Household Help for Seniors in Dayton, OH

NOTHING MATTERS MORE THAN

INDEPENDENCE!!!

• It is human nature to want to do things on your own…to seek independence is key in the animal kingdom, including people!
• Toddlers struggle to walk, to climb, to build things…”NO HELP”, they shout, with a determined look on their little faces!
• Adolescents show their struggles toward independence by being defiant, creating their own distinct “look” and distancing themselves from family ties….weaning themselves toward an independent adult life.
• Teens begin to earn money for things they “want”, choose their own circle of friends apart from family ties, formulate their own opinions about social issues, and spend less and less time “in the nest”.
• Adults are independent, and enjoy the benefits as well as pay the price of independence….obligations, financial struggles, family issues, career building  and all that encompasses being an adult in our society
• And then the process of aging begins, slowly at first with recognition of subtle limitations, perhaps changing health, and increased recognition of loss…loss of physical capacity, energy, health, driving privileges, mental acuity, friendships, ability to do all of the things we once did….yet
• We struggle toward the surface as a person going deeper and deeper underwater struggles to come to the top for air…
• We struggle to retain our independence, to maintain our faculties and capabilities in pursuit of the goal of PROVING we can be independent
• But…….sometimes, through no fault of our own, we lose ground, and we need help, and we finally recognize that we can no longer do it on our own…..or do we?
• Sometimes it is a family member who recognizes that safety is an issue, and intervenes with suggestions for assistance, and what happens?
• The rebellious teen returns in the body of a Senior Citizen! “NO HELP” they shout! “I CAN DO IT ON MY OWN”!  (Did they learn this from their own children all those years ago? Payback is no fun!)
• It is here that adult children and family caregivers need to step back and evaluate the needs of the Senior and determine what is most important and how compromises can be reached.
• There are alternatives to caring for parents

1. a.    Family members see to needs
2. b.    Senior is placed in a facility
3. c.     Community resources are tapped…adult day services, meals on wheels, senior transportation services
4. d.    A Geriatric Manager is hired to coordinate services
5. e.    In home services are arranged…Non-medical: Companion, Household Help, and Personal Assistance, and skilled services from a Medical In-Home Provider if required

How does all of this work and can some of these plans be implemented together to meet the changing needs of a geriatric patient

Is this a fluid situation that requires many options and choices for the family and the Senior?

How can a SW or an RN in a facility best help families?

1. 1.    Understand that there are choices?
2. 2.    Have access to appropriate resources?
3. 3.    Make the right decisions using evaluation tools to determine the best solution?

Most families fall into two categories:

1. 1.    Denial
2. 2.    Over-zealous with a desire to “do it all”

By Sherri Kumle