When caring for a loved one long term factors should be considered such as:
· If something happens to you, who will take care of 'Mom'... 'Dad'... 'Spouse – preparing for unforeseen issues can decrease stress and guilt.
· How much personal time do you have left in a day for you? Caring for the caregiver is essential to their overall health and wellbeing.
· With roles now being reversed – how do you adjust with the family now deciding what is best? Caregivers also need to understand the adjustments being made.
· How much outside stimulation does your loved one get? Giving your loved one the benefit of some outside stimulation has many health benefits.
· Waiting until the last minute to find the help can ensure your loved one doesn’t get the appropriate care or must go to a facility instead of keeping them home. Having help through homecare or day program if able will keep them at home longer.
· Being involved in an active daytime program for the adult benefits them and their family and allows for more enjoyment by all of each other, gives you both an outlet and something to look forward to.
Why would caregivers hesitate to get a family member started in an adult day program?
Comments heard from family members after they learn about adult day care programs include 'Mom is too good for day care'... 'Dad is better than the others attending'... 'my Spouse was never very sociable'…’we just don’t have that extra money’… ‘I can take care of them myself’. Does this sound familiar? You are not alone, however you are not doing yourself or your loved one any favours by making up excuses as to why it won’t work before you try!
In choosing a program and center, think about your family member's needs as well as your own. Consider the available physical or other therapies, socialization opportunities, recreational activities, health monitoring and personal care services from which your family member might benefit. Programs offering these services provide the caregiver with free time, coverage while working and emotional support. These services can alleviate stress, improve time management for you and your family as well as provide a much needed break from each other.
All too often, families or caregivers ignore the importance of looking after their own needs such as handling work commitments or taking some 'time off'. It is understandable that they are hesitant about having a family member cared for by others but assistance with their care giving responsibilities is a necessity.
Sadly, the reluctance to attend typically rests with the family.
Experience has shown that individuals attending a Center will readily adapt to the routine and respond positively to the social interaction with others. Sadly, the reluctance to attend typically rests with the family.
By not encouraging your loved one to stay as active as possible and interacting with others outside of their usual surroundings typically results in having to face the truly life changing decision regarding your family member much sooner than expected... the decision regarding nursing home or group home placement. By comparison, the decision to get them started in a program is one that is so much easier to make and really does provide everyone with so much more than expected!
Where do I start?
Working with a Care Team to assess your loved ones needs is essential as well as taking into consideration the family needs, lifestyle and schedule. Look for a centre that offers this service and works with the family so everyone feels comfortable and taken care of.
Adult day programs offer day-time care for adults with disabilities and seniors with physical, mental and cognitive needs a comfortable group setting that is suited to their needs. Often serving as an alternative to nursing home care, these programs provide social and health services, engaging activities, gentle exercise in a safe, caring environment. Transportation assistance may also available or a connection to a local service may be provided. Research studies have shown that regular attendance may decrease an individual’s chance of falling or having an accident that would require a visit to a hospital or an Emergency Room. Professional hands on care would monitor your loved ones health status and would be able to see when changes are occurring, therefore assisting you to know when to seek necessary medical care.
Looking for a day program that is suitable can take some research, time as you visit them and decisions on your part to determine the best one. When looking for a suitable one make sure to visit them and take a tour, taking your time to ensure that the services they offer are in line with they amount of assistance you require. Research the internet for programs in your area, ask for referrals from friends, read local senior magazines or newspapers, speak to your doctor or other health professional, ask your visiting nurse, call your local CCAC, call a local chapter of a society of association such as Alzhiemer's, Heart & Stroke, Cancer Society and keep a list to call them all.
The best policy is to take the time, tour the programs and speak to the directors.
Recommended: www.fulllifecentre.com
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