{"id":5607,"date":"2023-04-24T08:00:15","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T12:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/125\/?p=5607"},"modified":"2023-10-25T10:13:04","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T14:13:04","slug":"navigating-the-challenges-of-long-term-home-care-in-boston-northwest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/68\/bostonnw\/massachusetts\/blog\/navigating-the-challenges-of-long-term-home-care-in-boston-northwest\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating the Challenges of Long-Term Home Care"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although it\u2019s a labor of love, looking after a friend or relative for an extended period of time can be overwhelming for even the most capable informal caregivers<\/a>. As needs change, long-term home caregivers must manage a unique set of challenges to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable. If you currently find yourself in this position, following these tips will help you more seamlessly navigate the home care landscape as the days transition into months and even years.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Research Your Loved One\u2019s Condition<\/h2>\n

Consult your loved one’s healthcare providers to learn all you can about their illness, condition, or disease. What are their anticipated, specific care needs over the short- and long-haul? Obtain additional information from books, pamphlets, and the internet. Are there any new skills you need to learn; for instance, how to safely transport someone who uses a wheelchair<\/a> or home oxygen?<\/p>\n

Prioritize Their Home Care Needs<\/h2>\n

Based on your loved one’s immediate needs, use a log or journal to record their eating patterns, medications, and physical signs. With their permission, modify the home environment<\/a> to support special needs like a walker, wheelchair, etc.<\/p>\n

If other informal caregivers are involved, make a caregiving calendar<\/a> based on each one\u2019s skills and availability. As the primary caregiver, you’ll also need to create a backup plan if something happens to you.<\/p>\n

Use a Caregiving Team Approach<\/h2>\n

Write down all the specific activities of daily living<\/a> (ADLs) needs your loved one has, including hygiene, transportation, and meals. Once you have your list, discuss ways to meet those needs with the care recipient and \u201cdraft\u201d a care team<\/a> based on each member\u2019s skills and experience.<\/p>\n

It is also essential to be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Using a team approach, don\u2019t be afraid to enlist the help of others based on their time and talents \u2013 as a failure to do so could result in caregiver burnout<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Take Advantage of Community Resources<\/h2>\n

Most communities offer services that support care recipients and their families. Start by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging<\/a>. Look into other resources like adult daycare programs, meal delivery services, paratransit services, and professional home care. You can also contact organizations specific to your loved one\u2019s disease or health condition; for example, the Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Keep Crucial Information Organized<\/h2>\n

Organize your loved one\u2019s financial information, like bills, loans, bank accounts, and insurance policies. Photocopy important documents, including their social security card, driver\u2019s license, and insurance cards. Write down their doctors\u2019 names, addresses, and phone numbers, along with the medical names of illnesses, medical insurance information, prescription numbers, names, and doses.<\/p>\n

Anticipate Their Future Care Needs<\/h2>\n

Educate yourself on the long-term prognosis of your loved one. For instance, if they have a terminal disease, hospice care<\/a> may be needed in the future. After assessing their finances, speak to a financial advisor who understands long-term care issues.<\/p>\n

Talk to an eldercare lawyer about health care proxy, durable power of attorney, and related topics. If possible, work with a geriatric care manager<\/a> to help organize and facilitate family meetings and define clear expectations.<\/p>\n

Take Care of Yourself<\/h2>\n

Most importantly, keeping your loved one safe and comfortable relies on your ability to avoid caregiver burnout<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Use these self-care tips:<\/p>\n