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Do You Have A Plan?
Do You Have A Plan?
Caregivers are often asked to help make plans for the future or to respond to sudden changes in the way their loved one handles day-to-day activities. Evaluating the needs of the older person can help the caregiver decide what to do. Often, we spend a lot of time thinking about the problems and negative aspects of the situation. It is just as important to look at the strengths of the older person and how they can be used to help develop a plan of action. You may want to think about several categories of needs. Consult with other family members, friends and individuals who know your loved one so you can put together a more complete picture of what is needed.
Physical Needs
Has your loved one had a recent physical examination? Is there a diagnosis/prognosis? What physical or mental changes can you expect?
Housing Needs
Is the present living arrangement appropriate? Are there ways to make it safer for the older person? If you must consider relocation, what are the options?
Functioning Needs
Can your loved one handle the activities of daily living (ADLs)?
Does your loved one have a support system? Who are members of the support system and how does your loved one relate to each of these individuals? What are these individuals willing to contribute to the care of the loved one? How does the older person feel about their present situation?
Spiritual Needs
What spiritual beliefs are important to your loved one? Do they belong to a religious group? Can their spiritual ties be maintained through attendance at services or through visits at their place of residence?
Financial Needs
What are the older person's income, assets, expenses? Will they need financial assistance to take care of the their needs? Is the older person competent to handle financial affairs? If not, what legal steps must be taken to protect him or her?
Most older people want to remain independent as long as possible. After you have gathered information about how your loved one gets along on a daily basis, you may want to call a family conference to discuss what you have learned and to evaluate his or her needs. Include the older person in the conference.
Invite everyone who is a caregiver and those who will be asked to become caregivers. Give family members the opportunity to share caregiving responsibilities. Remember, most people want to show their affection, loyalty, and respect for the older person by helping to care for them. If a family member is unable to commit to definite responsibilities because of their personal circumstances, be supportive. Perhaps there is a small task they can accomplish so they feel they are participating in the care of the loved one.
When decisions are made, write them down and give a copy of the agreements made to each person so they can review what was accomplished at the family conference. Sometimes it is difficult for family members to come together to discuss a plan of action. Consider asking a caring professional, such as a minister, physician, or social worker to meet with you and your family if you feel you need someone to help everyone understand the needs of the older person.
When you have discussed the information and talked about what is needed to develop a plan of care, you are ready to explore, with the older person, available options.
Knowledgeable professionals at human services agencies can help families fill the gaps in the plan of care. The next issue of Family Ties offers helpful hints to use when you contact Human Services Agencies.
Family Ties is a series of informative newsletters about eldercare. Please save each issue for future reference. If you have questions or comments, or would like to be put on the Family Ties mailing list, contact LIFE (Lincoln Information for the Elderly).
LIFE (Lincoln Information for the Elderly): Where to turn for personal assistance with any aging, eldercare or retirement concern. (402) 441-7070 in Lincoln/Lancaster (800) 247-0938 in Nebraska
Caregivers are often asked to help make plans for the future or to respond to sudden changes in the way their loved one handles day-to-day activities. Evaluating the needs of the older person can help the caregiver decide what to do. Often, we spend a lot of time thinking about the problems and negative aspects of the situation. It is just as important to look at the strengths of the older person and how they can be used to help develop a plan of action. You may want to think about several categories of needs. Consult with other family members, friends and individuals who know your loved one so you can put together a more complete picture of what is needed.
Physical Needs
Has your loved one had a recent physical examination? Is there a diagnosis/prognosis? What physical or mental changes can you expect?
Housing Needs
Is the present living arrangement appropriate? Are there ways to make it safer for the older person? If you must consider relocation, what are the options?
Functioning Needs
Can your loved one handle the activities of daily living (ADLs)?
- Dress
- Use the telephone
- Prepare and eat meals
- Do household chores
- Take medication as directed
- Handle financial affairs
- Use the toilet
- Get around the house safely
Does your loved one have a support system? Who are members of the support system and how does your loved one relate to each of these individuals? What are these individuals willing to contribute to the care of the loved one? How does the older person feel about their present situation?
Spiritual Needs
What spiritual beliefs are important to your loved one? Do they belong to a religious group? Can their spiritual ties be maintained through attendance at services or through visits at their place of residence?
Financial Needs
What are the older person's income, assets, expenses? Will they need financial assistance to take care of the their needs? Is the older person competent to handle financial affairs? If not, what legal steps must be taken to protect him or her?
Most older people want to remain independent as long as possible. After you have gathered information about how your loved one gets along on a daily basis, you may want to call a family conference to discuss what you have learned and to evaluate his or her needs. Include the older person in the conference.
Invite everyone who is a caregiver and those who will be asked to become caregivers. Give family members the opportunity to share caregiving responsibilities. Remember, most people want to show their affection, loyalty, and respect for the older person by helping to care for them. If a family member is unable to commit to definite responsibilities because of their personal circumstances, be supportive. Perhaps there is a small task they can accomplish so they feel they are participating in the care of the loved one.
When decisions are made, write them down and give a copy of the agreements made to each person so they can review what was accomplished at the family conference. Sometimes it is difficult for family members to come together to discuss a plan of action. Consider asking a caring professional, such as a minister, physician, or social worker to meet with you and your family if you feel you need someone to help everyone understand the needs of the older person.
When you have discussed the information and talked about what is needed to develop a plan of care, you are ready to explore, with the older person, available options.
Knowledgeable professionals at human services agencies can help families fill the gaps in the plan of care. The next issue of Family Ties offers helpful hints to use when you contact Human Services Agencies.
Family Ties is a series of informative newsletters about eldercare. Please save each issue for future reference. If you have questions or comments, or would like to be put on the Family Ties mailing list, contact LIFE (Lincoln Information for the Elderly).
LIFE (Lincoln Information for the Elderly): Where to turn for personal assistance with any aging, eldercare or retirement concern. (402) 441-7070 in Lincoln/Lancaster (800) 247-0938 in Nebraska
