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Caring for Aging Adults. Everybody depends on me now…. 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
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Caring for Aging Adults Everybody depends on me now…
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”
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
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
Red Flags • Missed appointments • Changes in personal hygiene • Memory loss • Isolation • Hospitalization • Unexplained injuries/bruises • ANY change, especially if sudden
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
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
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
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
Who Can Your Network Be? • Neighbors • Church • Police
Family DynamicsHow to Involve Others • Family meetings • List of tasks • Schedules and sign-ups • Distance doesn’t have to mean non-involvement
Making a Plan • Plan for everyday management • Plan for a crisis • Have a back up plan
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
How Will Your Take Care of Yourself? • Health • Social Life • Sleep • Diet • Exercise • Financial • Time alone or with your own friends/family