The New 'Female Problem'

Here is a helpful article about the realities of caregiving for the working woman By Patricia Grace

In the halls of the nation’s businesses, the hushed whispers which were once reserved for gossip and Monday morning quarterbacking now echo the despair stressed out women are feeling in their role as caregivers. While men do represent a growing percentage of today’s caregivers, the role is still largely filled by women. In what could be considered the new “female problem” in the workplace, male management does not have the tools to adequately discuss and remedy this female ailment.

Caregiver Stress Defined

An individual’s face may not readily give away clues that they are suffering from caregiver stress, but a quick look at their employee attendance record will reveal absenteeism due to their work as a caregiver for an aging loved one. The fact that this individual has a higher utilization of the healthcare benefits and increased prescription plan participation for stress-related disorders may also warrant their classification as a caregiver.

Stressed out caregivers are susceptible to a whole host of problems as their immune system becomes compromised under the weight and associated guilt of caregiving. Migraine headaches and GI disorders are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the impact caregiver stress has on individuals. Caregivers overwhelmed by stress are also highly susceptible to depression. Individuals need to learn to recognize when their caregiving duties are getting the best of them. Identifying community resources that offer services to caregivers and their loved ones can be just the prescription needed to bounce back.

Businesses and the overall economy are negatively impacted by caregivers who are emotionally drained by the burden of their role. The financial component of caregiver stress is far more reaching than that individual’s wallet. The trickle down effect of the disorder hurts all of our pockets as it robs employers of nearly $ 33.6 billion.

The Role of a Geriatric Care Manager

A GCM is a professional with expertise in geriatric or aging issues. They are a local resource with firsthand knowledge of the services available in your community. Boomers living at a great distance who are concerned if their parent is safe in their own home can avail themselves of geriatric care management services for peace of mind with ease. Often the task of navigating the maze of senior housing and financial options associated with eldercare can put a strain on the parent-child relationship. A GCM can bridge the gap and facilitate discussion that leads to decision-making.

Geriatric care managers can assess, facilitate and coordinate placement while providing family members the education they need to make informed decisions. This education not only gives individuals a better understanding of the process, but it enables them to overcome the guilt and stress they may be carrying. Professional geriatric care managers consult with the family members and take into consideration their psycho-social and clinical needs, financial concerns and geographical desires.

Focus on Funding

Gaining an understanding of the finances associated with eldercare can cause a caregiver’s stress to reach an all- time high level. Working with a geriatric care manager can put the funding solution you were looking for right at your fingertips. Aging specialists are experts on the VA Aid and Attendance bill as well as astute in Medicare and Medicaid issues. Certified geriatric care managers can dispel any funding myth you may have heard and give you an indication of your eligibility for assistance.



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Patricia Grace is founder and president of the geriatric care management company, Aging with Grace. She has over 15 years experience in the senior health field. She can be reached at www.agingwithgrace.net 1-800-626-9440

Completed and FAXED Insurance Forms to Dad’s dentist.

Dad will see a new dentist today. Friends will transport him in his wheelchair since he is unable to walk. He has been excited about going all week long.

I went to Aetna’s website, downloaded a dental form, completed it and FAXED it, (along with copy of Dad's insurance card) to the new dentist.

Technology certainly helps this long distance caregiver to do her job.

Elder Parenting 101-Chapters in my book

Elder Parenting 101
Doing Your Best When You Don’t Know What To Do

Chapters

1 Overview and History of Caregiving Industry
2 Planning-Your Most Important Step
3 Formalizing Mom and Dad’s Wishes
4 Living Options
5 Hiring Help
6 Keeping Them Home-Theirs or Yours
7 Mental Health and Alzheimer’s
8 Long Distance Caregiving
9 Caregiver-Coping Tools
10 Final Arrangements
Appendix

Fighting Resistance From Seniors

Here is a helpful article written by Peter Ganther


Uprooting an elderly loved one and moving them into your home is difficult enough, but add to that the resistance you may receive, and the caregiving becomes an all-encompassing activity. Your loved one’s natural tendency is to resist care and assistance, if only because they do not want to think of themselves as “old.” Often caregivers will become easily angered and irritated at the thought of a loved one refusing care and this conflict can be very damaging to the entire caregiver-care recipient experience. Understanding the stress and loss of independence your relative faces when they give up their home is the first step in easing the tense situation. Here are a few other ideas that may be helpful if you are experiencing any resistance in your daily caregiving.

Allow the loved one to have a part in the decision making process surrounding their care and well-being. Do not let them feel they have no part in their future, and allow them the chance to voice their view about they care they would like to receive.

The senior may want to start a fight or bring up past actions that occurred, but remain focused on the matter of their care, and do not take part and say anything you may regret later.

Remember to think of your own needs, and set limits in the amount of work your willing to take on. Perhaps you provide the in-home care for them, but are unwilling to bathe them, yet your loved one refuses to allow a home-care aide to assist you. Explaining your feelings to your relative and being honest with what your willing to help with can allow you the control of the situation.

Be willing to work with the senior in order to find some kind of agreement. Whether they refuse full-time care and you disagree entirely, consider alternatives such as a weekly visit from a health aide and Meals on Wheels service that may ease tension and be agreed upon by both of you.

Realize that they are more than likely not going to be happy about the situation, and focus on maintaining the quality of care. They may not look forward to having someone bathe them and cook for them, but you can see a difference in their care and let the senior in time grow accustom to the change.

Do not make the situation entirely about them, instead allow them to see it through your eyes to get an idea the work you put forth. Tell them the stress and workload you face and their understanding and willingness to resist you in the future may be lessened. They will look at it as an opportunity to help you in the process of them receiving the aid.

Work up to changing your loved one’s life and do not suddenly start changing everything they have grown accustomed to over the years. Alert them to any fears you may have, prepare them for any changes, and be as calm and positive as possible to reassure them it is for the best.

Plan ahead in case of a sudden decline in health or hospitalization, because it is at these moments where you may face little resistance and can alter their daily care in the manner you see appropriate.