Caregiver Hints

Probably the most difficult question a caregiver asks themselves is…am I doing enough?

What makes this a particularly tricky question is that there is really no way to gauge it. Every “patient” will have different needs, and each caregiver will have different resources. One of the dangers is that most caregivers do not have a chance to determine their available resources or do any kind of planning before their role as caregiver begins. Often, the rollercoaster ride begins when a sudden health “event” occurs. This can be a heat-attack, stroke, fall, or the onset of an illness such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. The path after that can be a domino effect of successive events that don’t allow much time for planning, or catching one’s breath.

Here is where the danger begins…and I speak from unfortunate experience. By the time most people recognize that they are over-extending themselves, they are already running on fumes and the damage to one’s personal health has probably already begun. And if you are not careful, this damage can extend to your work and relationships.

…to be continued

A living will is a document which defines someone’s wishes as to whether or not to be kept on artificial life support. These documents can also appoint someone to make important health care decisions on that person’s behalf in case they are unable to do so.

A living will is not a replacement for a Power of Attorney. The living will only gives the hospital or care facility permission to take directives, from the person appointed in the living will, regarding health decisions. It does not cover any legal territory. In most cases a spouse or parent is allowed to make these directives without such a document, but it is best to consult with a lawyer regarding the details of your particular situation.

A living will may be useful if you happen to live far away from a parent and are receiving assistance from another non-immediate family member or friend whom you trust and may need to make quick medical decisions if you are unavailable.

Here is an article from USA Today which discusses this issue…

Living will laws, alone, can’t prevent end-of-life disputes

I’ve just updated the site a little and there is now an area to post messages for items you would like to buy or sell. I am offering this area as a courtesy to visitors to the site. CaregiverHints.com will not moderate or act as a broker for any sales. Also, this space is ONLY for caregiving related items such as walkers, scooters, hospital beds, and other similar items.

Do to health concerns, it is probably not wise to sell any opened health items such as bandages, latex gloves, syringes, or other items meant to be sterile. In regards to syringes, these should never be thrown into normal garbage. Most drug stores can dispose of unused syringes for you, or provide you with a medical waste container for free, which they will then take back for proper disposal.

I plan to provide more information about this in a later posting. Any sale postings put on the site will be reviewed, and if any seem inappropriate, will be removed. IF you have a question about this, please go to the contact page to submit your question.