CARE SCENARIOS

As our population ages, family dynamics change. Parents often become the recipients of care due to physical and mental strain on their bodies as a result of aging. This can be a very difficult transition. Our goal is to lend support in making this transition smoother. When is it time to bring in someone extra to assist in care for your loved one? Here are some warning signs that may help make this decision easier.

Living alone can result in isolation, depression, anxiety, injury and greater risk of violent crimes. Among those age 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury and death. They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.1 Many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, leading to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, which in turn increases their actual risk of falling.2

Non-compliance with medications, doctor/ therapy visit, hygiene, diet and safety lead to decreased health and increased mortality. Medicines are generally safe when used as prescribed or as their labeling describes. Adverse drug events-injury resulting from the use of medication-result in over 700,000 visits to hospital emergency departments. 6 Recognizing these areas of concern sooner will decrease these risks as well as provide peace of mind.

Transition from Hospital to home can be extremely difficult. Whether it be from a Physical or Mental rehabilitation. Those first few days can be very overwhelming. Many diagnoses as well as post-surgery recovery can restrict clients from driving and providing appropriate care for themselves.

Caregiver respite is essential. Caregiving for a family member takes a tremendous toll on their health and well-being. Family caregiving has been associated with increased levels of depression and anxiety as well as higher use of psychoactive medications, poorer self-reported physical health, compromised immune function, and increased mortality.³ Over half (53%) of caregivers indicate that their decline in health compromises their ability to provide care⁴. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other Dementia diagnoses can seem overwhelming at times, but the more information and support you have, the better you can navigate the demanding road ahead.

Allowing a caregiver to meet the day to day needs of your loved ones provides more quality time together. Having a caregiver there to help assist the patient with daily activities can relieve the unnecessary stress on both the individual and their family.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [online].   Accessed November 30, 2010
2. Vellas BJ, Wayne SJ, Romero LJ, Baumgartner RN, Garry PJ. Fear of falling and restriction of mobility in elderly fallers. Age and Ageing 1997;26:189-193.
3. Kiecolt-Glaser & Glaser, 2001; Light & Martin, 1996; Schulz, O’Brien, Bookwala, & Fleissner, 1995; Schulz & Beach, 1999
4. Evercare & National Alliance for Caregiving, 2006