Be careful with your alcohol consumption for several reasons: 1. It is not healthy for you and can impair your judgment and decision-making ability. 2. You never know when you might have to drive your loved one to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic. 3. The time will come when your loved one can no longer drive. You cannot afford to lose your license because of a DUI or endanger others because of impaired driving.
No doubt you and your loved one shared many household responsibilities. As soon as possible, you must learn how to assume the tasks that your loved one was fulfilling, such as paying bills; cooking; doing laundry; knowing which plumber, electrician, furnace company, etc. to use; and knowing where key documents and bank accounts are located.
There is no shame in seeking professional help for yourself. As you see fit, go to your minister, see a professional counselor, and keep regular medical appointments with your physicians and dentist.
It is easy to get so close to your situation that you do not see the warning signs that you need help. Hiring a cleaning person, a home health care aide, a companion, or adult daycare allows you to have some time to yourself for relaxation, rest, or errands. Keep an open mind to suggestions and recommendations from others, as they may see you becoming overwhelmed and stressed long before you do.
VIII. Desirable Attributes of Home Health Agencies, Aides, and Nursing Homes
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Al Nixon
1. A good agency is responsive. For example, if a regular aide cannot work on a certain day, the agency finds a replacement. In addition, although most aides are technically competent, all of them will not necessarily have“ chemistry” with your loved one. The agency should replace that aide right away. You should not waste time trying to work with and change the aide’ s disposition, likeability, or“ match” with your loved one’ s personality.
2. Good aides take a real interest in your loved one’ s well-being. They make the ill person feel normal. In a respectful and dignified manner, they help with daily baths, brushing teeth, dressing, applying makeup( if applicable), and so forth. They will also be engaged with your loved one. They should carry on conversations, play cards and board games, or go for walks. Many aides will be deferential to you, despite their experience level. Create an environment where they are encouraged to make suggestions and ask questions. Night shift aides are special people; finding a good one is not easy. Night aides are required to stay up all night and watch a TV monitor or sit bedside. The first few days, when you have a new night aide, you should wake up several times in the night to check that the aide is doing their job. If the aide is asleep or otherwise not alert to your loved ones needs, don’ t hesitate to call the agency and request a new person.
3. Because PSP is a rare disease, very few healthcare persons are familiar with it. It is largely up to you to educate the agency, nursing home, or aides about your loved one, the disease, and the key tasks and skills required for good care.