Resources for the Care of Elderly Family Members

Aging parents and family members need continued love and care, but sometimes the scope of care simply falls beyond a family member's abilities or experience. Recognizing when to ask for help reduces anxiety and stress for everyone. If elders are in relatively good health, their needs may be few. But if they have health problems, use a wheelchair, or suffer from painful or debilitating symptoms, family members may need to seek outside support services. From live-in assistance to adult family homes, options are available to ensure your family member will receive the very best care. Always do the research and follow up. Kindness and compassion are key.

Community Centers and Day Activities

• Most towns, even small ones, have a center where elders can gather for social time, watching films, playing cards, listening to music and even exercising. Try contacting your church or spiritual leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, and senior groups. Hospitals might also know of such groups. Many programs welcome those who use a wheelchair. Make sure your elderly family member is happy at the location you choose; if not, find a different group.

In-home Services

• Visiting nurses and home health aides can become like part of the family.

  Many hospitals and health centers offer nursing or other health care services to assist elders. These range from bringing meals, to coming by for check-ups on vital signs, to providing physical therapy. You can hire nurse's aides to come in to help your family member with daily activities such as showering or health needs. Doctors and alternative care providers can assist you in arranging for help. Some of these programs are covered by Medicare or other insurance; if not, many states have forms of assistance if an elder is unable to afford such care. Investigate all routes, and if you aren't happy with a certain health care provider or aide, ask for a replacement. If your family has an elder who has spiritual needs, contact their clergy member or find a spiritual services provider who will visit the home.

Live-In Help

• Sometimes an elder will need 'round-the-clock care. Live-in home health aides or nurses can be hired to work a shift to help with personal care such as cooking, or with medical care such as taking vital signs, dealing with medications, and assessing progress. Sometimes live-in help is needed only short term. Depending on the location and availability of family members, a live-in helper or home health aide might be a solution for either temporary or long-term needs. No elder wants to spend days and weeks in a medical facility or rehabilitation center if possible. They would far prefer to be home, which is often the healthiest place for most people once their condition or health concern has stabilized. Talk this over with the person's physicians to discern the best possible outcome.

National and State Resources

• The National Institute on Aging offers a number of resources on senior health care. The Social Security Administration can help with programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for low-income elders over 65 (see Resources). Each state has programs that help or advocate for elders. Some of these help with getting medical equipment installed in a home, others help with assuring food needs are met. Some provide transportation to and from doctor's appointments or for shopping and other needs. The challenges with these institutions vary, so your patience is required, as is thoroughness in any application process. The elders matter, and your concern will help their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.