aging parents Archives - Ducks 'n a Row

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone #ConquerInco #Collective Bias

It is to be expected that as our parents age their need for our assistance will increase. Sometimes we recognize it. Sometimes we do not. From experience, I can say that the more frequently you check in on mom and dad (or grandma and grandpa) the more likely it will be that you will recognize when things have changed.

My mom was the first to decline. That was a surprise to all of us since she had been a “force to be reckoned with” in her younger years. She was the planner. She was our “life guard.” She was an in-charge kinda gal. When she was no longer able to care for herself, Dad did most of it for her.

After mom passed away, Dad started losing ground. Each of us took up parts of the job of taking care of him, according to what we were able to do. My brother and his wife did the lion’s share of the work in the beginning.

Happily, when dad needed us most, there was so much more I could do. As a writer my work can travel with me, so I was able to spend lots of time with him. We went on fun outings to the zoo, the Erie Canal, the lake, ate many lunches together and one day we even went to the mall! I loved it and dad did, too.

Team work makes caregiving easier and more enjoyable Here are some planning tips and 2 free printables, too! #Conquerinco #ad

When you step into the role of caregiver, planning is your best friend. As you divide up the work load among your team members remember that good communication is key. Get together over a cup of coffee and discuss who will do what.

Make a list of what needs to be done. Dependng on the person’s needs these things may include: household chores, shopping, paying bills, setting appointments, transportation to appointments, organizing medications, doing their laundry, help with meals.
Decide which duties each one is able to perform and when.
Select a leader to be the point-person. (i.e. if you are unable to get things done on time or are running into other difficultes, that is the person who you will call.)
Keep in touch with each other. (ie. if you took grandpa to his dental appointment, call or email the team to let them know how it went and what the next step will be.)
Plan some fun times with your loved one and each other. Watch a movie together, play a game of cards, scrapbook or just visit and catch up on old times.

Keep things as simple as possible and be sure to write things down. I love my smart phone but having had a few glitches with it has taught me that an old fashioned checklist can do a person a world of good!

Here are two lists that I have created that you can print out. One is a “Keeping On Top Of Things” list that is meant to help you remember things that will need to be done. The other is a shopping list that will help jog your memory to get things that you are running low on.

Keeping On Track List

Shopping Reminders List

Two Pieces of Advice to the Caregivers:

1. Save yourself time and energy wherever possible. Don’t go get it if it can come to you.

2. If you do have to go, find a place that has everything you need!

aging, senior citizens, incontinence products

That’s why one-stop shopping at Sam’s Club is a dream come true for caregivers. Your Sam’s Club membership opens the door to all kinds of help. Everything you need is right there in the club to conquer inco. Their adult care products, such as the Member’s Mark Total Protection Adult Adjustable Briefs, are top quality yet the price is so much better than the other highly advertised brands. I found the briefs on the aisle nearest their pharmacy.

These briefs with their super absorbency will give you confidence that your loved one will stay dry and comfortable wearing them. Member’s Mark Total Protection Adult Adjustable Briefs have all around breathable zones to keep the wearer dry as possible with cool comfort and adjustable side panels for secure fit. They feature odor-guard technology, too.

Now, you will love this for saving time and energy ⇒ Sam’s Club members can place their orders online by 5pm and pick it up at the club anytime the next day! Be sure to look into all the benefits of the various memberships. There are special member features and discounts including extra value drug list for hundreds of prescriptions for their plus members.

Above all, make the most of this special time with your loved one, creating fond memories for them and for yourselves. We did and we’d gladly do it again. Here is a picture of our most recent trip to see the boats at the canal. It was such a beautiful day.

Do you refer to the online reviews before buying? Well, it will be a great help to the next person if, after you or your loved one has tried the Member’s Mark Total Protection products, you go to the Sam’s Club website and leave a review!

Enjoy!

elder care, senior citizens, grandmother, grandfather

Have you checked on your mom, dad or grandparents lately?

If you haven’t, it’s time.

As people age, their needs change. Very capable, independent adults will require more help, even if they don’t think so. Do not just go on their “all is well” unless you’ve actually seen them recently. It may be true that things are fine but someday they may not be. Go on over and visit them. Get eyes on the situation.

Here are some practical things you can do to watch over these beloved senior citizens:

Keep in touch. If they are still able to use a phone, call them but don’t leave it at that. Go visit them, too. They need to see your face. They need a hug. They need company. Do not take “no” for an answer. As conditions decline, older people often cover their tracks. They may be scared, embarrassed or clueless but they need you, now more than ever.
Remember that they are still adults. Don’t talk down to older people, treat them with respect. Love them. Be patient. Remember that at one time they were the revered school teachers, engineers, doctors and CEO’s. They ran things!
Ask if you can check their medicine cabinet. Look for expired prescriptions. Look for evidence that meds are not being taken properly. Help them stay on track with a pill organizer. Sit down together to fill it. Show them how it works.
Go with grandma or grandpa to their doctors’ appointments. If you cannot get them into your car, find a medical transport service in your area and enlist their help. Be sure to go along, too, and bring their insurance card and medical records with you. Keep track of followup visits, as well.
Fix things. Are there burnt out light bulbs to be replaced? Loose handles to tighten? Laundry to be done? Eliminate lifting and other difficult tasks making life easier and safer. Remove tripping hazards, such a throw rugs, that could cause a fall. Cut the lawn. Shovel the snow. Take care of the details.
Check the refrigerator and cupboards. Are there expired foods that need to be thrown out? Is there enough food? Are they eating? Come eat with them whenever you can or bring them to your home for a meal. When you cannot do this, have meals ready in the freezer that can easily be prepared.
Check their mail. Are there unpaid bills that need attention? Renewals of drivers’ licenses, insurance policies and such? Offer to go over their bank statements and credit card bills with them to be sure that their money is safe and all is well.
Get an emergency medical alert call button. They can be worn as a bracelet or necklace. There are also styles that can be strategically mounted on the wall, table or counter-top.
Monitors & alarms: Make sure that there are working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor that sound an alarm. Install a baby monitor or “granny cam” if needed. Privacy is important but safety is all the more so. Let grandma and grandpa know it is there and what it is for.
Recognize your limitations. Hire a visiting assistant to come by when you can’t. Reach out to other family members, helpful neighbors and your church. Build a support team so that you’re not in this alone.
Put yours and other important phone numbers near the phone. Though they may have them memorized now, there may come a day that they won’t be able to recall them or how to use speed dial. In the same vein, put a readable calendar plus a pen near the phone for them to keep track of important dates.
Enlist legal help. Attorneys who specialize in geriatric cases are a valuable resource. They can advise you on how to protect your parents / grandparents’ money and, if needed, walk all of you through applying for Medicaid and finding the other services you need.

What tips do you have for us that will help us protect and care for the older generation? Please share!

Have you checked on Grandma lately?
12 tips on how to keep the aging safe.

Click to Tweet

Enjoy!

Other Resources⇒

Note: this author is an Amazon affiliate. Any purchases you make from Amazon through the Ducks ‘n a Row blog – by first clicking on an Amazon ad, link or using the Amazon search window- will at NO extra cost to you result in a small commission for me. In advance, thank you for shopping Amazon through me! … Sinea

Help Your Aging Parents The Most By Working As A Team

12 Tips On How To Help Your Aging Parents