Elder Care

Definition
Providing care for the individual with a range of diagnoses resulting from the increased incident of chronic disease coupled with age related changes.

Cause
Impaired mobility, altered nutrition, safety, medications and cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Caregiver Hot Tips

1. Older individuals have increasing forgetfulness , so be patient.
   
   
2. As a caregiver you should speak in a calm and soothing voice. Talk about family members and reminisce about past life experiences.
   
   
3. Encourage your family member to respond to their name and also other family members.
   
   
4. Have the individual you care for participate in care to whatever extent they are able.
   
   
5. Have the individual you care for brush their teeth, brush or comb hair, and wash their hands and face. If able, have the individual pick out clothes and participate to the degree possible with dressing.
   
   
6. To help maintain a limited amount of independence with toileting consider a commode at bedside for easy use by the individual or a raised toilet seat.
   
   
7. Adequate lighting is important as vision in the elderly can be impaired.  Be sure there is adequate night lighting for trips to the bathroom.
   
   
8. The use of bath rails and grab bars in the bathroom can be of help in maintaining independence and prevent injuries.  Be sure they are safely secured.
   
   
9. Make sure there are no loose tiles or scatter rugs as these are a concern when ambulating.
   
   
10. Keep individuals ambulatory by setting walking goals each week.
    
    
11. Remember exercise should be done as long as the individual can manage without undue fatigue.
    
    
12. Use of medication for pain can be used as ordered by the doctor. Use of the Face Pain Scale [see attached] can be used as a guide.
    
    
13. Have a list of all medications and dosage the individual receives. Read all material sent by the pharmacy with each medication with the dosage, adverse effects, interactions, allergies and safe storage.
    
    
14. Keep medication lists updated frequently with any changes. This should be taken with the individual if they are taken to the hospital or for a doctor’s visit.
    
    
15. Skin care is important with the elderly as their skin is fragile and can easily tear.
    
    
16. If a skin tear occurs wash with soap and water pat dry and apply over the counter antibiotics and bandage. If healing does not occur in a timely manner the doctor should called.
    
    
17. Pay particular attention to boney areas such as shoulders, elbows, hips, back, knees and ankles. During personnel care these areas should be monitored by the caregiver.  Massage these areas with lotion to prevent breakdown. If there is any redness or opening the doctor should be called.
    
    
18. A plan should be in place for the availability of support people in case of an emergency. Caring for the elderly can be difficult and you might need a break for rest and relaxation. Call on family members for this support.  Other sources of assistance include religious and social organizations and the local area office on aging.  Nursing homes and assisted living facilities also offer respite care.
    
    
19. If the individual is able, the use of an Adult Day Care Center is also helpful.  Attendance provides the individual with socialization interaction with people other than their family.
    
    
20. Along with medications and emergency phone numbers if the individual has an Advanced Directive or Living Will a copy of this should also be taken to the hospital in emergencies.
    
    
21. If there are any changes in the individual such as in mental status [more confused or just not right], unresponsive, or had a fall with pain or bleeding seek medical help immediately.