Understanding Elderly Care

Do you suspect that your parent's need for professional elderly care is becoming more apparent these days?

You can't really put your finger on the problem, but something doesn't seem right.  Your Mom or Dad doesn't function as well as they did before.

Your first inclination is to take them to their primary physician, who (under normal circumstances) could likely prescribe some medication or treatment.

But... this may not be enough!

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for our elders to be diagnosed improperly and to suffer from negative drug interactions.

If you suspect this to be the case with your parent, you may wish to explore resources for a complete geriatric medical assessment.

Someone who undergoes a geriatric medical assessment has the benefit of a more thorough evaluation as opposed to one performed by specialists who focus on only one aspect of elderly care.

This type of assessment is usually done on an outpatient basis and will include:

• an evaluation of all medications
• a complete medical history to include close relatives
• a complete physical examination
• a neurological exam and evaluation of mental status
• blood tests, metabolic screenings, electrocardiogram, urinalysis and chest X-ray

• a psychiatric evaluation
• an electroencephalogram
• a CAT scan or MRI
• neuropsychological tests
• a spinal tap

Each situation is different, of course, but sometimes all it takes is to assure your parent that you will accompany them throughout the procedure.

Or, perhaps they have a special friend who would be willing to provide emotional support.

After the geriatric medical assessment, you should help your older relative maintain and monitor their health.

The results and recommendations of the assessment will have redefined your parent's elderly care.

This may include a change in living environment, such as a long term care facility.

A chronic illness can change your frame of reference and future plans that were once secure may now be suddenly overturned.

Your parent may not be able to depend on their body, mind or livelihood and you will certainly feel overwhelmed with your new responsibilities.

Family relationships shift over time as roles and responsibilities change with the onset and progression of the chronic illness.  This presents special communications problems.

There is always the possibility that some family members may even choose to deny the illness or become angry and resentful.

When you provide elderly care for someone with a chronic illness, you and your relative each need to discover your own personal balance between dependence and independence.

If possible, encourage Mom or Dad to keep as many of their usual family jobs and daily activities as possible.

Explore ways to compensate for illness-related changes, either through assistive devices or professional help at home.

Help them identify activities that can substitute for former hobbies, such as wheelchair 5K races instead of softball.

Trade household tasks with your parent to suit their capabilities in order to create a sense of partnership.

And... by all means, allow for mistakes and messes.

You can't eliminate your loved one's condition, but you can understand the illness and your options.

Chronic diseases are often unpredictable and everyone will probably feel overwhelmed and out of control now and then.

This type of elderly care requires that you take the time to step back, share feelings and consider how you can support each other.

Together with other family members, you may be able to help each other and find additional resources within your community.

MORE INFORMATION... about long term care may be found by using the long term care facility link located within the above paragraphs.

Use the link here if you wish to return from Understanding Elderly Care to the long term care main page.