If you have an aging parent and a family of your own...and
you're a woman, chances are you will eventually be the one that will assist an aging parent or close friend with their affairs, personal care or coordination of care during their rehab and healing.
If your parent has a hospital stay for a broken hip after a
fall or has a knee replacement surgery, most likely they
will need supervision at home. In order to insure that they are safe and that they adhere to their physical therapy exercises, get healthy meals and good personal care, someone will need to help.
In most cases, you will likely only have a week or perhaps only a few days from the date of the surgery to prepare for their care at home. If they require 24/hr care, you will need to make some quick decisions about how to cover them 24 x 7 with reliable, trusted and experienced help (should you decide not to do it all yourself...recommended).
female family member. That may cause a woman to go into
overwhelm - even before she realizes what just happened to her. As
women, we are the healers and most often we want to help, so naturally
we say, "...sure...I'll take care of mom to make sure she is safe...," when the
doctor tells you the news that she must not be alone for at least the first few
weeks. If your parent was totally independent prior to entering the hospital,
this could be a tall order for them as well as for you. That is where our
desire to do for others, to serve selflessly and be of help can cause our own
affairs to fall behind or even to become chaotic before we know why.
Thank Goddess...help is available!
Some of the options are:
- Contact the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care
Managers.
A Geriatric Care Manager is trained in providing a home safety assessment and
recommend qualified, screened and reliable caregivers. There are local
references on the site. National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to request resources in
your area.
There is lots of helpful information and links to resources on the site.
National Area Agency on Aging
Contact Ellen's Angles a Woman's Organization designed to organize care groups
Ellen's Angles
Contact Elder Care Locator a government program to assist in locating caregivers.
ElderCare Locator
If you would like more information on any related issues regarding caring for someone with a medical or psychiatric condition, feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to help...(after taking necessary time-outs for self care...of course...smile.)
Heart & Soul Care Management & Consulting
Email: caremanager@vom.com
Web: Heart & Soul Care Management
