Tips For Carers Who Cares For The Elderly

Caring for the elderly is one of the most worthwhile jobs that a carer can have. Usually, carers can care for the elderly in a hospital, supported living, and live in care setting. However, there are those who care for elderly clients through live in- care setting. Yet, the opportunity to have contact with such patients is the very reason many carers get into the profession. However, there are a few things that carers who care for the elderly should know and consider in order to administer the best care possible.

Important things to know when caring for the elderly

Ø  It is vital to know the current medications of all patients, but this information is very vital when caring for the elderly

Ø  You want to know this information in order to make sure that they are not given any new medicines that should not be taken with their present medications

Ø  Knowing their medications also give you an indication of the types of side effects to look for, in the event that they have unexplained or new symptoms

Ø  If you work in a controlled setting, such as nursing homes and hospital, make sure you know and understand any procedures and policies that are geared toward elderly care

Ø  If you are a live in carer, you need to have a written contract before you begin service to your elderly patients

Ø  These safety measures spell out exactly, what is expected of you, to avoid any error about the type and level of care that you provide

Ø  This kind of document should also address the issue of compensation and the service schedule

It is also a noble idea to meet all necessary family members, relatives or anyone else that is close to your patient. Make sure they know what you will be doing and why you‘re doing it. Family members can give you more background on your patients and their family medical history. This valuable information will help you care for your elderly patient.

An Introduction to Palliative Care

Palliative care is an area of health care that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients. Unlike hospice care, palliative medicine is appropriate for patients in all disease stages, including those undergoing treatment for curable illnesses and those living with chronic diseases, as well as patients who are nearing the end of life.

Palliative care:

• Provides relief from pain, shortness of breathes, nausea, and other distressing systoms
• Affirm life and regards dying as a normal process
• Intend to hasten or prospone death
• Integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of the patient care
• Offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possibble
• offer a support sysyem to help the family cope
• Uses a team aproach to address the needs of patients and their families
• will enhance quality of life

Palliative care at any stage focuses  on the comfort  of the person who has a life-limiting condition. Comfort can means pain is managed; an environment that is pleasant and personalized; people around that provide love and reassurance; and spiritual and emotional needs are acknowledged as well as physical needs.

In home based palliative care expert advice is given at home. Here the patient is at home. The family members are counselled and trained for the final moments. The patient is managed so that he/she remains comfortable physically, socially, and spiritually. Here home carer support teams reach the patient with various specialties to help the patient and family.

Home-based palliative care seems to be the management. Here the patient is the first priority of all work in the family. The patient has the feeling that the family is near and is also comforted by known surroundings. There are many psyches playing here such as known surroundings, known members or attendants, the comfort of home atmosphere; the last hours in the home may be a great relief.

Thus, we can conclude that palliative care is very beneficial for patients who are fighting with incurable disease and want their end to be happy as their life was.