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How to Get to Know Your Loved One’s Neighbors
Claire Wentz contacted me and asked if I would
be interested in a guest post on caregivers. I said I would be interested if it is relevant to those of us Living with Kennedy's Disease or another type of progressive neuromuscular disorder. Below is an interesting primer on
the subject along with links to additional resources. Thanks, Claire.
Summary
Caregivers ensure the safety, health, and happiness of those who
cannot care for themselves. Many people find themselves in a caregiving
position as senior loved ones age and develop common disabilities. If you are a
caregiver for a family member that lives in another area, tap into the power of
community to help. You may be surprised at how many neighbors are willing to
lend a helping hand when it comes to caring for seniors.
What
is a Caregiver?
When a person is unable to live alone safely,
they often rely on a family member or loved one to step in as caregiver. A caregiver helps the person for
which they are caring with the activities of daily living. They typically
assist with basic living needs such as bathing, dressing, and grooming as well
as any special medical needs. Caregivers are responsible for making sure there
are meals prepared and that the person in need of care eats enough. They ensure
that all housekeeping and transportation needs are met as well. Caregivers are
also intermediaries between the cared and medical professionals-- doctors,
nurses, specialists, etc. Furthermore, caregivers are a source of companionship
for people. They help prevent loneliness and the medical complications that
can result from it.
While people of all ages and conditions need
caregivers, many people don’t find themselves in the position of needing one
until they approach their senior years. As we grow older, health complications
tend to increase. Because of this, older Americans are more likely to live with a disability than
younger people. According to survey research from 2015, about a quarter (25.4
percent) of Americans ages 65 to 74 are living with a disability. About half
(49.8 percent) of those ages 75 and older report living with a disability. Mobility problems are the most common health
complication among older Americans.
When your senior loved one is incapable of
taking care of themselves due to a health complication, it’s not always
possible to pack up and move to where they live. In these situations, many
people find themselves acting as a long-distance caregiver. As a long-distance
caregiver, you face many challenges. Luckily, there are resources that can
help.
It
Takes a Village
We often here “it takes a village” in relation
to bringing up a child, but the term can be equally meaningful when it comes to
the care of seniors. America was founded on the idea that a person can be
whomever and do whatever they want, which leads a lot of us to search for
opportunities away from home. We don’t have the same cultural values as places like Japan, where
children are expected to dutifully tend to their parents. It is possible to
adhere to your American independence while caring for your older loved ones; it
just takes some networking and creativity.
Organizations such as A Little Help connect seniors and their
caregivers to the community around them. When the caregiver can’t be around to
assist with certain activities, the service allows them to reach out to friends
and neighbors who can. Organizations like A Little Help allow seniors with
disabilities to maintain independence into their 80s or 90s,
even when their primary caregiver doesn’t live in the same area. Beyond normal
caregiving services, they can also help seniors with transportation, household
and yard maintenance, and maintaining a healthy and active social life.
Beyond working with programs like A Little
Help, long-distance caregivers can connect to their senior loved one’s
community in other ways:
●
Plan a neighborhood potluck for the next time you are in town.
Have neighbors and friends bring over their favorite recipes and set up some
get-to-know-you games. Don’t ask for
help during the party, but do have a guest book where people can log their
phone numbers and email addresses.
●
Create a street or neighborhood Facebook
group people can join. People are more likely to lend a hand if they
know there is a network they can reach out to when they need one as well.
●
Go on walks with your senior loved one around the
neighborhood. Stop and talk to people as you pass them walking their dogs or if
you see them hanging out in their garages or front porches.
****
Should
you wish to learn more, visit Caring FromAfar or email Claire by clicking on her name.
