 | Jennie M. Maison began her nursing career as a Candy Striper at Grace Hospital in Hutchinson, KS. She has worked as a Certified Nurses Aide, Certified Medication Aide, and Patient Care Assistant in long term care facilities and hospitals. Jennie earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Hutchinson Community Junior College. The last 20 years have been spent nursing in intensive care, rehabilitation, and specialty hospitals. With her emphasis in Geriatric Nursing, she has served in the capacity of Charge Nurse, Supervisor, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Director of Nursing in long term care and assisted living facilities. Jennie is currently the Director of Nursing at Chaucer Estates in Wichita and can be reached at (316) 630-8111. |
Senior Living
2005-01-01 09:20:00
When to give up caregiving?
ANSWER: Certainly there is much to be said for families who provide care for elderly loved ones. As our aging population increases in number and need, the demand on and for caregivers escalates. In a survey performed by the National Center for Health Statistics in the 1980's, 45% of persons age 65 years and older not living in institutions were found to have some degree of limitation in daily activities. In the year 2000 that number increased to 68%, and as our society continues to prolong the lives of people through advanced technology and medical treatment, the numbers will continue to grow.Function is impacted by psychological, biological, and social issues. Multiple chronic medical problems, depression, cognitive impairment, or lack of social supports or financial assets, either alone or in combination will seriously impact an older person's ability to carry out daily functions. The complex needs of the elderly have initiated the search for competent daily caregivers. For a spouse, son or daughter to act the role of primary caregiver for an elderly relative becomes a multi-dimensional, multi-faceted decision-making process.Elder care has become an entity all its own; books have been written on the subject and line the shelves in libraries and bookstores. Following a few basic guidelines will assist you through the process and guide you toward a workable solution. One issue is safety, for the caregiver and the elder. Safety involves fall prevention, environmental factors, and elopement. If the elder has some degree of dementia and requires constant supervision, keep in mind how limiting that situation can be for the caregiver. Abuse and neglect are often the result of resentment, fatigue, and stress suffered by the caregiver. Seek assistance from professional resources at the first symptom of this syndrome. Maintaining a healthy, loving relationship with the elder is important. You need breaks from each other.A second factor is one of physical ability and health. As a caregiver you may be required to lift, bathe, dress, and toilet the elder. Are you able to transfer the loved one from chair to bed alone? Do you have medical ailments that may be exacerbated by this type of activity? If the answer is no, you can not lift, bathe, or transfer, and yes, you do have medical issues, seek professional caregiving assistance. When the physical, mental, or emotional health of the caregiver deteriorates, the quality of life for everyone is compromised. Remember such deterioration may be secondary to the stress caregiving challenges induce. The same deterioration may also be observed in the elder as they feel the stress too, and experience their own depression, grief, and anxiety.A third consideration is the financial feasibility of providing the primary care for an elder. Young people are struggling to juggle home and work; often the need for both parents to maintain steady employment is paramount. Home care does not provide health care insurance, retirement plans, social security benefits, or paid time off for illness. Take a serious look at financial obligations and how they will be met before you consider becoming a primary caregiver.There is never a wrong time to ask for professional assistance with caregiving. The health care arena offers a plethora of options. Boundaries are not well defined and many of the resources overlap. Explore your options and make an informed decision. Optimal quality of life for you and your loved one is the ultimate goal, and health care professionals in all venues are available to aid in obtaining and maintaining that goal. When, where, who, and how? Choosing the course that is right for your own situation requires thought, discussion, and research. Discuss with the elder what they prefer; there are those who do not wish family members to provide primary care. Do not allow guilt to interfere with the decision to call the pros. We respect your individual needs and will provide services accordingly, promoting optimal quality of life for everyone. Contact the KS Department on Aging for information about Health Care Resources, support groups, long term care facilities, and assisted living facilities.
