Senior care requires more than just you - it involves an entire team of people working together. One of the most important things that you can do for your loved one is to build a solid relationship with
everyone that is working to provide them with senior care. From doctors to nurses to home health aides, they all have valuable experience that can help to keep your loved one healthy and happy.

Coordinating senior care can be frustrating. Sometimes, it seems like no one communicates with anyone else. No one listens to you, and they forget what you told them. They clearly don't care what happens to your Mom. You start feeling so angry that you could hit someone. These feelings are normal - senior care is a stressful world. It's important to remember that everyone involved truly does want the best for your loved one, and there are some things that you can do to help ensure that Mom gets the best care possible.

Be Honest - Sometimes it's hard, but you have to be open and honest with your caregivers. If yesterday was a bad day and you had doughnuts for all three meals, admit it. That might explain Mom's upset stomach or bad mood. If you're overwhelmed, ask for help. If something is getting worse, don't hide it because you feel like you should be able to handle it. You never know what might be a symptom of something bigger, and some things are important to know about.

Teamwork - It's important to work as a team. Senior care can be very complicated, especially when dementia or other illnesses come into play. When you're on a team, you help each other out and are willing to take direction. Always follow through with recommended treatments. If for some reason you can't, either they are refusing to take a medicine or it's too expensive or you just forgot, go back to number one and be honest about it.

Respect - Many people think of home health aides as unskilled, lowly workers, but that isn't always true. Not everyone can provide good senior care. It takes a special gift to be patient and loving even while caring for someone who isn't always cooperative. Acknowledge that they may have much more experience with senior care issues, and their input is valuable.
Say Thank You - Say thanks to your caregivers. They are working hard to keep your loved one safe, healthy, and happy. It isn't easy and it isn't always fun. Senior care often means days spent with uncooperative, confused people. Senior care patients may be depressed, angry, or feeling poorly. Caregivers, like everyone else, appreciate a kind word.

Be Involved - Be involved and a part of your loved one's senior care. Ask questions, share stories of your family member, and just be present as much as possible. Caregivers can't provide the best senior care if they don't know what you and your loved one want.

Realistic Expectations - Perhaps the most important thing is to have realistic expectations. Be understanding when the nurse's aide forgets Mom's favorite color or the allergy to feathers. Sometimes there isn't much time for fun activities, especially in a group setting. They are likely caring for many patients, and mistakes will occasionally happen. What's important is that they are making sure medications are taken, clothes are clean, Mom is eating and feeling okay.

For more articles and resources on senior care topics, please visit www.OurCareCommunity.com

Contributing Editor: Julie Sanocki, CNA
Julie is a graduate of the Certified Nursing Assistant program at Lanier Technical College and has over 10 years experience in elder care. Having been a family member arranging eldercare as well as a professional providing it, she understands the needs and concerns of all involved.


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