Caregiver Training Blog

As an adult son or daughter you have finally made the difficult decision to hire a private duty caregiver for your mom – but where do you begin?  How do you know what questions to ask, what to look for, who to go to?  Hiring someone to care for an elderly parent can present some challenges and requires research and patience to ensure a good fit.  Whether going through an agency or hiring someone on your own, there are certain steps that must be taken in order to avert potential problems or unintended consequences and liabilities at a later date.

During this year of political debates, elections and unending speeches, it may be difficult to remember some of the assertions made just a few years ago about death panels.  You may recall the fire storms ignited with the suggestion that the government would set up boards to determine whether seniors and the disabled were worthy of care.  What was especially troublesome and frightening for the elderly and their caregivers was the idea of death panels or rationing to control healthcare costs.  With all the rhetoric and accusations from one side to the other, the average person probably found these claims difficult to understand.

If you are a caregiver for a family member or other loved one, you’ve probably heard more than once, “You need to take care of yourself.”  This is certainly something that is easier said than done especially if you are a primary caregiver.  Most family caregivers did not prepare to take on this role, it’s not something they planned for or just decided one day to do because they have always wanted to see what it was like.  No, most caregivers usually fall into this role, quite literally, because there is no one else that is able or willing to do it.  Does this create stress?  Absolutely! 

“…When I grow up and get married, I’m living alone.  Did you hear me – I’m living alone!  I’m living alone!”  Words from a precocious eight year old Macaulay Culkin in the popular 1990 movie Home Alone may somehow resonate with an 80 or 90 year old wanting to live independently and not in a nursing home or residential facility.  Growing up – do you remember how you could hardly wait to become independent of your parents – to move out to a place you could call your very own?  Just because a person gets older does not mean they are ready to give up the idea of independence; unfortunately, independence does become more difficult to maintain as life progresses.

A study by the U.S. Administration on Aging, A Profile of Older Americans:  2011, reported the following:

In 1993, almost half of people diagnosed with diabetes were older than 65, making type 2 diabetes a common occurrence in elderly patients. 

Elderly patients pose unique cases, as self-management of diabetes comes with greater difficulties once age impairs cognitive functions and  inhibits the ability to safely make changes in exercise and diet. Additionally, identifying and responding to hypoglycemia, which medication may cause, becomes more difficult with age.

Today, 14 million people identify themselves as Jewish, with approximately 40% of these individuals residing in the United States.  As with all different cultures and religions, the rapidly changing demographics of the aging population with the added challenges of chronic illnesses, spiritual needs and understanding of their culture are of great importance.  Today’s Jewish elders, their families and caregivers are searching for meaning, purpose and community within their Jewish traditions.