Home Health care givers

Home Health Care has become big business. As the population ages; there is a need for caregivers to help people stay home longer. Sitters as they are sometimes called; earn from $8-20 an hour depending on where you live.
Quite a few families handle the care giving duties themselves. For those who work outside the home; caring for a dementia patient can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. Studies show that more than half of all caregiving for elderly is done by family members.
As a teenager I was one of those family members. My great grandma had "hardening of the arteries" Now we know it was Alzheimer's. My aunts and uncles hired a lady to live with her during the week; two of my cousins and I took turns staying on the weekends. Sometimes she could be a handful for a 15/16 year old. She set the kitchen towels on fire one night- she told me she was trying to turn on a light to see. She locked me out of the house many times. I could go on with stories all too familiar to those who have been caregivers. Elderly with dementia or Alzheimer's may have nontraditional sleep patterns. I often wondered if she had Sundowner's; it sure did seem thatway.

Private duty caregivers such as the one my family had are less expensive but do pose risks. What if your caregiver becomes ill; what is the back- up plan? Get a back up plan. IS this person able to lift, or help your loved one into and out of the shower? These questions must be asked no matter which option you choose. Also ask them about taxes- Will they handle it? Remember you need to file them on your tax deductions- if you have a doctors prescription it is deductible. Does this person have references you can call? What are their credentials? How many elderly with dementia have they cared for in the past? How many patients with diabetes/ or any illness that runs on your family.

Companies- there are national chains with franchises located throughout the US. Local companies are also an option. I have been approached my no less than 5 new home health companies in the last two months alone. The advantage to these organizations is the back up staff and the insurance they carry when problems arise. For example- I have a client with Alheimers whose caregiver accidentally set the kitchen on fire- it was a mess- the home insurance covered it- but the family felt good about having a professional organization involved in case there was a problem. If a valuable gets broken- the insurance these companies carry will pay for the item. Most of the national companies do a background screening on all employees; and often they hire licensed CNA's. I tend to refer to a few companies that I trust and have known to work through crises with families. Talk to your friends- talk too your church- find out if they can recommend respected people to handle the care for your loved one.
Another advantage to utiltizing companies is the option of part time help. The disadvantage of companies vs. individuals is the cost. Companies are more expensive. Finances often play a role in the choice to remain home. Unfortunately state programs often help in nursing home care but ignore home health care as an option.

Organizing your Elder

Many older adults fear loss. The income has dwindled, and they do not want to go without necessities. Often their idea of useful means holding onto EVERYTHING.
Families get frustrated, and conflicts arise. Sometimes these people are known as hoarders.
I would say that the majority of homes I enter are cluttered. Grown children do not know how to stop their parents from keeping every bag, box, and leftover. Parents can become angry and ask their loved ones to leave. It happens.

Elders fear loss of friends, loved ones and possessions. The most common claim is memories. Or to pass it on.
Those with dementia or Alzheimer's may not understand why the family feels the need to make changes.

One suggestion might include creating a memory box- I have used Rubbermaid containers for several clients with great success. Ask them what makes the item special, and if they can't remember ask when they used the item. In the event they can't answer either, then keep a box for " donations" - explain that less fortunate could use this item. This week I have a client that has kept wrapping paper and bags for many years- I counted 50+ tubes of half used wrapping paper. the rubber bands had become attached to the paper or disintegrated. Once he understood that others could use this he felt better. " I just don't want things to be wasted".

Clothing is another area that created clutter- and shoes. Often the senior can't use the item because it is difficult to button or zip, maybe it needs repair. Letting the item go means admitting a decline in ability. Allow them to keep their dignity by showing them item that do work, show them that they have adequate clothing and these can be donated or used for rags. Challenge them to think without making them feel"old".

Papers another common item that collects and causes disruption of space.
Make three separate boxes- one for shredding, one for keeping, one for trash or donations. Allow the elder to participate in reviewing the items, often old tax records, newspapers, and mail pile up and take over the tables. Do not expect them to have patience to last all day- this process needs to be done in Small increments of time. Encourage them to show off special items or particular family history.

Make the experience as rewarding as possible, give positive feedback, and remember it may take several "rounds" to eliminate the majority of over- collections.

I am heading to a cluttered home as we speak, he needs to relocate to his family out of state, which means; at least looking at every piece of clutter in the house that he is putting up for sale. I am learning patience through this experience.