The "Sandwich Generation" of adults caring for their parents and their children simultaneously has now reached approximately 16 million. Traditionally, the role of caregiver fell on the woman. But with more women working outside of the home, caring for an aging parent is more of a family affair that can become stressful. Understanding the language regarding the many caring options is essential to navigating the world of caring for aging parents.
Companions Hiring someone to be a companion to a senior in the senior's home is a popular option for care. Most are not licensed to provide medical care, but can provide companionship and help with light cleaning and cooking responsibilities. Given that many aging people complain of loneliness, companions can be a great resource.
Visiting Nurses Unlike companions, visiting nurses provide in-home care and are able to perform many medical tasks. For seniors requiring medical attention who can not easily leave the home, visiting nurses are an ideal solution.
Telephone Reassurance Many seniors often feel lonely and isolated. A phone call from those providing telephone reassurance can lift their spirits. Telephone reassurance workers do just that, make routine calls to seniors simply to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Respite Care Workers Indeed, family members who care for an aging parent often need time off themselves to do other things or just to have a break and refresh. Respite care workers provide relief care to the caregivers.
Hospice Workers
End-of-life issues can be difficult to address. Hospice workers are trained to address concerns of the terminally ill. There are hospice social workers as well as hospice nurses. Hospice social workers address the psychosocial needs of a patient while the hospice nurse cares for the medical concerns. Hospice care can occur in the senior's home or in a facility. The role of the hospice worker is to make the end-of-life transition as peaceful as possible to the patient and the patient's family. Hospice workers can provide a variety of services including:
Managing a patient's pain
Assist with all aspects of dying, including emotional, spiritual and psychosocial
Administers other medications
Supports patient's family
Provides bereavement care
Counsels patient's family once the patient has passed on
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Choosing the appropriate type of care and supportive services for an aging loved one can be a daunting task. Many factors come into play when making the decision including finances, level of involvement and personal choice. Understanding the terms associated with the many different types of care available is invaluable in helping you make the decision that is best for your family.
Author Bio:
David A. Waddell has spent his life helping people lead more fulfilling lives. Most recently, he has been associated with Senior Home Care Roseville. He is happy to accomplish his passion for improving the lives of seniors through the written word.