Category Archives: Help

Vital Information Not Just for Caregivers

Posted on by

Are you familiar with these terms: Durable Power of Attorney? Health Care Directive? Advanced Directives? What is the difference between a Living Will and a Health Care Directive? Have you made end of life decisions for yourself as well as your family (all ages)? Are they up-to-date? Does the physician and hospital have copies?

We are often careful to make sure these things are in place for the elderly; for those in our care. However, every day we hear of accidents, crimes, and illnesses with no respect to age or infirmity. Suppose you or a loved one faces a major crises; have decisions been made before hand concerning the wishes of the individual?

Recently I attended an End of Life Seminar presented by a Hospital Hospice Group. Every individual should attend such a conference. In our state of Missouri, hospice groups not only provide for the individual nearing death, they provide needed resources for the client and family. They are equipped to answer concerns about financial needs and grief counseling. Hospice is also suited for dealing with pain; it is what they do on a regular basis and they are very good at it.

Only when you are no longer able to make or communicate your decisions does your advance directive go into effect. Generally it is effective until the time of your death and is valid in another state, especially if it is both notarized and witnessed. The right to make an advance directive has been constitutionally affirmed. Healthcare providers have both legal and ethical duties to respect the patient’s wishes.

I know from personal experience, even knowing Mother’s wishes, it is often difficult to let them go when that time comes. We want to hold on to our loved ones as long as possible. Let me give you a sentence to hold on to that will help you immensely in that situation: It is not about you or me, it is about them. Remember their desires and honor what the patient wanted as much as possible.

In this short article, it is impossible to address these issues in depth. I am hoping I will have perked your interest enough to seek out some help and make sure these things are in place for yourself, your client, and your family. Contact your local hospice groups for direction and help. Many of these issues can be handled safely and legally through local agencies without the cost of attorneys. Be sure you know your state’s requirements.

I believe the most important end of life issue was settled on the cross. For myself, I know where I am going and Jesus paid the price. I’m thankful for the peace that promise brings. I would like to simply close my eyes some night and open them in the arms of the Lord but that is not mine to determine. However, I want to do all I can to make my leaving easier for those who will care for me in the end. I hope this article will be of help to you.

Hugs and Blessings,

Click on the box in the upper right hand corner for my newsletter and free gifts. Be sure to leave a comment, I want to hear from you.

Caregiver goes Furniture Shopping Lift Chair Options

Posted on by

The physician wrote an order for a lift chair and we quickly headed for a local medical equipment store. It had been some time since Mother could get out of her chair by herself and the tugging and lifting was hard on her and on us. I was sure this would be an easy answer to a difficult situation.

The chair we chose was perfect—right color, right size for the space, and right price. She was a giggly girl as she sat down and tried to get comfortable in her new chair. Her short, stubby frame was perched on the edge of the cushion and her legs dangled not touching the floor. I helped her scoot back into the chair and raised the foot rest only to watch the back automatically recline as the foot rest came up.

She was not happy! I was not happy! I had hoped this purchase would not only help her get up and down easily, but also enable her to keep her legs elevated. Obviously, I had more shopping to do, much to learn, and many more chairs to try.

Consider four types of chairs from my “Lift Chair 101 Class” before you shop.

  1. Determine if your need is only to raise the legs while in a sitting position (and not necessarily fully recline). A Two Position Lift Chair is most economical for those just needing help getting up.
  2. A Three Position Lift Chair adds a recline position although not a full recline. Again, this chair fits a modest budget and is usually available in many colors and fabrics.
  3. Most manufacturers list an Infinite Position Lift Chair which is the most versatile of all. This chair elevates the feet above the heart and has separate controls for the foot rest and the back; it will recline fully. Naturally with more choices comes a bigger price tag.
  4. There are now available Heavy Duty Lift Chairs for those with weights of 350# up to 700# and those who are taller than average.

Medicare may pay for the lift mechanism (usually $250 – $300) only if they have not paid on a manual or power wheelchair. You will want to check Medicare guidelines in your state.

In my next newsletter, I will offer eight specific things you need to know before you shop for a lift chair. I will also tell you the specific solution to Mother’s dilemma and why we made that choice for her.

Hugs,

P.S.  Click the button at the upper right corner of my website at www.susiekinslowadams.com and sign up for the newsletter; it will be helpful to you.  I welcome your comments and questions. Have a blessed week.

5 Tips to Add Time to Caregivers Day

Posted on by

First, let me say the obvious, there is no more time. We have twenty four hours in each day, no more and no less. Therefore, what we do in that time may need evaluating.

What takes up your day? Do you often miss appointments and have to reschedule them? How much time is spent searching for some needed item? Do you simply reshuffle unending stacks of papers?

Are you absolutely overwhelmed and far too busy to organize? After you care for your loved one, your family, and yourself, there is neither time nor energy left for any project.

I have a simple solution for you and you can do it. Carefully read through the following helps and choose one item you will work on-just one! Try this for a week and I promise you will feel less stressed and more productive.

1. Declutter. Start small; do not take on an entire room! Each day choose one table or one drawer to clean out. Be sure to have a trash bag handy and use it! Bonus: by doing only one area at a time, you can return items to their proper place as you sort. Do you hear that? Do not make another stack somewhere!

2. Calendar Everything. Everything. Hang a very large calendar in a highly visible area, preferably near a telephone. Thumbtack a string to the wall with a pencil attached. We all know that pencils have a mind of their own and walk off when you aren’t looking.

3. Keep a to-do list. Each night make a list for the next day. Very important: keep this list short and do-able. There will be unavoidable interruptions—it’s the law of the land—allow for them as you make your list.

4. Do it now. As much as possible, tend to menial tasks immediately. Mail is a good example; it accumulates quickly while you are busy caring for others. Set aside five or ten minutes each day to deal with the mail (with our faithful trash sack handy).

5. Identify your personal time-robbers. In looking at my own schedule and applying these tips, I discovered the appeal of a new sales flyer or magazine kept me mesmerized for way too long. What to do? If I lay them aside for later I add to my “stacks of stuff”. I am learning to choose–you know this one–my faithful trash sack!

Trusting you enjoy all God’s blessings as you learn to wisely use the precious time He has given each of us.

Hugs,

Don’t leave without signing up for my Email Newsletter “Caring from the Heart” and Receive a Free Gift “8 Basic Tips for Caregivers”