This site is best viewed using Mozilla Firefox browser.

X

Adult Care

Michelle Gaborie

2013-03-01 14:59:52

Q-When I take my Mom to multiple doctors what would be the best way to keep everyone on the same page with her care?

A-Because more than half of adults over age 65 have at least three chronic conditions, steps should be taken to ensure that combined treatment strategies do not do more harm than good. The problem is that specialists sometimes focus only on their specific plan of care, often without taking a patient’s other conditions into account. As a result, a physician may be unaware of the interventions being prescribed by other doctors. To avoid unnecessary complications, older patients are urged to designate their primary care physicians or geriatricians, as their central coordinator, one who is aware of all of their patients’ ailments, interventions, and medications. That way, conflicting medical advice, overlapping therapies, and potential dangerous drug interactions can be avoided. Be sure to include the optometrist in the list of specialists as they prescribed eye drops that can affect other medications and this is overlooked often thinking “it’s just eye drops” but these are medications that go directly in the mucous membrane absorbing rapidly.

X

Adult Care

Stephanie Webb

2012-11-19 11:43:27

Q- How can I be sure to make the holidays special for an adult with disabilities?

A- Happy Holidays to you and yours! What an amazing question. There are so many ways to make the holidays special for an adult with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. Many if not all of the delightful planning, shopping, preparing, cooking, and decorating would be a wonderful experience for them. If you live with an adult with disabilities start by asking them their thoughts on decorating ideas, or food choices. Let them express their likes and dislikes. Imagine their excitement as you go with a theme or idea they have given you. Bring them along as the crazy holiday shopping begins. Share the parties and other fun events with him/her. If you do not live with an adult with disabilities and would like to share a holiday with them, visit your local agency and inquire to volunteer to adopt a person, a home, or even bring a dish of goodies for them to enjoy. Send an invitation to your community agency for them to attend a church gathering or other celebration. We all know the holidays are an exciting and giving time for all. Adults with disabilities are no different. They are excited and thrilled at decorating, shopping, special holiday meals, and company. We all know the little things in life make a difference and even your company and one-on-one attention will make a huge difference to an adult with disabilities in our community. If you are excited, they will be excited too!

X

Adult Care

Stephanie Webb

2012-08-30 08:24:13

Q- My daughter is 21 years old with developmental disabilities. Right now we are facing the difficult decision of whether residential living is an option for her. Can you give us some guidelines that may help make the decision clear to us?

A- Great question. Unfortunately, there is not just one answer. The difficult decision to make a change to your daughters living environment depends on many factors. Some of these factors include her health, her disability, her behaviors and accessibility of funds. Other factors to consider are those of your household. It is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your “whole” household. If you find your family overwhelmed and distressed due to the continuous care of and health needs of your daughter, it may be time. There are advantages to your daughter living in a home with other individuals with similar needs. One of the advantages is the social aspect. Most agencies that provide supports for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are very active. They provide day service activities including contract work, assist them in their job search, provide them with activities in the community, volunteer opportunities dependent upon the individual's wants and needs. The agency you choose can assist your daughter in achieving a full life. Of course, she will still need your support and visits. You are and always will be her family. No agency can replace that. However, they can provide a full life of possibilities to enhance, engage and better your daughter's life.