You May Need a Caregiver Sooner Rather Than Later - Preparation Helps You and Family

At some point in the future, you will need help. We are not talking about a maid, although you could need help with simple housework if you cannot do so yourself. 

Just what the heck is a "caregiver," and how can they help me in the future, or my elderly loved one now and my family? Yes, these days, the term caregiver is being batted worldwide, particularly as this small tropical paradise's population (Malaysia) begins to age. 

The whole world is getting older, not just here in Malaysia. There are now millions of people over age 65 among us who live longer, with more of them to come. But how do we care for them once they can no longer manage independently? 

Government is Not the Solution

Don't count on the government, that's for sure. We're behind most of the world, let alone Asia. A caregiver is a trained professional who takes care of older adults, most often in the care recipient's or family's home. 

So, let's look at when you might need a caregiver and what they can offer.

When Might You Need a Caregiver?

• For short periods of time, on an as-needed basis, to help maintain the senior's independence, if an existing caregiver is on leave, someone needs help with a medical visit, or the senior's children need to travel or are away from home. There are many reasons, as you can imagine.

• For extended time periods, such as a few hours each week, a few weeks or more, or for care requiring recurring tasks each week or each month.

• For around-the-clock care for seniors who are not mobile or have chronic illnesses.

What Can Home Caregivers Offer?

Home care provides help with daily living activities or supervision due to memory loss. Help with daily living activities could be for someone who could be "slowing down" and needs some support at home. Other people have illnesses or aging issues where they need more help with things like bathing, eating, dressing, going to the bathroom, and the like.

The objective is to maintain individual independence in their home environment. Being in familiar surroundings is critical for elderly happiness.

• In some cases, a spouse or other family member or friend is providing care, but, at some point, they need a break or 'respite.' The temporary relief of an informal family caregiver is called "respite care." 

Caregiving is hard work and often emotional work. Giving caregivers a break is a great way to let them "recharge" while bringing in someone for a day or two (or longer) to help out. This time off could allow the caregiver to address personal issues, visit friends or family, or have a holiday.

• When a spouse dies, this can be challenging for the senior and their family. The care recipient could be alone now and need help around the clock, or feel lonely, or both. Adult children perhaps are not prepared to address this situation, and home caregivers can help.

• If someone is recovering from an illness at home, it's an excellent time to bring in a caregiver to help someone until they can manage independently. This helps to maintain their sense of independence, and it helps get them through an important post-illness period.

• When someone is near the end of their life, it is an important and difficult time for the loved ones of the elderly person too. A home caregiver can help out nurses and other medical professionals who may be helping the patient at home. This help can be as simple as running errands, ensuring the care recipient is never alone, and helping the family with everyday needs that they may be incapable of handling at the moment.

• If someone is facing a chronic or long-term illness, caregivers are essential. Besides handling daily living activities, a caregiver can help manage the impacts of a condition, such as side effects, medication compliance, and help with bathing, using the toilet, and other activities that pose particular challenges for patients. A caregiver for a chronic patient can help ease their mind and ensure they are comfortable at home.

Vet Caregivers Before Hiring Them

Bringing a caregiver into your home- and indeed, a stranger- is not easy. Take your time with this decision. Discuss the options with your family members, and of course, talk to your loved one who needs care. 

Be sure to vet caregivers carefully. Just because someone is a friend, don't assume they know about caregiving or your family situation. In fact, talk to a professional caregiving organization--several of them exist today--and learn more.