Solutions for those Caring for an Elderly Relative

As our parents and relatives age, we grow more concerned about them. How are they really doing? Are they able to care for themselves well enough? Do they need more help? How can I make sure they get the care they need? Over 42 million Americans are caring for a senior family member who needs help with daily activities, a 2009 survey by the AARP found an additional 61.6 million Americans provided at least some care throughout the year.

Although some Americans may feel prepared to care for their aging relatives financially, few are prepared for the emotional impact. This is especially true for caregivers who are simultaneously caring for small children in addition to their aging parents. The AARP found over 66 million Americans are currently caring for children, spouses and parents.

Many caregivers become overwhelmed when grappling with the failing health of their aging relatives in addition to the plethora of their other responsibilities. The rising costs of health care and the foreclosure crisis haven’t helped, and family caregivers are prone to suffer from major depression more frequently than the rest of the population. For caregiver depression help and info see: here.

If you can relate because you’re in the caretaker role, or if you want to better prepare yourself for this ahead of time, read on for tips to help you manage the special care of your aging relative while avoiding burnout.

Tips for caring for an elderly relative

One of the first questions people ask is whether they should consider in-home assistance or a retirement community for their family member.

If your family member is not in need of 24 hour nursing care, there are several ways you can help them with daily living.

1. Home care agencies provide a companion who visits your loved ones for intervals of time each day or week. They can offer you a sense of peace because they are consistently checking in on your relatives and helping them with cooking, laundry, transportation, or light housekeeping.

2. A home health aide is the next option. They provide the same services as a home care aide/homemaker, but they also have a home health aide certification, which means they can help with more personal care like bathing, grooming, or dressing.

3. Assisted living provides care in an environment designed for the individual needs of seniors who would like help with daily activities, but can still maintain a certain level of independence.

An evaluation tool may help you assess whether your relative will need constant care. See: here.

You can also download this free home safety checklist: here.

Another good idea is to work with a geriatric care manager, because they’re trained in gerontology, and they can help assess and solve problems that arise with your loved ones’ help and care.

Average Cost of Elder Care

National average annual costs and daily rates paid for various types of adult care:

Nursing home: semi-private room:
$214/day, $78,110/year

Nursing home: private room:
$239/day $87,235/year

Assisted living:
$3,477/month, $41,724/year

Home care: home health aide:
$21/hour, $21,840/year

Home care: homemaker
$19/hour, $19,760/year

Adult day services:
$70/day, $18,200/year

Source: MetLife 2011 Market Survey of Long-Term Care

No matter how you handle caring for an elderly relative, it requires a great deal of commitment and dedication. Read on for tips to avoid burnout.

Tips to help caregivers care for themselves

1. Seek out advice and support: here.
2. Make sure to continue (or start) eating a healthful, balanced diet.
3. Take a daily vitamin supplement.
4. Make sure to exercise—at least 20-30 minutes of aerobic activity each day is essential for physical and mental wellbeing.
5. Get a flu shot and regular check-ups; do not ignore any symptoms of illness.
6. Watch for signs of depression–more information: here.
7. Spend time with laughing with friends and remain active in social, religious, or community events.
8. Stay involved in hobbies and other leisure activities.

Helpful Links:
http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Nonprofits,+Activist+Groups/AARP
www.eldercare.gov
http://www.geriatriccaremanagement.com/
www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com
www.aoa.gov/naic/default.htm
www.healthinaging.org
http://blog.alternativesforseniors.com/2012/09/14/moving-tips/