You At Your Best

by KAreN rIce you AT your beST According to the Arkansas State Plan on Aging, Arkansas is ranked 10th in the nation for percentage of persons 60 and older. This is an increase of 13% compared to 2006. Between 2010 and 2016, the population base grew older in 93.3% of counties in Arkansas. Thanks to advances in medical care, people are living longer. And as the demographic force of 76 million people known as the Baby Boom ages, the 80+ population is projected to increase by 79% by the year 2030. With that aging population comes a dilemma: how do we care for ourselves and our loved ones as we age? The dilemma grows more common by the day: How do I know when I, my loved one, or my aging parent needs help with their day to day activities? What kind of help is available? Where do I find a reliable caregiver? Sometimes the need for assistance comes upon us or a loved one quickly: after a fall, surgery or hospital stay it becomes clear that help is needed with day to day activities at home. Sometimes it's more subtle: our loved one isn't keeping the grass cut, is forgetting to take medication, or can't keep up with the housework. We are worried for their wellbeing. Or, we have been taking care of a spouse or loved one and it's taking a toll on our own health. In-home assistance, at the very least, enriches the lives of seniors who live alone by giving them socialization and some help with basic household tasks. At the other end of the spectrum, it can be overwhelming for loved ones to provide the right level of care for someone who is increasingly unable to perform the activities of daily living like bathing, medication management, dressing, and feeding. Byretta Fish, Administrator/Manager of Superior Senior Care, a senior and disabled care referral agency with offices in Fayetteville and Rogers, says there are many considerations and options available for quality care. "Everything has to be flexible when it comes to health care," Byretta points out. "Sometimes you don't know how much help you need until the caregiver comes in." The Alzheimer's Association says that providing good care for someone means finding caregivers who treat the whole person and provide an environment that can enable the person to be safe yet independent. In order to get started, one should first assess the needs of their loved one. How many services he or she will require depends on whether that person can use the bathroom, walk, eat, or bathe independently, or just needs a little help around the house, on a permanent or temporary basis. What are some of the things caregivers do? Some older adults just need companions to ease their loneliness, someone to stop by a couple of times a week to chat, go for a walk or clean the kitchen. Others may require more assistance with household tasks like cooking or laundry. Caregivers can also provide transportation to appointments, change sheets, participate in hobbies, help pay bills or run errands. Still others may help with bathing, dressing, toileting or medication management. Some caregivers provide respite care. Respite care is temporary help that enables spouses or other family caregivers to get a much-needed break. Caregiver qualifications Byretta says that most agencies require that the caregiver have at least one year of experience in a long-term care setting, pass a criminal background check and have a current, negative drug screen. Those are good places to start when looking for a caregiver. But the qualifications go beyond those things. "The most important requirement for a caregiver is that he or she be a caring, compassionate individual. And that they have a great work ethic. All the training in the world can't create those qualities," Byretta points out. Many agencies will also require such things as: infection control training, continuing education and certification as a nursing assistant (CNA) or personal care aide. Cost Byretta recommends that before you make any decisions, you should take a look at your Long Term Care Policy if you have one, and see what they will pay for in-home care, and if there is a waiting or exclusion period. How much you will pay also depends on how much assistance is required and the rate structure. But Byretta points out that you may not know what you really need until someone comes in to help. Do you need few hours a week? Or someone to stay the night? "You may start out thinking you want someone from nine a.m. to noon, two days a week," she says. "But then mom says she really doesn't want to have to get up at nine. Or she needs more help. Flexibility is important." Byretta advises to always remember you are in charge of the services that are provided in your home. Shop around and compare services and fees. Qualified and compassionate caregivers can help ease the burden of aging, connect seniors with their community, and make life more enjoyable for patients and their families. Feel free to contact Byretta with questions or a free, no-obligation consultation on caregiving assistance at (479) 587-9551 or (479) 636-7700. Is it time for a caregiver? Finding a quality caregiver can provide peace of mind for families of aging adults 8 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST dEcEmBER - SEniOR HEAlTH | SATURdAY, nOvEmBER 30, 2019

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