Saturday, May 9, 2009

Why Choose I Care For You Home Care L.L.C. In Charlotte, N.C.

1. Caregivers screened and credentialed in accordance with industry standards.

2. Total care coordination between the client, family caregiver, and agency.

3. Client to caregiver matching service ensuring compatibility.

4. Friendly, and supportive caregivers, and staff.

5. Regular client visits by management ensuring customer satisfaction.

6. 24-hour accessibility.

7. Flexible schedules.

Verlia Caldwell, MA

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Friday, May 8, 2009

When Is A Senior Too Old To Drive

Americans are living longer than ever before. This is due to healthier lifestyles, increased exercise, greater awareness about nutrition, and more advanced medications to either control or delay the onset of old age. So, when do they become to old to drive?


Aging slows down your physical, and neurological mobility. Simple everyday tasks, once easy to perform become more daunting. We are robbed of our independence. Driving is one of the last frontiers of freedom we have. This makes it hard for an adult child to tell a parent, or love one that they shouldn't drive anymore because their ability is impaired, and they are a danger to themselves, and others. Expect them to put up a fight.


You should watch for a change in a parent's driving ability, such as, driving slower, poor reaction time to lights, and signs, more timid about faster drivers, reluctant to drive on the freeway. This is a good time to ask how he/she has been feeling lately.


Look for any unusual complaints like more tired than usual, not seeing as well, hearing seems impaired, etc.. Pay attention to his/her behavior around the house. It could be a case of over medication. When was the last time he/she had a checkup. They won't admit to physical ailments. This is when we have to take charge. We should rule out medical causes first for the change in driving habits. If it is not a medical problem, it is old age slowing down the senses. It could be their sight, hearing, or just a slowing reaction time.


Offer to drive to the grocery store, or movies with them. Observe their diriving skills to see if anything is different. Are they driving in a manner that could cause an accident, or put them in harm's way. If a difference is noticed in their driving ability, contact the family and call a meeting to discuss your findings.


If you find a parent is too dangerous on the road, develop a plan on how to address the findings. Develop a plan that works best for your situation. Be as caring as possible. When you offer your observations, don't sound accusatory. This is their freedom being taken away, so it won't be easy. Put yourself in their shoes. They will be angry, and rebellious. Do not hold it against them. Tell them you are doing this because you love them, and want them to be safe.


Taking away a parent's driving privilege is a difficult thing to do, so you may not succeed. If your parent has always been independent, the last thing he/she want is to depend on you or anyone else for help. It is vital that you have a plan in place that will be easy, and simple to follow. Make sure it does not interfere with their usual routine.


Our responsibility is to make sure that safe driving habits are not only practiced by our children, but by our aging parents as well. Take good care of them, and treat them with the same dignity, and respect that you would want for yourself when you are their age. It is never as far away as we think.


Verlia Caldwell

President/Owner



Tuesday, May 5, 2009

When Elderly Parents Will Not Accept Help

There are no easy answers when a parent will no longer accept in-home caregivers. Here are some things you can do. Call a family meeting (without your parents). Sit down with everyone involved in parental care and talk about your options. If you have no family involved, sit with a good friend, your pastor, therapist, or someone you can trust so you can talk it out. This normally takes place when that last line has been crossed, and care at home is no longer an option. Do not get into a battle with your parent. Be prepared to stand firm on the fact that home care is no longer an option. You could say, " Dad we have tried this, but it doesn't work and the only other option we have left is to try assisted living. If your parent becomes furious, and try to manipulate you, listen to what he has to say. He deserves this respect. Your job as his adult child is to make sure your parent has the proper care, rather than only provide the care yourself.

Conduct an interview with the caregiver agency out of the home. You want to be able to discuss with the caregiver the challenges your parent will bring forward. You will want to discuss the qualifications and assurances that they have many experienced caregivers. You do not want them sending you an inexperienced caregiver that they do not know well to your parent. Make sure a manager will be visiting regularly. This manager will need to get to know your parent as well.

Once the caregiver is hired, you should spend some time with the caregiver without your parent. During this time you should discuss the challenges and ways to redirect or manage tantrums and unreasonable demands. When you find a trustworthy, reliable caregiver who is willing to hang in there, do whatever you can to make her feel honored and appreciated.

You will need to understand that if your parent is of sound mind, you will not be able to force him to accept help at home. He maybe unable to cook, bathe, or take care of his home for himself. But if he is able to understand the possible consequences of his choices, then you cannot force him to do what he doesn't want to do. You cannot do anything to prevent the consequences of the choices he make. If your parent have dementia, or some other cognitive disability, you will have to find alternative living because in home care will not work.

Never move into the home of a demanding, unreasonable parent who want you to be his only caregiver. Do not bring a demanding, unreasonable parent into your home. These arrangements always have serious long-term regrets.