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Coaching Caregivers
By the year 2050 the elderly sector of our
country is expected to double and surpass the sector of children
in schools. (Census) As
this happens formal health caregivers will become more difficult
to obtain. Families will be expected to do more on their
own. This is a concern because, according to the 2001 Met
Life Mature Market Institute report, family caregivers are currently
providing 80 % of all long term care services. That number
can’t double. Currently family caregiver services are valued
at $306 billion a year, more than twice what is being spent in
nursing home and paid home care combined. (Arno, 2006). The
expectations will continue and probably escalate. What do / will
caregivers need to survive?
- Reliable people (who know the needs) to call
upon for practical and financial help.
Senior Linkage 1-800-333-2433 helps caregivers connect with
formal providers
http://www.fiavolunteers.org offers
a link to faith inaction volunteer site locations
- Supportive listeners
who offer emotional support, reality checks, coping guidance.
See www.wellspouse.org to
tap into an online support network of caregivers
- A plan for how
to avoid the risks of injury associated with the illness of
their significant other.
See www.wellspouse.org “link
to friends” to link to disease specific organizations
- A
plan for how to manage the symptoms associated with the illness
of their significant other.
Most health care systems have an “Ask
a nurse” line. Many
have self care text books. See www.mayoclinic.com “symptom
checker” / “first aid” / “book store”
- The
ability to recognize when medical help is needed to prevent
further disability.
Encourage caregivers to check first with
their “ask a
nurse” hotline,
then see www.mayoclinic.com “symptom
checker” / “first aid” / “book store”
- The
ability to recognize and admit when medical help is needed
for themselves.
Online guidance for caregivers might be especially
valuable but be sure their sources are reliable
www.mayoclinic.com “symptom
checker” / “first aid” / “book store” is
reliable but watch portal sites
- A plan for self care to guard
against depression, hypertension, anxiety, back strain, fatigue
etc.
See www.caregiver.com magazines
/ newsletters
- Knowledge of assistive devices, how and when
to adjust the surroundings.
See http://www.ameds.com/
See http://www.ableproject.org/ableproject/product/
- Clear
consensus around palliative care and end of life planning.
See www.mnhospitals.org
- Advocacy!
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