We blog about the "sandwich generation" phenomenon and the growing prevalence of adult children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews taking on the responsibility of caring for their aging loved ones. And as the first group of baby boomers turns 65 in 2011, this phenomenon will undoubtedly continue to grow at staggering rates. So much, in fact, that many speculate that the country is not prepared for the increased need for accessible living and quality care.
So often, you hear about patient-centered care, but the inexperience of many family caregivers coupled with the challenges they face (and will continue to face) adds a new dynamic to the traditional doctor-patient model of care. Dr. Arthur Kleinman, a professor of medical anthropology and psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and now a family caregiver himself, describes this very thing in a recent NY Times column: "We've had outstanding diagnoses and very careful attention to defining the problem. But once the problem is defined and the limited pharmacological interventions prescribed, there has been neither interest nor knowledge about the rest of the aftercare, even in the most simple parts like finding a home health aide or getting a needs assessment by a social worker."
This month, the American College of Physicians, the country's leading professional organization of internal medicine physicians, issued its first position paper on working with caregivers. Endorsed by almost a dozen other professional medical organizations, the paper, published in The Journal of General Internal Medicine, highlights the challenges that can arise from the complex interaction among patient, doctor and caregiver and offers guidelines for providing the best care. Long overdue, this new three dimensional view of caregiving poses to extend a helping hand to caregivers while bringing patient care full circle.
Are you a caregiver, whether by trade or for a family member? What is your take on this new doctor-patient-caregiver care model? Weigh in now!
For the many adult children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren who so often take on the role of caregiver for an elderly loved one, it can be challenging, especially without support. But even more difficult is striking a balance between the monotony of daily routine and keeping life exciting and stimulating. Let's face it: no matter how young or old you are, life is sweeter when special events replace tedious routine.
And if excitement isn't enough of a reason to keep each day as engaging as possible, new studies show that sitting around too much can be deadly. According to a recent AARP bulletin, scientists are increasingly warning that sitting for prolonged periods - even if you also exercise regularly - could be bad for your health. And it doesn't matter where the sitting takes place - at the office, at school, in the car or before a computer or TV - just the overall number of hours it occurs. The bulletin goes on to say that research is preliminary, but several studies suggest people who spend most of their days sitting are more likely to be fat, have a heart attack or even die. And even people who get a lot of exercise but are sitting for long periods of time may be better off spreading out their activity throughout the day.
So how do you and senior loved ones get there? Pinpoint things you enjoy, whether it's fishing, shopping, cleaning and organizing or bird watching, and brainstorm ways to keep active doing them. Even if you do a little activity at a time throughout the day, research shows that it is more beneficial than if you didn't at all.
More than 50 million Americans provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year, and that number is growing, according to the National Family Caregivers Association. It is not uncommon for adult children and other family members to offer help when an aging loved one needs assistance, but what are the financial implications of this? A blog article posted by Dale at Transition Aging Parents highlighted the efforts of a new Key Bank campaign to raise awareness (in adult children) of the need to balance the financial situation of an aging parent without jeopardizing their own. The article stresses the need to plan ahead - something many often overlook, or simply wish not to address.
Planning is important as we age, in all aspects of life. We all want to remain in control and continue having our independence as we age, but being realistic about what the future may hold, and even documenting you or your loved one's wishes in writing, can be important for aging adults to have some control over their future even when they can no longer speak for themselves. In accordance with this sentiment, the campaign targets five things
- Having a frank discussion about finances with your parent (so there's no hard feeling or suspicion at a later date)
- Getting organized
- Preparing for market ups and downs
- Making sure you understand and know where to find the paperwork your parents have (insurance policies, long term care insurance, wills)
- Knowing about sources of financial help (such as reverse mortgages or unclaimed veteran's)
And offers the following tips
- Be a signer on your parent's checking account and monitor their accounts online. (You'll be able to spot scams, fraud and first signs of dementia if you do this.) If you're not a signer on the accounts and your parent becomes incapacitated, you will need a court order to gain access.
- Be sure you understand what the long term care insurance covers and what it does not.
- Consider seeking out the services of an attorney who specializes in Eldercare law. They can help create/manage your parent's trust in their best interest. Also, know that if your parent moves from one state to another, you should have legal documents reviewed to ensure they meet current state laws.
