Tips to Make Family Caregiving Easier

Medical science advances are increasing lifespan and quality of life - but. The 'but' is that the increased longevity has increased the number of people who need help with daily living activities and supervision due to dementia. The consequences affect families and finances. 

Medical science advances are increasing rapidly in all areas of health care, including devices and technology. Industry trade shows are continually revealing these advances every year.

This is all good news, but longevity has many challenges. 

The problem is if you don't die, you live. When you live, you age, and aging issues mean a higher risk of needing long-term health care services. 

The consequences of getting older are simple - an older spouse or adult daughter or daughter-in-law becomes the caregiver in addition to their own career and family responsibilities OR you pay for professional care from your income and savings. 

Sometimes you might have family caregivers and have paid care services as well. 

More Men Becoming Caregivers Out of Necessity 

Because of aging issues, we now see more men becoming caregivers as well. Millions of men are now the primary caregivers for their ill and aging loved ones. According to AARP, two out of five unpaid caregivers in the United States are men.

People need long-term care due to illness, accidents, or the impact of aging. Alzheimer's and dementia are one of many reasons a person may need care, and the pressure on family members is tremendous. 

Without Long-Term Care Insurance, the family faces a crisis. Accounts must be drained to pay for care. A family member may have to leave their job to take on the role of caregiver. Family caregivers face many challenges as they attempt to take on a job they were untrained and unprepared for, but that is what they must do. 

The FDA Provides Seven Tips for Caregivers

• Keep a List of Medicines for Each Person You Care For

The list of your loved one's medications (and doctors) should include over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbs. Keep this list with you (or with your loved one) at all times. Bring this list to doctor visits, and remember to ask any questions you may have. Read more here.

• Give the Right Amount of Medicine

Ask the health care provider how much medicine you should give and when you should give it. Use the measuring cup or device that comes with the medicine. Read more here.

• Lock up Medicines

Keep all drugs out of reach of children, teens, and older adults who can harm themselves. Make sure medicines are taken by the person it was meant for. Click here to learn more.

• Make Food Safety a Priority

Those you care for may have a higher risk of getting sick from the wrong food. Ask your doctor if there are certain foods that you should avoid giving your loved one. Also, remember food safety when preparing meals. Follow four easy rules: clean, separate, cook, and chill. More information can be found by clicking here.

• Use Home Medical Devices Safely

Talk to a doctor about how to safely use medical devices. Ask the doctor to show you and your loved one how to use the device correctly. Also, get the facts about hearing aids.

• Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Make a plan for how you will care for your loved one in case of an emergency. Have backup supplies and medical information. Notify your electric company and fire department if you have a medical device that needs power. More information can be found here.

• Take Time to Care for Yourself

Stay consistent with your own doctor's appointments and well-being. Often, an informal family caregiver faces their own health issues due to the stress and time required. No matter the caregiver's age, paying attention to your health is critical for you and your family.

When caring for someone else, it is easy to forget your own needs. When you fail to take care of yourself, it becomes harder to care for your loved one properly. 

Again, remember to take the time to care for your own health. Use these tips to help you stay healthy for those who need you.

• For women: schedule your mammogram. Find a location near you. 

• Talk to your doctor about feelings of depression and anxiety.

• Take time to care for your health - important tips on a variety of health topics.

• Learn how to manage caregiver stress.

As more men enter this stereotypically female sphere, it is essential to consider what tools and resources male caregivers need to succeed. Read this if you are a male caregiver by clicking here. 

13 Secrets that Make Caregiving Easier

AgingCare offers these 13 tips to make the role of a caregiver easier on everyone -click here.

These articles are also very helpful:

• Healthy Aging Tips for Women

• Food Safety for Older Adults

• Medicines and You: A Guide for Older Adults  

Are You Prepared for Your Aging?

One of the most critical parts of your own retirement plan should be addressing your future aging concerns to limit the impact on your spouse and children. Since long-term health care will impact you, your family, your savings, and your lifestyle, addressing the costs and burdens of aging should be part of your pre-retirement checklist. 

Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance will safeguard your savings and reduce the burdens placed on loved ones. When you own an LTC policy you give your loved ones the time to be family instead of caregivers.

Most states offer partnership programs that provide additional asset protection if you own a Partnership Long-Term Care Policy. See the availability of partnership in your state along with available tax incentives by reviewing the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator. In addition to finding the current and future cost of long-term health care services, you will discover other important information pertaining to your state - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News.

Long-Term Care Insurance is Easy and Affordable Asset Protection. Before you retire, be sure you plan so you can avoid making your family your caregivers.