Have you taken the time to write a care plan for your elderly loved one? Creating a personal health action plan as well as a long term care plan can be essential tools to make sure your senior is cared for in the manner they wish and deserve. Writing one as soon as possible is the single best step you can take. If you’ve already built one, updating it at least once a year is equally a must. Not sure where to begin?
An AgingCare.com post offers a number of very helpful tips.
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Start with a Conversation: You’ll want to begin by at least talking to your elderly loved one. You will need to get a stronger sense of how much he or she understands about their underlying health conditions. Taking a closer look at changes or complaints is a must so you can discuss it with a doctor at the next appointment. Understanding how tired the individual is, how well his or her appetite and digestion are doing, and even any changes in mental status should all be evaluated.
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Think About After the Hospital: Any time the hospital or another care facility is required, know exactly what you should expect when your loved one comes home. Knowing more about the condition, the medication, and any doctor’s orders is critical. Deciding on the next steps, including hiring a part-time or overnight caregiver, is going to be essential. Be sure to schedule those follow-up appointments, too.
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Create Goals: Building new goals, on an ongoing basis, is key. Don’t think for a moment that these have to be big goals, either. Something as simple as walking to the bathroom may be the goal for the moment. As recovery continues to progress, you could consider other options like walking to the mailbox.
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Think Communication: Talk to everyone involved in the care of your loved one on a regular basis. Include any home health care professionals like physical therapists. You may also want to ask about a contact number if you have questions. Don’t forget to make your loved one part of this loop too.
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Consider Yourself: As a caregiver, it’s just as important that you consider your own wellbeing as part of the plan, too. It can be difficult to take care of yourself when you’re putting so much into caring for someone else, so take the time to learn about what you need and what you can do to relive the stress and get the occasional break.
Take some time to look closer at the resources on our free downloads page before you build your plan. We have great downloadable materials in .pdf form that you can use to craft the perfect plan.
If choosing a caregiver becomes part of your plan, contact David York Agency for more information about how we can help you care for your loved one.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Can Help Seniors
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and down. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
For more helpful tips and information, check out our blog or contact us today.
