Technology can often be overwhelming, especially for a senior citizen. With each new invention comes confusion about how to use it or what it is. Rather than being afraid of technology, seniors should open up their minds to geriatric technologies. Many of these new gadgets and inventions made especially for seniors are not to be feared, but rather embraced. Here are a few things seniors may want to know about using geriatric technologies.
• Living a life of independence—Many seniors are limited in terms of independence, needing someone to drive them to appointments or remind them to take their pills every morning. However, geriatric technology helps the senior be more independence. Many of these inventions help the senior get by every day, while feeling independent at the same time.
• Caregivers can’t be replaced—While many geriatric inventions can help seniors, it is still important to have a caregiver or some sort of human helping out. Seniors should know their caregiver can’t be replaced with the latest shiny gadget for senior care.
• Elderly Lifestyles Can Be Enriched—Being a senior can be difficult at times with things to always remember and those normal aches and pains. At the same time, new elderly technologies can make a senior’s lifestyle better. General Electric and Intel have developed products for seniors that don’t hurt a senior’s everyday life, but make it easier and more enjoyable.
• Education on New Technology is key—Technology can be confusing to seniors, but it doesn’t have to be. Education is key when it comes to understanding the benefits of geriatric technology. Often seniors are afraid of new inventions and modern conveniences, but if you learn about these trends, they might not be so daunting and strange.
Many older adults are being cared for by an adult child. When there are siblings, most of them will want to be involved in the care in some way. While it is great that there is an interest, the involvement of more than one person can create conflicts in the family. Siblings who are caring for an aging parent often do not split the caretaking responsibilities equally.
1. To address some of the common problems experienced when siblings are sharing care responsibilities, The Home Instead Senior Care Network has introduced a 50-50 Rule Program to offer assistance to these caregivers.
2. The first 50 represents the average age of most caregivers caring for a parent. The second 50 refers to how adult siblings can divide the responsibilities.
3. Research has shown that 43% of families that have shared caregiving responsibilities will have disagreements and problems relating to the care of an aging parent.
4. One study revealed that a surprising 2% of all siblings in the United States who are caring for an aging parent are actually splitting the caregiving equally.
5. CaregiverStress.com is a great website offering valuable tips for siblings who are sharing the role of a caregiver.
New technological developments are changing the world of senior home care. Many seniors have the need for a caregiver, yet they want to remain residing in their own homes. This is now possible by using a telecaregiver. This new system consists of monitors in the home that will help the caregiver ensure the health and safety of the senior without having to physically be present in the home.
1. Monitoring patients at home through use of video is a great way for caregivers to keep an eye on patients, especially those who have a chronic illness.
2. The system uses various cameras that are set up in the home. The caregiver can remotely control each camera to view all activity in the home.
3. By using the computer system, caregivers can communicate with patients. They can “join” them for dinner or just have a way to talk about things even when the caregiver cannot physically be present.
4. Telecaregiving does take privacy into consideration and no cameras are installed in bedrooms or bathrooms. However, if a patient is in either of these unmonitored areas for an extended period of time, the caregiver will call the home to make sure the patient is okay.
5. This is an expensive service, but it is beneficial and allows seniors to remain living at home and not have to have an individual providing care for them all day. The telecaregiver can still ensure health and safety from afar.
Sometimes men will have no choice but to become the caregiver at home. If their spouse suddenly gets ill, they will have to take on this role. This can be very overwhelming and scary for many men. While this is common, men need to learn how to accept the fact that they are now the caregiver. Some additional information on this topic is provided below.
1. Most men who become a caregiver will take a different approach than a female. Men are more apt to take on executive or long-distance tasks, such as dealing with the insurance companies or making appointments.
2. Men are only half as likely to perform hands on tasks when they are a caregiver.
3. The men who do help with daily tasks, such as dressing and showering may be reluctant to discuss their role. It seems as though they are slightly embarrassed about having to be the caregiver.
4. Many of these men will suffer from depression and feelings of inadequacy when they are a caregiver. This is actually quite normal. They have a hard time talking about their role with others because of how they feel it will make them look.
Boston Non-Medical Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.
There are many things seniors have to be concerned about, including their own health, finances and quality of life. These things are also important to the staff at the Healthy Aging Program. This program was designed to offer assistance to seniors who may require some guidance and additional services at home. The list below contains some useful information about the program.
1. One of the main goals of the program is to promote the health of aging adults. This is done by increasing the community’s ability to identify and implement various strategies and programs.
2. The program strives to improve the quality of life for seniors.
3. Preventative services, caregiving services and mental health services are all part of this unique senior program.
4. The program only employs professionals who are trained in aging issues. These professionals can offer a wide array of services. Seniors who are interested in improving their health and living a longer life can greatly benefit from taking advantage of the Healthy Aging Program.
5. In 2005, the Healthy Aging Program expanded and now includes the Healthy Alzheimer’s disease segment. Now seniors with the disease can get extra assistance they require at home.
6. The Healthy Aging program can also offer financial planning. The program tries to help seniors by slowing the growth of health care costs.
Boston Senior Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.
In order to provide effective services to a senior, caregivers must remain healthy. This applies to mental and physical capacities. If a caregiver neglects their own health, they will not be able to provide the necessary services to a senior. The list below contains a few tips that will help caregivers stay on track and keep healthy so that they can carry on providing those important services.
1. Caregivers should remember that they are not alone. The role of a caregiver can be stressful, exhausting and demanding. Many times, caregivers suffer from depression. While it may seem like the caregiver must do this alone, family and friends can offer much support and make a big difference.
2. Caregivers need to know their strengths. It is important to reward yourself for a job well done. Knowing your strengths as well as your limitations will help you become a better caregiver.
3. Many caregivers neglect their own health because they are so preoccupied with caring for a senior. Your personal health should be your number one priority. Never put aside your own health needs.
4. It is ok to ask for help. If you begin feeling overwhelmed, there is no shame asking for help. This could be as simple as words of encouragement. Family members may also be able to help you care for an elderly relative. This can make a huge difference because you will not be responsible for every aspect of care. It is ok to take a break!
5. Caregivers need to be an advocate for seniors. It is important for every caregiver to know their own rights in addition to the rights of the senior receiving assistance or treatment.
No one wants to talk finances, no matter what the situation, but when moving in an elderly parent into your home, it’s a necessary conversation to have. Without standards set regarding how the financial affairs of the household will be handled, tension and resentment can develop and lead to a greater problem. Take the attitude that “it will all work itself out” and you’ll quickly find yourself regretting the decision to move in mom. To keep the peace, here are some guidelines for financial management when living with a senior:
1. Bridge the topic gently – ensure that finances are discussed before the move happens, but don’t approach it like finances might change your motivations or your ability to care for your loved one
2. Set the standards – discuss what percentage of the household bills your senior will be responsible for. It might not be fair to ask an elderly parent to pay half of the mortgage and utility bills if there are 4 people in your immediate family, and they are just one; but you can ask them to pay one-fifth, or another number that is agreeable to everyone
3. Keep separate bank accounts, but create a common fund – don’t expect that a senior living with you is going to merge their bank account; having their own finances maintains their sense of independence and purpose. However, you can create a joint fund that all contributors can add to in order to make monthly bill payments easier