In case you missed them, or maybe you're not even on Twitter yet, we wanted to re-cap all of @brightstarcare's Tweets for the month of December. We strive to share helpful articles, tools and Websites and hope the following will be of value to you. Enjoy!
Alzheimer's caregiving: Organizations offer help http://ow.ly/QU4Z
Sometimes the holidays mean having serious conversations with aging family memebrs. Tips for good communication: http://ow.ly/QQKT
RT @aarpbulletin At Risk for Bone Fracture? - Everyone's bones thin with age. So who should use bone-enhancing drugs http://ow.ly/QQwg
For all of those who celebrated, how was your holiday? What, if anything, will you do differently for the new year?
Grandchildren can make perfect housemates http://ow.ly/QrVT
What is your New Year's resolution? http://ow.ly/OYFY
Much rest and relaxation to all of you this holiday season, especially caregivers http://ow.ly/OYDN
Did you know? Although unproven, a diet rich in foods containing vitamin E may reduce the severity of a stroke.
RT @shellyasun Accessibility for a worry-free celebration http://ow.ly/OYwY
Don't know what to get a family member who lives far away? Give the gift of Skype to stay connected! http://ow.ly/OYvl
RT @aarpbulletin RT @taracoates: For end-of-year donations, make sure your money helps as many as possible. http://bit.ly/8qB1Jm
Wow - that's a long time! Caregiving is such a challenge. RT @ElderCareRN The average length of caregiving is 8 years (via @davidsthompson)
The keys for a stress-free holiday season http://ow.ly/OYtP
Are you happy? http://ow.ly/Oftu
True happiness at any age http://ow.ly/Nyom
So true! RT @PaulaFarris It may be the "most wonderful time of the year," but if you feel sad from dementia caregiving talk to someone.
Boomers are changing with the times http://ow.ly/NsO6
Social Health: iPhone app finds doctors across the country http://ow.ly/N9eb
RT @shellyasun The importance of family time makes finding fun activities for everyone to enjoy critical http://ow.ly/MNns
Stress less this holiday season http://ow.ly/MNkJ
Interesting article about a cholesterol drug... for people without high cholesterol http://ow.ly/MNiB
Trading home equity for cash http://ow.ly/MNi6
Are you keeping up with washing your hands and getting enough sleep to keep your immune system strong? http://ow.ly/KXpS
@aarpbulletin Mystery Disease: Is it Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or NPH? http://ow.ly/KXeo
Tips for reducing stress and boosting your mood - even in winter! http://ow.ly/KGzR
RT @shellyasun Seasonal depression is very real, but is light therapy the answer? http://ow.ly/KFRK
The importance of istening to eachother - a tragic story http://ow.ly/KFNJ
Can coffee fight prostate cancer? http://ow.ly/Kpca
RT @ourparents Family Caregivers To Seniors- Who are they? http://wp.me/pxE4Y-85
HOW TO: Using Lifeline to Monitor Caregiver Response http://ow.ly/KjPe
My Football Game' Lets Disabled Gamers Go Deep http://ow.ly/JZjn
Insulin devices being discontinued http://ow.ly/JTk0
RT @AgingTechnology Smart-Room Project Opens Doors For Seniors: http://ow.ly/JzWC
Easy modifications can make for a less stressful holiday season http://ow.ly/IEHt
Boomers: Take it easier! http://ow.ly/IDqh
RT @
nytimeshealth Patient Money: Knowing What's Worth Paying for in Vitamins
http://ow.ly/Iyxk
"What the Tweet?!" A "Twitcap" of November Tweets http://ow.ly/Idc3
Don't fall prey to this health insurance scam http://ow.ly/HYIN
Great article RE: family caregiving highlights a phenomenon that is becoming more and more prevalent http://ow.ly/HR1S Is this your reality?
Is your Web browser accessible? http://ow.ly/HQSk
Very true, thx for sharing! RT @PaulaRobinson Like happiness, loneliness is contagious http://ow.ly/HF27 #health #attitude
Is family caregiving a women's issue? http://ow.ly/HBYN
Senior Scams: Health Insurance Con http://ow.ly/HyiX
Boomers seeing an increase in disability? http://ow.ly/Hwrr
@MerrilyO thanks for the RT!
RT @aarpbulletin Diabetes Rate To Double in 25 years - Cost of care could triple http://ow.ly/HvdE