How to Handle Caregiver Concerns and Advocate for an Older Loved One

Trusting someone you love to the care of someone else is not easy, particularly for a senior member of the family. Whether a loved one is at home or in a facility, you’ll have questions you need answered to alleviate any caregiver concerns you may have. You will also want to be prepared to advocate for the older adult to proactively manage any possible problems and to quickly resolve issues that do happen.

For example, examine the following typical caregiver concerns and how to most effectively advocate if they occur with a senior you love:

  • You live at a distance. Thanks to technology, it is much easier than ever before to stay close to a long-distance relative and also to keep a finger on the pulse of how things are going. Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype with the senior frequently to check in. If a family portal is available for the care provider and family members to share comments and notes, make full use of this communication tool. And if you’re unable to visit in person, ask a friend or other family member who lives close by to stop in regularly.
  • Your loved one has Alzheimer’s. A loved one with Alzheimer’s may not be able to effectively communicate their needs and wishes. As an example, a new caregiver may not realize that Dad wears inserts in his shoes, and she may put his shoes on each day without them. Dad may not know how to express this need or might have forgotten about the inserts and start to become uncomfortable that day. Or he might act out because he is experiencing discomfort, which could lead to other issues. Advocate for the older adult by sharing even the littlest details about the person’s preferences with the care provider.
  • You are concerned about challenging behaviors. In the event the senior is susceptible to aggression, wandering, angry outbursts, hoarding, or other difficult behaviors, you might feel ashamed or embarrassed. Though you may prefer not to discuss the issue, it’s a good idea to share it openly with the care provider. More likely than not, they will have knowledge about successfully dealing with an array of personalities and personal nuances and will be able to incorporate strategies which will work best together with your loved one.

Seniorcorp partners with families, working together to ensure the best quality of care and life for older adults, through customized services such as:

  • Running errands
  • Transportation and accompaniment
  • Companionship for fun conversations and activities
  • Meal planning and preparation
  • Personal care for safe baths/showers, getting dressed, etc.
  • Light housekeeping and laundry
  • And more

Email or call us at 757-640-0557 to learn more about our companion care in Chesapeake and the surrounding areas. We would be happy to schedule a free in-home consultation to allow us to get to know each other and to develop a care plan to best meet the needs of an older adult you love.