Geriatric Care: Avoiding Burnout

Geriatric Care : 

Geriatric Care Avoiding Burnout

Caregiver Statistics : 

Caregiver Statistics 44+ million caregivers in the U.S. 23 million households Provide long-term care in the home of those with chronic illness or disabilities

What’s involved in being a caregiver? : 

What’s involved in being a caregiver? Love Compassion Obligation Guilt Pride Financial circumstances Sometimes, caregivers substitute the family tie for a patient-healthcare provider relationship Geriatric care managers can provide support and guidance

Life’s Challenges : 

Life’s Challenges Balancing act: work, children, family, special long-term care needs of a loved one Leaves little time to research and find resources Caregivers may find it difficult to reach out Asking for help doesn’t mean you have failed

Journaling : 

Journaling Gain perspective on the situation and yourself Author B. Lynn Goodwin says journals let you: Vent Expound Rationalize Elaborate Imagine best and worst outcomes Explore questions, analyze possible solutions What you learn through journaling may be useful when consulting a geriatric care manager

Caring for the Caregiver : 

Caring for the Caregiver Most family caregivers are not trained professionals Tasks like assistance with activities of daily living often become on-the-job training New challenges each day Especially challenging for the sandwich generation – toll on mind, body and spirit

Respite Programs : 

Respite Programs Respite care is temporary time away from caregiving Caregiver can rest, relax, tend to business

Respite Programs at Assisted Living Facilities : 

Respite Programs at Assisted Living Facilities Many assisted living communities offer respite stay programs Apartments and services for a defined time period; 5-10 days May participate in normal facility activities if able Geriatric care manager can help negotiate details Initial resident assessment to determine if the facility can meet resident’s needs

Respite Programs at Nursing Homes : 

Respite Programs at Nursing Homes Recommended if needs cannot be met by an assisted living facility For those with more medically complex needs

Respite Programs in the Home : 

Respite Programs in the Home Offered by some home care, home health care and community social service organizations Geriatric care managers can help locate services and provide support during selection process Pay special attention to caregiver qualifications and training How services are monitored

Day Services : 

Day Services Adult day care or community centers Good option for family caregivers who work outside the home Services may include health, therapeutic and social activity programs Some services specifically for those with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia

Support and Information : 

Support and Information National Adult Day Services Association National Alliance for Caregiving

All Senior Homes : 

All Senior Homes All Senior Homes is a resource for seniors and families searching for housing and care services Visit http://www.allseniorhomes.com for more information on senior care and senior housing Information in this presentation provided by senior care expert Peg Whitman, for AllSeniorHomes.com