By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-05-14 19:16:16 | Word Count: 664
Having a senior in need of care differs across the US. The needs of an elder in Texas are much different than senior care in Delaware. Besides the weather, there are different zoning requirements, different staff to resident ratios, different levels of compensation, terminology, etc., It’s best to familiarize yourself with what is more common in your state, before venturing out on the internet to learn that what you found out, doesn’t apply to your state, or the type of senior care you’re looking for.
Contrary to the way elderly people are typically portrayed in advertisements and in the movies, getting older doesn’t generally mean you’re going to be helpless and lose your entire memory. Unnecessary problems in the caregiving process develop when we equate aging strictly with decline. Senior care is defined by ability, not age. Inappropriate and inaccurate media messages of incompetence and dementia are so convincing that even our seniors sometimes believe the stereotypes to be true.
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Aging people are people transitioning. The loss of family members and friends, a change in living arrangements, the repositioning of finances, retirement, the loss of driving privileges, even the death of a pet are lifestyle transitions that require the entire family’s attention. Ideally, our seniors will ask for our help during times like these, but as family members have learned, this probably won’t happen. In fact, one aging parent might “cover” for the other, or one aging spouse may decline assistance from the other because he or she feels ashamed and powerless.
Remember, most aging seniors wish to remain independent and in control of their own lives for as long as possible. When you’re involved in the senior care process, you can help an aging family member remain relatively independent as long as the person’s safety is not at risk. Make sure you’re making keen observations, asking revealing questions, and paying attention to any signs that may indicated that the elder may need senior care assistance.
Ideally, our elders will accept lifestyle changes and request assistance, but this is very often not the case. As mentioned earlier, one aging spouse may “cover” for the other, to appear as if their relationship can support any loss, by the other making up the difference. If you suspect that your senior family member is losing the ability to perform basic physical and mental tasks, knowing what to look for will help you determine whether he or she needs immediate attention.
Based upon your observations, if you’ve concluded that the senior care issues demand immediate attention, as we say in Delaware, “it’s time to put up â€" or shut up” â€" and the next step is to talk about it. Please note, you’re about to enter a potential minefield. Without knowing the most effective ways to initiate these very sensitive conversations with your elderly senior family members, the probability of them telling you to mind your own business, or telling you everything is fine when it isn’t â€" is virtually guaranteed.
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