Senior care is becoming a major concern in North America, particularly because there are thousands of seniors and baby boomers in our era. By seniors, I am referring to those over the age of sixty five and by baby boomers, those people who were born after World War 11. It is only a matter of time, before they are seniors too.
The big problem for seniors and baby boomers, lies in the reality that very soon, there are not going to be enough nurses, personal support workers or even family members to care for them, or perhaps for you, if you are a baby boomer heading into retirement.
Hospitalization or nursing home care may not be feasible or possible for the majority of baby boomers and seniors, in spite of the fact that it will be needed by many of them. For many,? it may mean twenty four hour care, seven days per week.
The actual cost of hospitalization and health care is extremely high already and many baby boomers and seniors may not be able to afford the kind of care that they will need.
What can we do to rectify this situation? Everyone of us has baby boomers and seniors in our lives; many of us are in baby boomer status already or beyond that age.
Can baby boomers and seniors be cared for in their own homes? Definitely.
Ten tips for managing baby boomer or senior care at home:
1. Baby boomers and seniors are generally most comfortable in their own homes with their family members and in amongst their own belongings. To take them out of that environment may result in dis-orientation. They are accustomed to the food, temperature, air, etc. and changing any or all of that may result in other, more serious problems. They are used to having people come and go in their lives, as well. This is the world that they know.
2. Safety is a major concern and the majority of baby boomers and seniors feel safe at home. In fact, most of them have already instituted safety precautions for themselves, although this is not always the case. One of the first things that must be taken into consideration is whether or not the baby boomer or senior is safe. If he or she is not safe in the environment, immediate action is necessary on the part of the family or designated care giver.
3. In taking a serious look at health care in the home of baby boomers or seniors, it is always a good idea to do an assessment of the environment in the light of what is currently happening. This can be done quite easily, by spending quality time with the baby boomer and and other family members. Visiting the family doctor with the baby boomer or senior and other family members is generally a good idea. Remember that many of these men and women will have had the same doctor for many years and their doctor may be almost the same age they are. The doctor will likely know the baby boomer or senior well and his or her preferences must be taken into consideration.
4. Remember that the baby boomer or senior in need of care, will have definite ideas about what he or she expects in terms of his or her own health care needs. Many of them may not have had sufficient care in the recent past and will improve immensely when proper health care needs are met. You may be totally amazed at the degree of improvement. They may or may not understand the current changes in the health care system, and you may have to explain them.
5. Dietary needs are especially important, as nutrition is a primary factor in health care. Assess the baby boomer or senior for his or her ability to provide adequate food to sustain his or her health. Many of them? may not have sufficient income to provide for their own dietary requirements. They may need to obtain a supplemental income of some kind. A few may be hoarding their disability or old age pension checks and not using them to meet their needs. Find out who is looking after their finances and work with that family member or other person. If necessary, find or designate a family member to take financial responsibility for them.
6. Assessing medical needs is a huge factor. Many baby boomers or seniors will be in need of wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc. and have not had anyone help them in this regard. They may need drugs that they cannot afford and will require assistance in that respect. They may require other health care items that can be obtained quite easily. Ask them if they are taking their medications? If not, why not? Where are they obtaining them and are they over-priced? Are they hoarding their medications or using out-dated medications? Have they obtained generic drugs? Do they know what generic drugs are? How are their medications stored? Do they know how to dispose of medications that are outdated or have not been used?
7. Spiritual needs are extremely important to baby boomers and seniors, as the era in which they grew up probably focused on having those needs met. Does he or she have a priest, pastor or chaplain? Is that person aware of what this particular baby boomer or other senior stands in need of at this time in his or her life? Make contact with the person of their choice for seniors, if they are not able to do so.
8. Have plans been made for the baby boomer or senior, should he or she pass away unexpectedly? Is there a 'DNR' (do not resuscitate) order request, signed by the baby boomer or senior, family members and the doctor? Has a will been drawn up? If not, why not? Does he or she have legal counsel? This may prove to be extremely important in the future.
9. Fear and paranoia is a major issue with baby boomers or seniors, as many have had bad experiences previously with others including health care workers, lawyers, doctors, etc. A lot of them have had their homes broken into and things stolen by people who they have trusted, including family members and friends. It is like losing a part of oneself when there is a violation like this in their home. It is not easy to get a person to trust you when they have been violated in some way, by someone else.
10. Health involves healing, happiness and wholeness. You can be instrumental in bringing this into the life of a baby boomer or senior as a minor care giver, a family member, a personal support worker or a nurse. Consider carefully what you can or cannot do and then make a positive, constructive decision with respect to the baby boomer or senior in your life or under your care. Care is important, but quality care is even more important.
Remember that there are those around you who have gone through this before and that you are not alone in caring for your baby boomer or senior. There are many organizations which can be of help, as well. What you do can be instrumental in helping others to live to a ripe old age.
Think about doing some of these things for yourself also, if you are a baby boomer or a senior and you could be among the ones who live to be a hundred years of age or older.
Source: http://freelancereclipse.blogspot.com/2012/10/caring-for-baby-boomers-and-seniors-in.html
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