Transcript Slide 1
Caring for Aging Adults Everybody depends on me now… CONCERN: EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM A Benefit for Employees and Families CONCERN: EAP Services • Work/Life Benefits – – – – Parenting and Childcare Resources Eldercare Services Financial Counseling Legal Consultations • Short Term Counseling 1-5 visits per issue per 12-month period • Free Confidential – 24/7 800 number answered “live” 3 Getting Started • Call for an appointment 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Pacific Time) Monday through Friday • In crisis situations, call 24/7 for immediate telephone support • For more information – Ask your HR/Benefits Department – www.concern-eap.com – Call CONCERN at (800) 344-4222 4 Caring for Aging Adults Everybody depends on me now… Objectives • To understand and address caregiver’s needs • To understand the importance of a caregiver action plan • To examine ways to take care of yourself as a caregiver 6 Red Flags • Missed appointments • Changes in personal hygiene • Memory loss • Isolation • Hospitalization • Unexplained injuries/bruises • ANY change, especially if sudden 7 How Do I Proceed to the Next Step? • Look around the house – Check food for freshness – Cleanliness • Be a detective – Check with neighbors & friends • Get permission to talk with the doctor • Get a professional assessment by a geriatricians 8 Help IS Needed…. What’s Next? • Inform and educate yourself – before a crisis occurs • Gather information about resources in the area – Check out senior centers, hospitals, nursing homes – Look into caregiver support groups • Find out if there is a local publication of senior resources • Attend seminars and workshops on aging issues • Locate health libraries in the area • Check to see if your job provides elder care services with your benefit program • Find an elder care consultant to assist with questions, information and referrals 9 The New Responsibilities Can Be Stressful • Be realistic about how much you can do • Delegate – family, paid help, volunteers • Communicate – involve the older adult in the information gathering process 10 What Services are Available? • Medicare & Medi-cal • In home care / home health agencies • Legal services • Insurance counseling • Senior Centers – meals & activities • Transportation • Housing • Emergency response systems 11 Who Can Your Network Be? • Neighbors • Church • Police 12 Family Dynamics How to Involve Others • Family meetings • List of tasks • Schedules and sign-ups • Distance doesn’t have to mean non-involvement 13 Making a Plan • Plan for everyday management • Plan for a crisis • Have a back up plan 14 What Else Do I Need To Be Prepared? • Know the names & phone numbers of local contacts – Neighbors, doctors, local hospitals • Be familiar with insurance issues – Medicare, Medi-cal, additional policies (keep copies of these cards) • Have a copy of the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (and other powers of attorney) • List of medications and dosages • Record of medical history • KEEP ALL THIS INFORMATION TOGETHER IN A FILE 15 How Will Your Take Care of Yourself? • Health • Social Life • Sleep • Diet • Exercise • Financial • Time alone or with your own friends/family 16