If you go to any of our locations and ask them to share client stories, they will undoubtedly have many, different tales to tell. But there may be a few similarities across the board. One thing that never changes is that those who come to us for home care, whether it's basic respite care and sitter services or highly skilled nursing care and physical therapy, didn't plan for it. People don't typically think about these types of considerations for the future and, even if they do, often times, it's not in much detail.
But one thing that is certain is that, no matter who you are, as soon as you're born, you are aging. And once we or our loved ones get to an age when additional assistance may be needed, it's good to have at least thought through a few things. That's why we've come up with five ways families can start thinking about the future (without having an anxiety attack) by engaging in some self-reflection that can help your decision-making later in life. Go through these considerations yourself and then pass them along to a loved one:
- When you need help, do you prefer to solve problems yourself or do you like working in a team? Do you know know your limits and when to ask for help? Do you enjoy making new friends? Are you a social butterfly, or more of an introvert? Be sure to consider these things, as they may help your family to determine a living arrangement everyone can feel good about down the road.
- First, think about what you value most in the people you work with: work ethic? A team player? Do you like to be left alone? Now, think about what you value most in the people you spend recreational time with: humor? A good cook? Someone who calls often, or not at all? Are they spiritual? One day when you or a loved one needs a caregiver, compatibility will be imperative, so it's important to identify characteristics you like and others not so much.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses? Think both physically and mentally. For example, are you a worrier? Try to establish a fitness routine to manage your stress that you can adapt as you age. Another example: if you're 35 and your eyesight is already poor, consider your needs down the road if it progressively worsens. Or maybe you've got an existing medical condition that you manage - talk to your doctor about ways to manage it as you age.
- Where do your close family and friends reside? Are they far away or right next door, and do you see that changing in the future? How important is it to you that you are within driving distance to those who mean the most? Do you have a career that requires that you or your partner/spouse to remain in a certain geographic area? Be realistic with yourself about what is most important to you.
- And finally, what do you enjoy doing? What gives your life meaning and purpose? Exercise? Cooking? Going to the movies? Gardening? Sports? Fishing? Whatever it is, hold on to these things, and make sure that, no matter where you are in life or whatever your abilities are, you are able to keep them up as long as you can. Even if you need assistance someday, be sure to find a provider that will help you to see this through.
Being prepared doesn't need to be a daunting task, but rather a journey of truly understanding yourself and your loved ones so as to make the best, most educated decisions possible.
And for those who are already facing the challenge of finding homecare for a loved one, we've got you covered. We've developed a free Homecare Prep Kit to provide additional guidance and empower families with helpful, tactical tips. Click here for the free kit!
BrightStar Memphis homecare providers, Dr. Daron and Tyna Merryman, have taken a team approach to serving those in need in their community. As a physician, Daron realized there was a huge need to fill in providing care to people of all ages and, specifically, in providing senior home care to help the elderly in the Memphis area maintain their independence whenever possible.
"When I was in my geriatric fellowship, that was the crux of everything," Merryman said. "What seniors told us overwhelmingly, what they wanted more than anything, was to protect their independence. What they feared the most was the loss of that independence."
A recent feature on the Memphis "care-giving" duo profiled their journey together and how they came to join the BrightStar family.
"What I felt was lacking in care was an outstanding provider," Merryman said. "When I saw the commitment that BrightStar was doing as a national brand to try to make sure that they were going to be the Mercedes of home care, that's what I wanted to be a part of."
Read the full article.
Our health is, really, all we have. If you think about it, if you don't have your health, you have inconvenient complications, a reduced quality of life and/or something worse. Whether it's a teenager, a middle-aged adult or the elderly, it is important to "take the reigns" and ensure you are the driver when it comes to your health.
We've written before about the importance of being your own health advocate. One of the best ways of doing this is to educate yourself (they don't say 'Knowledge is power' for nothing, after all). How can you do this? One way is to be prepared. In just five easy steps, you can achieve this in a cinch:
- Do research ahead of time - learn about symptoms you think you may be experiencing, read up about (a) condition(s) you may have.
- Write down a list of things you'd like to address, such as concerns you may have, any major life changes that you've experienced, questions you may have.
- Prior to going to the doctor, be sure to sit down and think about these things so you are able to make the most out of the short time you are there.
- Bring a list of medications (including vitamins and supplements!) you are currently taking and anything else you'd like to address.
- Be sure to bring something to take notes on and/or even a voice recorder (with the permission of your doctor, of course).
We love the idea of making a list. Making a list will not only help you to remember the things you'd like to address, but it will also help you stick to the point and communicate clearly. From young children to seniors, many people are afraid of going to the doctor because it can make them feel vulnerable, but having a list of questions and being educated can help anybody regain some control and feel more confident.
That's why we've come up with a series of checklists to jump-start your journey to health advocacy. From "Questions to Ask About Drug Treatment" to "Questions to Ask About Cholesterol" and more, our Resources serve to empower you to "take the wheel" and never look back. See for yourself.
Maybe you remember the movie "White Christmas" or maybe you don't. There's a song in that movie, the message of which has always rung true for me: "When you're worried and you can't sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep." Chelsea O'Neil, an insightful blogger, recently touched on this very topic, encouraging people to, especially for elder care providers, pose the question, "What's not wrong," during stressful times.
What a concept indeed! For each of us in our daily lives, and especially for exhausted caregivers and adult children providing elder care. She goes on to say that simply "listing the things that are not wrong can lift the heavy burdens and fill up our depleted souls with the love and kindness that we deserve. It's a simple reminder of what is right within us and around us." When everything around you seems to be crumbling, it's probably because that's what you're focusing on.
And while it may be difficult to see the good through the bad, imagine what good (however little) taking even just a moment to pay homage to what is not wrong could do. It could make a better, more relaxed caregiver, promoting quality elder care, safety and wellbeing for patient and care provider. Just as she asks at the end of her entry, take some time out of your day to heed the following questions: Who fills you up? Who offers you hope and guidance and inspiration? Perhaps now is the time to tell them?
Is this helpful advice? What helps you get through difficult or stressful situations?