Expert Charles Puchta: Making a difference for the elderly and their caregivers

All too often people try to find a solution before they fully understand the problem theyre trying to solve. Aging America Resources looks at the big picture and breaks it into four categories or 'puzzle pieces -- Lifestyle, Emotional, Administrative and Memorial. People are better able to cope when they understand how the pieces of the puzzle fit together. The Resource Guide presents an unbiased look at the issues and options families face as their loved ones age. It also offers a variety of tools families can apply to their situation such as finding local support services.

Expert Charles Puchta: Making a difference for the elderly and their caregivers

Caring for our nations elderly is becoming the top health care concern for our country. Currently, one in four American families are coping with an aging or ill parent. And these caregivers, typically children, are at a loss.

Advertising makes the 'Retirement Years look so glamorous. We think of beautiful people with silver hair walking down the beach at sunset holding hands, we think of golf games, fine dining and travel. Well for a select few, retirement may be like that, however for many, its not. People generally want to live long healthy lives, but no one really wants to grow old.

With advancements in medicine and nutrition, along with exercise regimens, people are living longer than ever before. In fact, people age 65 and older make up one of the fastest growing segments of our population. As a result, families will face a new and often-unexpected challenge, knowing when to take a more active role in their aging loved ones life.

As a person ages, both external and internal changes take place. External changes are the physical changes such as hair, skin, eyesight, hearing, physical strength, balance and coordination. Likewise, internally our bodies become more frail, minds may not be as sharp, we process and do things slower, we are more susceptible to illness, and our memory may fail. So, as your loved ones age, begin to consider competency issues such as:
·Ability to live independently
·Ability to administer medication
·Ability to demonstrate sound judgment
·Ability to identify potentially dangerous situations
·Ability to manage finances

A Starting Point -- The Aging America Resources Quick Check List

If you have concern for two or three of the areas listed below, it may be time to take a more active role:

1.   MEDICAL. Go with your parent or loved one to her next doctors appointment and hear first hand what the doctor has to say. All to often, our parents say everything is fine, they dont remember what the doctor said, or they never asked. Going with your parent to the doctor is a great way to get information first hand.
2.   TRANSPORTATION. If your parent drives, run an errand with him, observe his driving skills and determine if his abilities present any concerns. Dont ignore potential safety concerns that could impact your parent, other drivers or innocent bystanders. Maybe its time to consider other transportation options or test your loved ones abilities.
3.   NUTRITION. Look in her refrigerator. What is inside? What are the expiration dates on the foods? Does she appear to be getting the proper nourishment? If the dates are expired, or the selection of food (or lack thereof) has you concerned, maybe it is time to consider a program like meals on wheels to ensure your parent receives balanced and nutritious meals right to their home.
4.   HYGIENE. Does he smell clean or as if he needs a bath? How about his breathe? Does it appear that he is brushing his teeth regularly? How is his overall appearance in terms of hair, grooming and his ability to match clothing? Are the linens and towels clean? Hygiene is often an area that is overlooked. Maybe its time to provide occasional support with cleaning and bathing.    
5.   EVERYDAY TASKS. Do basic tasks seem to be more challenging, frustrating or time consuming? For example, getting ready to go out, preparing a meal or everyday coping. Is your parent in an environment where assistance is readily available? To find out more if what your parent is experiencing is normal aging or cause for concern, consult your medical professional.
6.   MEDICATION. Is your parent taking medication on a regular basis? Is he able to administer (meaning dosage and frequency) his medication properly? Often times older adults can have so many medicines that simply putting the proper pills in a weekly dispenser can help avoid under or over medication. Also, help with getting prescriptions refilled can be tremendously helpful.
7.   FINANCES. Does it appear that she is able to take care of her personal finances sufficiently? Does she have a reasonable amount of cash in her wallet? Finances are often a concern for older adults. Also, people often think that programs like Social Security and Medicare provide greater benefits than actual. A financial plan can be an important tool to help people prepare for the future and not outspend their resources.
8.   MAIL. Does it appear that his mail is normal or is it stacking up? Do you see any suspicious items like possible past due or shut off notices? Additionally scams and 'special offers can entice people. Older adults tend to make emotional decisions based on fear, anger and greed. Often times, lending a hand can be an easy way to alleviate unnecessary emotions.
9.   MEMORY. When she sees people she knows, is she able to remember names? Our loved ones may experience frustration with their memory too. Always be patient, kind and gentle on efforts to help.
10.   SAFETY. Does he seem to be aware of potential safety concerns such as turning off the stove or coffeepot, extinguishing candles or cigarettes properly, awareness of sharp objects, wet floors, etc.? Safety issues should be of paramount concern. Also, know that many can easily be avoided. Take precautionary measures as appropriate.

This is not an exhaustive list. Rather it is intended to help you quickly assess a persons well being. We encourage people to think of aging as a process. Always be extra patient when interacting with an elderly person.

Charles Puchta is Founder of Aging America Resources and author of The Aging America Resource Guide. He is a frequent speaker and lecturer on the issues surrounding aging parents and helping families cope. His unique, yet logical, approach to aging and caregiving is based on a collection of wisdom and experiences from hundreds of real people who have dealt with aging-parent issues. For more information or to order a copy of The Aging America Resource Guide, visit the Aging America Resources web site at www.agingusa.com or call 513.205.5000.    

All too often people try to find a solution before they fully understand the problem theyre trying to solve. Aging America Resources looks at the big picture and breaks it into four categories or 'puzzle pieces -- Lifestyle, Emotional, Administrative and Memorial. People are better able to cope when they understand how the pieces of the puzzle fit together. The Resource Guide presents an unbiased look at the issues and options families face as their loved ones age. It also offers a variety of tools families can apply to their situation such as finding local support services.