Specific Medical Problems

Special Needs; Special Helpers

Your Aging Loved One may have a specific and serious condition or progressive disease.

Diabetes, Parkinson's Disease, heart condition or stroke, Alzheimer's or other dementia, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia,) incontinence, arthritis ... these are a few of many. He may already be in the care of a specialist or two.

A dietician is the best person to ask to help draw up a menu plan to accommodate special nutrition needs.

Incontinence

"Accidents" happen for a variety of reasons. To determine the cause and potential treatment, visit the GP.

Clothes become stained. The best way to clean the garments is to soak them in a mixture of 1 cup of borax and 10 cups of hot water for a few hours, then wash in the machine as usual.

Incontinent supplies (adult diapers) are readily available at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

Support Groups

There are support groups for almost anything you can name. A trip or a phone call to the pertinent office may yield brochures loaded with information and friendly, supportive people to answer your questions.

And you have added a phone number to the appropriate section of The File, correct? You're catching on.

Use your phone book for additional help or ask the GP. In many centers, there are volunteer drivers who take cancer patients to clinics, for example. There are support houses for out-of-town family visiting patients in hospitals. You will find willing and helpful hands when you ask.

Accept help with a smile. "Thank you. You are making life easier for Mom and for me."

Remember ... you are doing your charity stint right now.

A Giggle for you

"I didn't get old on purpose; it just happened. If you're lucky, it could happen to you."

- Andy Rooney

If you liked this article you might also like these:

Do it Yourself: Without outside approval, you can put in place many things to make life easier for your Aging Loved One. Here are tips to make time and your phone your new best friends.
Blister Packs: Blister packs help keep pills organized and simplify life for your Aging Loved One. They may help prevent over-doses and missed doses.
Dehydration: Your Aging Loved One may suffer from chronic dehydration without knowing it. Here are the symptoms and easy tips on how to avoid it.
Dental: Our Aging Loved Ones deserve good oral health which contributes to good overall physical and mental health. Do the dentures fit well? Do you notice bad breath?
Ears: Hearing loss in our seniors can creep up. I can hear just fine; people should stop mumbling. A visit to an audiologist may be a good idea.
Eyes: Eye health and good vision are important to our Aging Loved Ones. Schedule an eye examination if it is overdue.
Handicapped Parking Permit: Request a disability/handicapped parking permit if your Aging Loved One has mobility difficulties. Ask the GP about it.
Living Aids: A variety of aids are available to assist your Aging Loved One remain independent, safe and happy. A few simple aids can make a world of difference.
Medical Alarm: In-home medical alarm systems save lives and provide peace of mind, especially to you as the care-giver for your Aging Loved One.
Physical Safety in the Home: Practical tips are included here to increase safety in the home for a senior in your care. You can do many yourself; others will require professional help.
Simple Little Sticker: Follow the advice from the emergency response team: make this simple little sticker clearly visible to all responders.
The File: Label the file folder with the name of your Aging Loved One, learn how to use it efficiently, and your headaches (almost) will disappear! It all happens here.