The decision to become a family caregiver for an aging parent in the Phoenix area can be one of the most challenging and rewarding choices you’ll ever make. Naturally, when taking a dive into elder home care you want to ensure that your senior loved one receives the best care available; so how do you prepare to become a caregiver? Start by arming yourself with information; use the internet, like you are now, and other home care resources to learn how to deal with the emotional aspects of caregiving.  Seek out additional resources within your local Phoenix community; including caregiver support groups, transportation services, adult day cares and local medical centers. Whether or not you and your senior will require some of the services today, it’s wise to have an understanding of what’s available when you need them.

It’s also important to work with your parents to have all the legal and financial documentation prepared and available should you need to assist them in managing their affairs. Ask them to put together a list of important account numbers and contacts and keep it in a safe and secure place. You don’t need to be savvy to the information today, but it’s a good idea to have it available. You should also ensure that your parents have a living will prepared, so that you can ensure their medical wishes are carried out appropriately if at some point they are unable to speak for themselves.

Sources:

1. Associated Content

2. Adsense Blog

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Most seniors and their families have heard of Meals on Wheels, but many don’t understand specifically what it does or exactly who is eligible to receive assistance from the program. As one of the original food delivery services for seniors, Meals on Wheels makes sure that all seniors receive nutritious healthy meals at home when their medical status prevents them from preparing their meals themselves.

The Meals on Wheels meal delivery program (please click on Meals on Wheels meal delivery program for local help in your area) for seniors is available in most major cities across the US and Canada. Many will deliver hot or cold meals to senior’s homes to ensure that their physical and medical limitations don’t prevent them from eating well. Many of these programs do accept suggested donation amounts for their meal services for seniors, but will continue to operate and provide meals whether or not seniors’ income levels enable them to contribute. For those who are not medically bound to their homes, Meals on Wheels also provides regular meals to seniors at a community setting, like community center, or community living facility for older adults.

Those seniors who live independently at home still struggle to manage the responsibilities of daily living, can continue to rely on meal delivery services like Meals on Wheels, but should also consider receiving assistance from a professional caregiving organization like Home Instead Senior Care, to help out with the non-medical responsibilities of home care.
Source:  Meals on Wheels (Wikipedia)

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

The Silver Haired Legislature, present in 31 states across the US, advocates the needs of aging adults, which includes providing guidance and support to their family members. One of the major issues that has been on the minds of the SHL relates to the sandwich-generation; those family caregivers who provide assistance to any aging relative, while raising their own young families and managing careers. Not only can providing care for an elderly parent or other relative take a physical toll on the lives of these Americans, but it can also carry a serious financial burden which only grows as life expectancy continues to rise. The Oklahoma SHL is trying to pass Senate Bill 725, which has been cleared by the Senate, but has not yet been heard by the House. This Bill will provide a tax deduction to families providing care and support for its elderly members.

Not only is The Silver Haired Legislature in many states focused upon legislation that will provide family caregivers financial support, they provide community resources through the Area Agency on Aging to help educate seniors and their families about rights, care issues, and other factors which can impact the lives of older adults. The Texas Silver Haired Legislature offers online courses for family caregivers; understanding that when balancing responsibilities, it’s important to offer educational resources which can be accessed at their convenience. These courses provide useful tips relating to care techniques, provide community support for common care-related issues, and makes them aware of the resources available.

Once per session, the elderly advocates of The SHL meet to discuss and vote upon which issues faced by older Americans that they will present to the Senate. First, however, the groups in each state reach out to the senior community to learn about what issues the population believes requires government support. Every year, when the SHL and Senate are in session, the Texas Senior Advocacy Coalition organizes Senior Day at the Capitol. This took place at The Capitol in Austin on February 10th. Seniors and their families were invited to attend independently or with the groups they’re involved with where they had the opportunity to mingle with representatives of the SHL and of the state legislature to voice their concerns and learn about senior living resources. Seniors and their families are also welcome to contact SHL representatives directly by phone or email, or approach other state advocacy groups which will present the issues before the SHL.

The Silver Haired Legislatures across the United States exist to represent the needs of older adults.  So Families, it’s time to get yourselves and the seniors in your lives involved in advocacy for senior welfare.

Sources: http://www.oksenate.gov/news/press_releases/press_releases_2007/pr20070925b.html
http://www.txshl.org/training.cfm
http://www.txshl.org/calendar.cfm