Developing A Family Care Plan to Maximize A Loved One"s Independence in LaGrange Illinois
Developing A Family Care Plan to Maximize A Loved One's Independence
and Preserve Dignity as They Age in Western Springs, Illinois
Western Springs, IL- No one wants to become dependent on others for the basic essentials of daily living. So what do you do when, as a result of aging, illness or injury you find yourself or your loved one having difficulty coping and managing life?
Mary Doepke, Owner of Home Helpers says "many people take for granted performing the tasks necessary to live independently. People often struggle with preparing meals, shopping for personal items, maintaining a residence, taking medications, handling mail, or safely operating a motor vehicle."
Recognizing a person's limitations is an important first step. Doepke says "regardless of whether care is provided by a family member, friend or care professional, consider the following when developing a plan:
• What specific care or assistance is needed now and anticipated in the future?
• Who will share the caregiving responsibility?
• What are the designated tasks and responsibilities for each person?"
Charles Puchta, award-winning author of The Caregiver Resource Guide (www.AgingUSA.com) suggests family members develop a plan that reflects the following:
o Whenever possible, give encouragement and direction that enables a person to complete the task on their own. A good slogan to keep in mind is to "Help only when help is necessary." Caregivers should resist completing a task on a loved one's behalf, even though they might complete the task more easily or quickly.
o Provide assistive devices as appropriate that enable a loved one to maintain their mobility (such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair) and independence (use of hearing and vision aids, dentures, and other adaptive devices).
o Always provide care in a manner that preserves a person's dignity. The frustration and humiliation people often face as a result of losing an ability, and being dependent upon others, can be discouraging.
Recognizing the needs, developing a plan and allowing choice and participation in a person's own care helps maintain dignity and maximize independence, Doepke says.
Home Helpers (www.Homehelpers.CC) is a national, award-winning leader in the industry of providing companion and personal care services. With over 275 locations throughout the U.S., Home Helpers is one of the fastest-growing non-medical care providers in a rapidly expanding market. The local office is in Western Springs (708-783-1220), or visit http://www.maryandmikecare.com.
and Preserve Dignity as They Age in Western Springs, Illinois
Western Springs, IL- No one wants to become dependent on others for the basic essentials of daily living. So what do you do when, as a result of aging, illness or injury you find yourself or your loved one having difficulty coping and managing life?
Mary Doepke, Owner of Home Helpers says "many people take for granted performing the tasks necessary to live independently. People often struggle with preparing meals, shopping for personal items, maintaining a residence, taking medications, handling mail, or safely operating a motor vehicle."
Recognizing a person's limitations is an important first step. Doepke says "regardless of whether care is provided by a family member, friend or care professional, consider the following when developing a plan:
• What specific care or assistance is needed now and anticipated in the future?
• Who will share the caregiving responsibility?
• What are the designated tasks and responsibilities for each person?"
Charles Puchta, award-winning author of The Caregiver Resource Guide (www.AgingUSA.com) suggests family members develop a plan that reflects the following:
o Whenever possible, give encouragement and direction that enables a person to complete the task on their own. A good slogan to keep in mind is to "Help only when help is necessary." Caregivers should resist completing a task on a loved one's behalf, even though they might complete the task more easily or quickly.
o Provide assistive devices as appropriate that enable a loved one to maintain their mobility (such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair) and independence (use of hearing and vision aids, dentures, and other adaptive devices).
o Always provide care in a manner that preserves a person's dignity. The frustration and humiliation people often face as a result of losing an ability, and being dependent upon others, can be discouraging.
Recognizing the needs, developing a plan and allowing choice and participation in a person's own care helps maintain dignity and maximize independence, Doepke says.
Home Helpers (www.Homehelpers.CC) is a national, award-winning leader in the industry of providing companion and personal care services. With over 275 locations throughout the U.S., Home Helpers is one of the fastest-growing non-medical care providers in a rapidly expanding market. The local office is in Western Springs (708-783-1220), or visit http://www.maryandmikecare.com.
