Alanna Shaikh: How I'm preparing to get Alzheimer's

When faced with a parent suffering from Alzheimer's, most of us respond with denial ("It won't happen to me") or extreme efforts at prevention. But global health expert and TED Fellow Alanna Shaikh sees it differently. She's taking three concrete steps to prepare for the moment.  Click here to view the video

Serving Seniors Celebrates Independence Everyday

On July 4th, our country celebrates Independence Day. A day where we celebrate our country’s freedoms, our rights and liberties as citizens. What would happen if our freedoms and independence were taken away from us? For the elderly, that happens everyday. While caring for an elderly person, you want to do what’s best, but it’s hard to know at times what that is. If you’re the caregiver, you’re responsible for the health of that person plus you make decisions about their well-being. If that person is a member of your family, it’s becomes much harder to deal with. Because you have history with that person, knowing what they were like before they became dependent on you may actually affect your judgement. Independence for the elderly is not only physical freedom, it’s also mental, which is equally important.

A person’s independence is one of the most important attributes any person can possess and you should do all you can within your power to encourage independence of an elderly person in your care, whether it’s physical or mental. When a person loses their independence, they often lose the will to live. To help promote their independence, encourage the person in your care to do as much as they can for themselves.

By encouraging independence for your elderly loved one gives them a sense of pride and achievement. It will make them feel that they are not dependent on help from you or others and that they can still do something for themselves - no matter how small it may seem to you. Things like brushing their hair, writing letters, making phone calls, selecting what to wear that day, or doing some ironing, gives an incredible sense of accomplishment and independence.

However, if someone has everything done for them, it may mean that they will lose their sense of independence and, in some circumstances, it can lead to a less than positive reaction toward you or the care-giver, so, handle with care. Professional Geriatric Care Managers (PCGM’s) can offer great advice and guidance on what to do and what not to do. If you are trying a new activity with the elderly person in your care, make sure you supervise closely to make sure that they can’t do themselves any harm. Getting help from a PCGM can help you decide if an activity is suitable, especially if you have no previous expertise of caring for an elderly person.

This care with the goal of independence can form the foundation of your relationship with the elderly person under your supervision. They will appreciate that you are seeing them as individuals still capable of making a contribution to society and the world they live in. The may be reluctant at first, but when they see that you value their independence, they will appreciate you even more. That adds to a strong bonding relationship.

Serving Seniors Professional Geriatric Care Managers has a team of professional nurses and social workers trained in all areas of elder care. We’re committed to ensuring your elderly loved one receives the best care while maintaining their independence, plus the compassion and quality of life they deserve.

You and your family deserve the best. Serving Seniors is one of the 32 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

Explore our services and take advantage of our free senior care resources at our website for more information.

Call us at 877.375.SENIORS or contact us by e-mail. Enjoy your independence and help your elderly loved one enjoy theirs.

Thanks,

Diane