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Eldercare
& Caregiver Resource Center:
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some
common questions that caregivers in the workplace are asking their Eldercare Specialist.
 Q
I don't fully understand mom's
medical condition. She doesn't seem to ask the right
questions. Can I call and get information from her doctor?
A
Currently, federal regulations
protect patients' right to privacy. In order to get information
from healthcare processionals about your loved one, they must sign a
form that gives you permission to obtain their medical
information. These permission forms are available at the hospital
or with the physician that is caring for your loved one.
................................................
Q
My parents are very private and I
feel uncomfortable asking them about their finances and wishes in case
of a medical emergency. When and how do I bring up this subject?
A
If possible, the best time to ask these questions is before they are
having any problems or before there is an emergency. Usually
parents don't share this information with adult children because they
think it will worry them or because the parent may not want to deal with
sensitive issues about the possibility of dying. Try to reinforce the
fact that this is important information for you to know so you may
express your parent's wishes if he or she is unable to communicate his
or her own needs in a medical emergency.
................................................
Q
Can I use the Caring Workplace if my
father lives in Florida?
A
Most definitely! The Caring Workplace is able to assess your needs
and address your concerns with a relative who lives in a different
city. Also, we can assist you with your needs if the caregiver
lives out of town. Long distance services such as education and
support are available through your eldercare specialist via the phone
and mail while technology allows us to access many community resources
and housing options nationally. Click here
to learn more about Caring Workplace.
................................................
Q
What is the difference between
Medicare and Medicaid?
A
Medicare is a federal insurance program that primarily serves people
over 65, whatever their income. Also, it serves younger disabled
people and dialysis patients. Patients pay part of costs through
deductibles for hospital and other costs. Small monthly premiums
are required for non-hospital coverage. Medicare is basically the
same everywhere in the United States and is run by the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services, an agency of the Federal Government.
Medicaid
is an assistance program that is run by state and local governments
within federal guidelines and varies from state to state. It
primarily serves low-income people of every age. Patients usually
pay no part of costs for covered medical expenses although a small
co-pay is sometimes required.
................................................
Q
The doctor told me my dad has
dementia. What exactly is dementia and is it the same thing as
Alzheimer's?
A
Dementia is a
"cluster" of symptoms, characterized by loss of cognitive
skills (impaired memory, confusion and difficulty reasoning) that
interferes with daily functioning. It is NOT a disease and is NOT
normal, but rather accompanies certain diseases. The most common disease
that produces dementia is Alzheimer's disease and other diseases include
multi-infarct dementia and Parkinson's disease. The cause and severity
of dementia will vary depending on the disease. It is VERY important
that the person who is experiencing signs of dementia undergoes a
thorough diagnostic assessment to accurately diagnose the cause in order
to provide optimal treatment.
................................................
Q
My mom is very forgetful lately and I don't know if this is normal aging
or if I should be concerned. What can I do?
A
 There is a definite difference
between normal aging and Alzheimer's or dementia and it is important to
be aware of changes in your mom's behavior and/or activities. Listed
below are some questions to ask yourself regarding daily activities.
Does your mom:
-
get
lost driving to familiar places?
-
ask
the same question multiple times in a short period of time?
-
no
longer balance the checkbook and/or forget to pay bills?
-
get
more irritable and less patient?
-
stay
at home more and doesn't socialize as much?
-
need
reminders to do simple activities?
After
answering these questions, you need to ask if these are new behaviors or
changes in how they used to do things. If you answered yes, your mom
could benefit from a thorough geriatric assessment to determine if there
is a medical reason for these behaviors and changes. To find out how and
where to get a geriatric assessment, contact your Eldercare Specialist.
................................................
Q
My dad drove me to the store the other day and his driving really scared
me. What can I do?
A
Driving safety is a major
concern not only for the person who is driving but also for the general
welfare of the public. Older adults are at risk for accidents secondary
to changes in their physical abilities from medical conditions. Some of
these changes may include:
-
poor
vision
(difficulty seeing how far away a vehicle/person may be)
-
slower
reactions
(can't put the brake on as quickly as needed)
-
decreased
memory
(confused when and where to turn or stop)
Driving
is also one of the most significant areas of independence and the threat
of losing this independence is very SCARY to the individual and makes
this subject difficult to address for the caregiver. The best thing to
do is to get a driving assessment for your loved one from a
professional. Your Eldercare Specialist will assist you in locating a
driving assessment and will also give you suggestions for ways to
approach this difficult subject with your loved one.
................................................
Q
I have the durable power of attorney
for healthcare for my mom. Does she still
need a living will or an advance directive?
A
The answer is YES. The
following answer is from the Probate Law Resource Guide from the
Missouri Bar. "You accomplish at least two things by giving advance
directives, regardless of whether they direct all possible treatment, no
treatment or only some treatment. First, you ensure that the treatment
you receive is the treatment you desire, no more and no less. Second,
you take the burden off of your family and friends to make those
decisions for you at a time when they will most likely be emotionally
upset by your critical condition. Finally, you may be avoiding
litigation to determine what treatment you really desired or intended.
In any event, it is time well spent."
................................................
Q
My mom has been asking me for more
and more help and I am getting concerned about her ability to take care
of herself. What do I need to do?
A
This is a very important
question because an older person may be slowly declining secondary to
medical reasons, cognitive changes and emotional issues. A person may
not want to tell you he/she is no longer able to do many of these daily
tasks anymore because he/she is fearful of the outcome.
As a caregiver, you need to determine how much help she needs taking
care of herself on a daily basis and how safe she is in the home.
Things
to look for include:
-
Is
she able to get dressed, bathe and cook for herself?
-
How
much help does she need to manage her finances?
-
Does
she have a history of falls?
-
Does
she know what to do in an emergency situation?
-
Is
her judgment good regarding potentially unsafe situations?
-
How
much assistance does she require for her health care needs (medication,
insulin injections, dressing changes)?
After
you answer these questions, you may want to contact your Eldercare
Specialist to help determine the level of care needed for your mom.
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