Thanks Giving and Care Giving
Western Springs, IL (November 12, 2007) – This holiday season, as families gather to give thanks, many will also give care. Over 40% of older adults struggle with at least one independent living activity*1. According to Michael Doepke, Co-Owner of Home Helpers, “many families first notice the need for care at holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving, Kwanza, Hanukkah and Christmas.”
Being together for an extended period is often when it becomes apparent that a loved one may be struggling. Seeing a loved one in a variety of situations often makes the challenges he or she may be facing more obvious.
“When people think of activities of daily living, most think of personal care activities. Personal care includes bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding and transferring. Long before most people need help with personal care, they need assistance with living activities associated with independent living, says Doepke.”
Independent living activities also know as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), include the following:
- Preparing meals
- Managing money (writing checks, paying bills)
- Shopping for groceries or personal items
- Maintaining a residence/performing housework (e.g. laundry, cleaning)
- Managing medications
- Using a telephone
- Handling mail
- Traveling via car or public transportation
So how do you know if a loved one may be struggling? Here are a few helpful hints:
- DISEASE – Consider how a disease may make aspects of everyday life challenging. For example, a person with Dementia may struggle with logic, judgment, decision making and reasoning.
- ENVIRONMENT – Consider how a person’s living arrangements may present challenges or safety concerns. For example, steps, throw rugs, overloaded extension cords, and unsecured handrails may be hazards.
- SUPPORT – Consider the availability of friends and family and the type of support a person may need. For example, is someone available to shovel snow or clear debris left by a storm, help with transportation, or share an occasional meal or casserole?
- ACCESS – Consider how a loved one might get in touch with family, neighbors and emergency personnel should help be needed. For example, are ICE (in case of emergency) numbers readily available or does a person have an in-home personal emergency response system?
Caregivers make life easier for people who desire or require assistance with daily living activities. Caregivers include unpaid family members and friends who lend a helping hand to those in need. They also include paid professionals trained to provide assistance.
Doepke says, “Many families rely on organizations like Home Helpers for day-to-day caregiving services or to supplement the care they provide.” Some people simply do not have the flexibility to provide the necessary level of care a loved one may need. Doepke adds, “care provided in the comfort of a person’s home is an affordable, flexible option which offers a viable option to loved ones needing care.”
