Smiles for caring hearts

Caring for others is a gift some have , this is a colum to asist them in this endeavor.

In the past, our elderly were cared for in the homes of the eldest child. That child took on the duty of caring for the aging parents. In return, that child would inherit all the parents owned on their deaths, except for a few tokens bequeathed to younger children. Times change, and in past years nursing homes thrived as more and more elderly received care in nursing homes instead of at home. Recent reports of abuse and neglect in nursing homes has seen a reverse in this trend and elderly cared for in homes is on the rise. Rising cost of nursing home care verses lower cost of home health has also driven this change as insurance companies offer home health coverage while denying long term custodial care coverage.
More elderly care in the home means more caregivers new to the cost, rewards and benefits of their new role. The elder should have full choice of who will be their caregiver, and hold power of attorney over them. If this was left too late, and a decision must be made by others, it is important that those others come together for the good of the elder involved. Support of other family members involved in very important. Nothing is more difficult, or sadder than a family divided by greed, instead of united by need.
Once chosen the caregiver has many legal, medical and consumer questions they need fast answers for. Immediate needs include knowing how to obtain both financial and medical power of attorney, and knowing that one will not cover the other. They will need both. They need to have access to any medical advanced directives, wills ,and insurance information the elder they are caring for may have. They will also need information and access to the fiances of the elder to be able to pay bills, and buy medicine and equipment needed. It is very important to have original copies of all of the paper work involved and to keep it in a very safe place. Have multiple copies of these items made and keep them easily accessible. Have one on you at all times for emergencies.
The power of attorney (POA) will give you complete access to the elder's medical information. It is imperative that you have a one sheet medical history available at all times. This will include a basic identification, insurance information, basic health diagnosis of ongoing health problems, all medications including dosages and how often each is taken. It will also need to list all surgeries and any implanted devices. Allergies are very important to know. Update this list continuously as changes occur. There will be many changes both for you and the elder you care for. Hopefully this column with make many of them easier for you both.