Preparing for an In-Home Caregiver

Establish requirements and expectations

Seniors and/or family members should write down what they expect before hiring a caregiver. Keep in mind that the in-home caregiver may have his or her own requirements. A clear understanding will avoid problems later on. However, even when the caregiver has been hired, keep the lines of communication open and make adjustments.

Share stories about your loved one

Family members can share stories about their loved one that will foster relationship-building conversations between the in-home caregiver and senior. If the senior is experiencing cognitive decline, they may have difficulty talking about their remembrances of what is being shared, but they will still have a connection to those memories that the caregiver needs to understand.

Family members should also make an effort to learn about their caregiver. It could be casually asking about their family, hobbies, or favorite TV shows.

Talk about preferences

The caregiver will need to know the senior’s personal habits. Where do they like to eat in the house? How does the senior like his or her eggs?  What TV programs do they watch? What music do they listen to? How do they go about their morning routine?

Seniors have maintained their home and way of life for years. They have specific ways of doing things. A caregiver may not perform household chores in the same manner; therefore, having a caregiver in the home is quite an adjustment for most seniors. Find common ground, compromise, and consider what is best for everyone.

Keep communicating

Relationships need continuous attention and open communication. This involves not only telling the in-home caregiver what he or she is doing well, but what needs to be changed. For family members who live some distance from the senior, staying in touch with a caregiver may be the best source of information they have about their loved one.

Behaviors That Hurt Relationships

People communicate with each other in many different ways; what they say, how and when they say it, and with body language. Often, we do not realize that we are saying a lot about someone else by things such as:

• Eye rolling
• Sighing loudly
• Not paying attention to the other person
• Using a condescending or patronizing tone
• Being unresponsive

When interacting with the caregiver, give them your full attention. Don’t look around the room, check your watch, or stop to read a text. Listen to the other person. Show you are engaged.

Demonstrate a genuine interest in the other person. Caregivers are people, and people respond well to others who treat them as such. Seniors and family members should express to the caregiver the value he or she brings to the home.

Practice Patience

Caregiving is a tremendous responsibility and a constant learning experience. The vast majority of caregivers are deeply committed to the people they care for. But building a strong relationship does not happen in a day. Patience is a virtue that can establish bonds between people. It provides the time to see things in a more positive light, and can bring us to better understanding of each other.

For more tips on creating rewarding relationships, visit Bethesda’s assisted living blog.

The post Building Strong Relationships with Your In-Home Caregiver first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Health Benefits for Seniors with Pets

Pets provide a cure for loneliness, isolation, and depression in seniors. They comfort and heal. For example, according to the Mayo Clinic, owning a dog may improve heart health, because ownership increases physical activity for the dog owners, motivating them to get up and move. Having a dog has also been shown to improve mood, provide a source for socialization with fellow dog-lovers, restore a sense of purpose and improve their nutrition.

Pets make us better and healthier people. Cats, birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, or other creatures that inspire or intrigue us also provide a number of health benefits, such as:

• Lower blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol
• Reduced stress and depression
• Better recuperation after a heart attack, surgery, and illnesses
• Fewer medications needed than by those who don’t own pets

In short, caring for a pet makes it more likely that a senior will care for him or herself.

How to Choose the Best Pet for You

As a senior, selecting the pet that is ideal for you requires some self-evaluation. Some things to consider:

Have you owned a pet before? If you are used to a set routine, be prepared to alter that routine. However, if you are willing to accept some change, the reward of owning a pet can more than offset the effort required to make the needed adjustments.

What age pet works best for you? A puppy or kitten will require some training, and you need to consider who would take care of your pet should you become disabled, hospitalized, or if the pet would survive you.

If you need to move into a senior living community, does the community allow seniors with pets to take their animals with them?

What will be the financial cost of ownership for the pet or pets you select?

Dogs

If you are thinking about a dog, your ability to handle the dog on a leash or even at play in the home is important to think about. A large dog can be a hazard. This is especially true if you have some strength, balance, and mobility challenges. And don’t assume that all small dogs are contented to be held in your lap.

Dogs recommended for seniors include:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. A quiet and gentle-natured dog that typically weighs around 15 pounds.

Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu ranges in weight from 9 to 16 pounds, and is easy to handle, though it can be a bit stubborn.

Corgi. Weighing 24 to 30 pounds, these dogs are smart and easily trained. They are herding dogs, which means they need the exercise of daily walks.

There are some small dogs that seniors might want to avoid. Dogs that could present a challenge:

Jack Russell Terrier. The Jack Russell Terrier is small, but extremely high-energy, and would require a lot more effort than a calmer breed.

Border Collie. Likewise, Border Collies are also high-energy and require a lot of grooming.

Chow Chow. The Chow Chow is another small dog but with a temperament that requires a lot of patience and understanding from its owner.

There are, undoubtedly, seniors with pets who own and have wonderful relationships with these breeds, but the behavioral tendencies and temperaments of dog breeds should be considered before bringing one into the home.

Cats

Cats generally require less care and attention than dogs. This allows the owner to enjoy the companionship of a cat and settle into a less challenging routine. They are also a good choice for a senior who is not able to walk a dog.

Newsweek lists the 25 best cat breeds for seniors.

The cats on the list were selected based on suitable traits, such as friendliness, calmness, affection, and being people-oriented. Some of the breeds listed include the following:

American Curl. This cat is described as being physically affectionate, and loving human contact.

American Wirehair. This is an adaptable breed that would be happy living as a lap cat.

Chartreux. A beautiful cat, described as calm yet playful.

Birds

Canaries, parakeets, cockatiels, and lovebirds add beautiful sight and sound to a home.

When it comes to birds as pets, their longevity is something to consider by a senior who may need to make plans for the bird’s care if their pet outlives them. For example, cockatiels live 15 to 20 years, and some up to 35 years. Lovebirds live as long as 20 years, and parakeets can live to be 18.

Do your research, as many other birds have long lifespans.

Fish

Watching colorful fish swim around can be relaxing and entertaining. Goldfish are hearty and do not require a large elaborate aquarium.

Where to Get a Pet

Dogs, cats, and other pets can be found at a variety of places, such as:

• Animal shelters
• The local humane society
• Petfinder.com
• Pet stores or breeders

Mixed-breed dogs from a shelter or your local humane society are often the best pets for a senior. They are trained and have fewer health problems than purebred dogs. Also, volunteers at the shelter can tell you a lot about the animal that has been in their care.

To find more tips for staying independent as you age, visit Bethesda’s blog.

The post Seniors with Pets are Healthy and Happy first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.