Aging-in-Place via ElderAuthority

The following video about providing eldercare from home is absolutely excellent!  There is nothing in it that I would change.  NBC Digital Health Network has created five minutes of practical, useful information without ever lapsing into an infomercial.

Key points bear repeating.

CAREGIVING IS SERIOUS WORK

• The family member who becomes the primary caregiver takes on serious responsibilities.
• Caregiving requires patience, planning, and practice.
• The most successful caregiver has time, lives close, and has the best emotional relationship with elder.
• A good caregiver has an optimistic attitude and is motivated.
• Caregiving requires fortitude and outside support.
• Caregivers underestimate the toll on their own lives.

HOME CARE APPROPRIATENESS

• The functional status of the elder determines if home care possible.
• 83% of elders want to remain at home, aging-in-place.
• The physical environment must be appropriate.
• The caregiver must be able to monitor nutrition, medication, exercise, and socialization

FINANCIAL SURPRISES

• Most people are unprepared for the financial the stress.
• Eldercare is not covered by Medicare.
• There are options for getting help.

Burnout in Families: The Systemic Costs of Caring (Innovations in Psychology Series)