What should a caregiver do if they see:

CHANGES:
Changes in an elder's functioning or behavior

Any suspicions of these should always be checked by a physician because we often assume that most changes are to be expected. However this is not always true. Many cases are due to conditions that are undiagnosed and may be treatable.

HOME SAFETY
Most hip fractures in the elderly are caused by falls in the home.

Because this type of fracture can cause serious disability or even death, safety measures should be taken to minimize the risk of this occurring. There should be well lit and clear pathways throughout the home, there should never be loose rugs on the floor, and elders should always avoid standing on unsteady stools or chairs.

MEDICATION
Prescription and over-the counter medications often cause serious problems in the elderly.

These problems occur for many reasons: too many medications, wrong dosage, negative interaction between drugs, not taking medication as well as taking more than prescribed. The best way to address the issue is for the elder's primary care physician or pharmacist to be aware of all drugs the elder is taking and to instruct him/her about safely taking medication.

CARE FOR YOURSELF AS WELL
Caregivers must take care of themselves or they will not be able to take care of their elderly relatives.

Caregiving an elder can cause a great deal of stress and this in turn can take its toll physically and emotionally. It is important that caregivers recognize their own limitations, learn to accept them and ask for help when they are unable to meet all of the demands required.

When a change or crisis occurs with an elder, there is usually not just one immediate and permanent 'solution'.

The change could be benign or devastating but in either case it is important to remember that it is a step by step process to addressing the change. One must constantly reevaluate the elder's condition and needs, test out different options and make sure that the elder has had time to adjust to and accept the new reality.

General Advice for Caregivers

1. If you are a caregiver or concerned about a Senior take these following steps:

A. Call your local Outreach Services at the COA to help seniors in town that may be "falling" through the cracks. When you call the COA to report a concern, please give us a much information on the senior as your can including:
·The Senior's name
·The Senior's address
·Where you have recently seen this Senior
·Any behavior you might have witnessed
·Any other information you have heard or might know about this person.

Your call will always be confidential and you may leave information on our voice mail at
1-781-834-5581

B. Elder Abuse and Neglect is a serious concern and a growing problem. If you suspect that an elder is being abused or is neglecting himself or herself, a special state agency can help you. Please call the COA, Old Colony Elderly Services at 1-508-584-1564, The Marshfield Town Police at 781-837-5106 or the Commonwealth's Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-AGE-INFO.

II. If you are a caregiver and need supports in your role:

A. How to get Respite Services:
Respite Services are important for anyone who is caring for someone else. "Respite" is a word that means, "to breathe." Taking care of yourself is often the most important thing you can do for the person you care for and often the most difficult, but it is important that you take a breather. There are different kinds of respite care
· Getting Help At Home: It is important to go through a typical day of caregiving to determine what type of help you might need. Below are some common terms for the types of workers that perform various tasks in the home:
a. Homemaker (HM): Does basic cleaning, runs errands or helps with household tasks
b. B. Home Health Aide (HHA) or Personal Care Attendant (PCA): Can assist with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks as well as any homemaker tasks
c. Chore Worker: Can do heavy cleaning or a special household project
d. Respite Worker: Can provide supervision and companionship for people who shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time due to dementia or illness.

III. Where to get a Worker

A. Call Old Colony Elderly Services (OCES) 1-508-584-1561 or your local COA. OCES is the state home care agency that covers the Marshfield area. Call and ask for Intake and Referral. Tell them you would like more information on the Respite Program. It is designed for providing relief to a caregiver. There are income and physical requirements, which they will tell you more about. If you qualify, you will receive case management and will have access to a variety of programs and services on a sliding fee scale. If the elder you assist does not live in your home, they may qualify for regular Home care Services. Be sure to ask which would be appropriate in your situation.
B. Private Home Health Services: If you are ineligible for care through OCES you may purchase services privately through the same agencies that OCES and the VNAs use. Additional information on agencies is available through our office.
C. Hire an independent Housecleaner or Health Care Worker

IV. Arranging Care if you need to be away:
There are three options if need to have someone else care of the person temporarily:
A. Respite Bed: This essentially places the person in a Nursing Home temporarily. It is usually private pay only. Check with a Nursing Home or call the COA for more information
B. Adult Foster Care: This program places your loved one in a private home in the area to be cared for by a paid caregiver, in their home while you are away, or otherwise unable to give care.
C.Temporary Live in Help: By calling the Home Health agencies, you can find out more about workers who can stay with your loved one around the clock, or a series of shifts.

Our Outreach Services can help you get the help you need and please remember your call will always be confidential.