Senior Sunrise

Alzheimer’s and dementia are afflictions no one wants to see their aging parents suffer through. Unfortunately, these diseases are a sad reality for many families. Whether you choose to care for your elderly parents at home or have them live in a special care facility, it’s important for them to wear an Alzheimer’s bracelet at all times, in case of emergency.

Even under the most watchful eyes of family caregivers, an elderly person with Alzheimer’s or dementia is still likely to find a way to slip out of sight. If this ever happens, then you want to be sure that your elderly parent or patient is wearing an Alzheimers bracelet. Alzheimer’s bracelets clearly say Alzheimer’s on the front and list emergency contact information on the back so emergency personnel or good Samaritans can help your reunite with your missing parent. Give yourself peace of mind by getting your elderly loved one an Alzheimer’s bracelet.

I would say that taking care of someone is probably one of the most thankless jobs around. In the same breath it is the most rewarding. To know that you are taking care of someone, whether it’s raising a child or just taking care of your friends, it can be a great feeling. It is a feeling like no other.

Caregiving is one of the hardest jobs that one will ever do. Taking care of someone, whether it’s your own mother or a stranger can also be very rewarding. The sense that you know you are helping someone gives you a sense of inner peace. One day the tables could be turned and you might need someone to take care of you one day.

Being a caregiver is tough work that is often underappreciated. Fortunately, there are many caregiver resources out there with valuable information that can positively impact your life, such as ideas for alleviating some of the burden. One source that I check frequently detailed the items a caregiver should pack for themselves when the person they care for has to undergo surgery. The author called it a recovery room kit.

The kit included a notepad and pen for taking down detailed notes on post-operative procedures, medication regimens, and wound care. Chocolate and energy bars were also on the list. Waiting in the hospital for long stretches of time can be exhausting, but you need to keep your energy up and stay focused. Water is another key item to have on hand. Finally, the author suggested that you keep a phone number on hand of a trustworthy person who can help you if the situation becomes overwhelming. There are many valuable caregiver resources out there that can help reduce stress if you’re willing to give them a shot.

After my father passed away last year, living independently became increasingly difficult for my mother. So, a few months ago, my wife and I invited her to come live with us. She immediately began to show more zeal and energy. However, while my wife and I went to work each day, she was left to her own devices around the home and was often bored.

It was evident that something needed to be done, but I had never been faced with this sort of quandary before, so I did what any modern American would do and turned to the internet. In a short time I found a senior day care center near our home. While the moniker may deter some people, these facilities provide a much-needed service; they offer seniors a place to congregate during the day and keep entertained with their peers, who often have similar interests.

When children grow up and leave the house, some parents experience what is known as empty nest syndrome. It is marked by a general feeling of loneliness and isolation by the parents. While studies have indicated that it is most often associated with mothers, it has been seen in both sexes and, as such, can definitely affect mothers and fathers alike. While many parents who are going to experience these feelings do so when the child first moves away, there are also reports that these feelings can return when the child is married.

In both instances, the role of the parent is reduced in the child’s life. The parent is no longer immediately needed or involved in the child’s life, and this is often seen as the root of the syndrome. Some have argued that it’s more common now than ever because the extended family has slowly been removed from western society, meaning elderly parents are often left living alone. There are several senior solutions that can help, including exercise, taking part in community events, and planning family get-togethers and reunions.

My grandmother is 87 years old and still lives independently, but all of her children live in a different state. Having had medication mix-ups when emergency treatment was administered in the past, she has been cautious about traveling recently and has missed an important event or two. In order to ensure that she receives the proper medical care and attention, we have prepared an advanced medical directive.

If she were to require medical attention during a visit, this form would assist the hospital or urgent care center and ensure they do not make a mistake with her medications, allergies, or any other medical issues she may have. It also specifies what measures should be taken in a traumatic scenarios. A medical directive is an essential component in ensuring that the proper measures are taken in the event of an emergency.

It’s not easy for elderly individuals to admit when they need help. At least that’s the view I’ve come to espouse based on experience. My own parents were raised in Depression-era New York state, and they asked no quarter from anyone their entire lives. My own kids occasionally asked me why Grandpa was so persistent about asking them to clean their plates, and the answer was obvious to me. When they were growing up, my parents worked hard to make their own way in life, and they didn’t waste anything.

My father has been gone for two years now, and mom had a difficult time coping at first. In recent months, she’s really begun to lose her way. She forgets things all the time, and I’m beginning to worry about her ability to function safely all alone at home. My wife mentioned the possibility of getting some at-home assistance, and I agreed that a caregiving service would be prudent. Mom didn’t like the idea at first, but she had to swallow her pride and trust that I was doing what was best for her.

Caring for loved ones at home is both rewarding, and challenging. Sometimes caregivers are unaware of all the medical aides, products and supplies that are available to help them care for a loved one.  Here are some examples of very practical items that are not expensive, yet, very helpful.

(Bed rail, bath/shower seat, audio monitor, bath & cleansing cloths, dental swabs, lightweight wheelchair, washable underpads for bedding, disposable underpads for bedding, shower safety mats, sani-pant moisture brief cover ups, raised tiolet set, shampoo basin)

These are just a few items that could make a big difference in caregiving. Remember caregivers, you deserve a bit of assistance as well. Visit our Products and Supplies page on our website.

Everybody who is caring for an elderly family member or friend deserves to have a day off. Caring for somebody with extensive medical or emotional issues can be very difficult, and it can feel like a fulltime job. As such, in order to continue to perform these duties at the highest possible level, it’s important that you give yourself a little bit of time to unwind and relax. If you find yourself a bit burned out, look into the possibility of senior day care.

These programs provide safe and entertaining places for a senior to spend the day with other seniors. Like any daycare program, make sure you look into the facility and caregivers. If you’ve determined that they’re reputable and personable, make sure they are specially trained and equipped to deal with whatever medical issues your senior might have. If your senior suffers from Alzheimer’s, for example, make sure it’s a senior day care program that specializes in this condition. In this way, they know what to expect from your senior, and they know how to deal with it properly.

If you’re considering the important decision of taking an elderly or sick individual into your home, there are many things to consider with this decision. First and foremost, you have to ask yourself if you’re emotionally prepared for that kind of strain and stress. Senior care can be a rewarding experience, but people shouldn’t underestimate how much of a time commitment and emotional investment it will be. Also make sure you’re competent enough to provide safe care.

This competency requires that you are willing and able to administer all necessary medical care and procedures. From insulin shots to changing an adult diaper, there are many things you’ll have to know how to do before the person ever arrives. You must also consider whether you’re financially ready to take another person into your home. It will be an additional mouth to feed and person to care for, and this can be a big drain on your funds. As such, you should make sure you’re ready for that financial hit.