone else can be rewarding and exhausting. Many people are balancing their responsibilities as parents, employees and caregivers. Our goal is to help you understand the challenges facing the older adult in your life and how best to address these issues.
Talking with Your Loved One It is never too early to talk to the older adults you love about their future. Listen to their thoughts and bring up tough, important issues like their health, medical care, housing, transportation, finances and happiness. Support them as they identify the areas in their life where they could use extra help. These discussions can be complex. Sometimes, you may disagree about what's in their best interest-financially, physically or emotionally. But don't get discouraged. Compromise takes time. The more prepared and supported you are, the more productive your conversation will be. It may help to reach out to a professional counselor, who can guide the family through these hard issues and reach a solution everyone can support. You may notice that your older friend or family member is behaving "out of character." It's extremely important to dig deeper and discover why they are acting differently. They may be having trouble with their daily routine because of their health, eyesight, hearing or even side effects from medications. Perhaps he or she is feeling depressed and embarrassed to admit it. Or you could be witnessing the onset of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. It's critical to understand the root cause of their behavior-as some problems can be easily fixed, while others may require a family discussion or medical help. Express your concern to your loved one if you notice: You should consult with your loved one's physician about any of these behaviors. That way, if treatment is appropriate, it can begin as early as possible and have the best chance for success. Sometimes caregivers have to address very sensitive, difficult subjects. Many decisions will affect both of you and it is important to maintain an open relationship with your family member or friend. Driving, for example, can be a difficult topic to discuss. There is no "right" age when someone should stop driving. Many older adults continue to drive well into their 70's and 80's. But if you notice erratic driving or if their doctor tells you that certain medications or their condition will impair their driving, it is time to talk about finding new ways to get around. Seniors often equate driving with independence, and they may not be willing to admit they're having trouble on the road. They might even be offended that you broached the subject. Tact is key. Emphasize that they will still be able to get where they need to go. Explore transportation alternatives and plan together how they will get around. Remind them that driving is a public responsibility-if something goes wrong, they're not only endangering themselves, but putting others at risk as well. As backup, have a note from their doctor recommending they retire from driving. But keep in mind that, to them, driving means freedom and independence. Did you know that more than half of all caregivers also work full or part time? Many are simultaneously caring for their own children. Being a caregiver means learning how to balance responsibilities to your family, your job, your older loved one and yourself. Below are some guidelines to make the balancing act easier. If you think you are nearing burnout, take time for yourself, talk with people you trust or seek help from trained professionals or counselors. Click here to order free resources on caregiver issues. Alzheimer's Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter Ask Medicare: Caregiver Information Senior Guidance Directory & Caregiving Handbook |