Someone recently asked me what I do. I thought for a moment and answered “I am an elder-care coach”. Puzzled, they asked, “What is THAT”? “Someone”, I answered, “who works with the elderly, their family and their caregivers to help provide a network of support so the elderly can each live with dignity and happiness in the home of their choice for as long as they are medically able”. And the person looked at me and at first said, “Why?”…I did not bother to answer that question, since the more important question should have been “HOW?” The how is one person, one patient, one caregiver, and one heath care professional at a time.
Suzanne Mintz, co-founder and president of the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) says 80 percent of long-term care in this country is done by family and friends. She puts it pretty bluntly: “We are the care system.”
You are feeling overwhelmed and guilty. You may even be losing sleep over your situation…
You are not alone. There are wonderful people that can help you decide what is best for you and your loved ones. There are people and places dedicated to providing safe, home-like environment supported by caring, compassionate staff who embrace your loved ones individual’s needs and worth. Every person has a right to autonomy, freedom of choice, dignity and respect, and being in an environment where their right to privacy is acknowledged and fostered.
How will this happen? As I started to say, one person, one patient, and one caregiver, one heath care professional at a time. And by revolutionizing and radically improving the long-term care landscape by developing communities where all residents have equal access to care that maximizes independence and function, allowing each resident to age in place with dignity and grace.
This plan of care is called “Relationship Based Care” and is something worth fighting for. This embraces the employee, resident, and family member by focusing the need and desire of all to be involved in the process of aging and the care of the individual. Isn't this be a system you would want to look forward to participating in? I sure do.
Remember, one person, one patient, and one caregiver, one heath care professional at a time. And believe me, one by one, we are the tip of a huge movement in our country to change what aging is and how it is perceived. Do not be afraid to be a part of this movement. For your loved ones, for your partner, for yourself. We ARE the future. And the future is NOW.
There are many organizations to offer guidance. After you have read this, take your computer, search best practices in home health care or caring for my aging loved one and look at the list. Start to read. Education is our best tool and brings the best care available to your fingertips. Always ask for references. Don't be afraid to ask for names of people organizations or individuals say they have aided. If you have specific questions, or just need a place to start, just ask me. I will pass on the wisdom I have gained in helping caregivers and being a caregiver myself.
Suzanne Mintz, co-founder and president of the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) says 80 percent of long-term care in this country is done by family and friends. She puts it pretty bluntly: “We are the care system.”
- Are you confused about how to help your aging parents?
- Are you struggling with siblings over care of your parents?
- Are you torn between caring for aging parents, your family & yourself?
You are feeling overwhelmed and guilty. You may even be losing sleep over your situation…
You are not alone. There are wonderful people that can help you decide what is best for you and your loved ones. There are people and places dedicated to providing safe, home-like environment supported by caring, compassionate staff who embrace your loved ones individual’s needs and worth. Every person has a right to autonomy, freedom of choice, dignity and respect, and being in an environment where their right to privacy is acknowledged and fostered.
How will this happen? As I started to say, one person, one patient, and one caregiver, one heath care professional at a time. And by revolutionizing and radically improving the long-term care landscape by developing communities where all residents have equal access to care that maximizes independence and function, allowing each resident to age in place with dignity and grace.
This plan of care is called “Relationship Based Care” and is something worth fighting for. This embraces the employee, resident, and family member by focusing the need and desire of all to be involved in the process of aging and the care of the individual. Isn't this be a system you would want to look forward to participating in? I sure do.
Remember, one person, one patient, and one caregiver, one heath care professional at a time. And believe me, one by one, we are the tip of a huge movement in our country to change what aging is and how it is perceived. Do not be afraid to be a part of this movement. For your loved ones, for your partner, for yourself. We ARE the future. And the future is NOW.
There are many organizations to offer guidance. After you have read this, take your computer, search best practices in home health care or caring for my aging loved one and look at the list. Start to read. Education is our best tool and brings the best care available to your fingertips. Always ask for references. Don't be afraid to ask for names of people organizations or individuals say they have aided. If you have specific questions, or just need a place to start, just ask me. I will pass on the wisdom I have gained in helping caregivers and being a caregiver myself.
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