How To Deal With Senior Care Problems
Sometimes, no matter how perfect a care facility or long term care community seems, there may still be unavoidable issues after a senior moves in. Usually if there is a problem, it boils down to a senior not quite feeling at home in their new environment, but there are a variety of problems that can come up from time to time in senior care communities. Dealing with these problems properly can prevent any interruption of care.
Sometimes, a community and a resident are a bad match. At Senior Planning, we try to make sure that this doesn’t happen. No one is denying that senior care is a difficult job, but sometimes care homes and their staff may not be the most equipped to handle specific conditions. Some residents need special attentions, and if caregivers seem frustrated with your loved one, it may be time to explore some different options.
It is important to remember that care homes are as different as the people who live in them. Caregivers can do a great job with one resident and have no patience for another. Language barriers may also be an issue if the residents and caregivers do not speak the same language. Patients can have difficulty reporting their complaints to these caregivers, and will have a harder time getting the care that they need. For some seniors who may not have been born in the US, we can try to find a care setting that matches their preferred language.
There can also be problems with in-home caregivers. The number one problem that arises for medical and non-medical caregivers in the home is reliability. Caregivers sometimes have a hard time showing up to work on time or at all. This is an unacceptable issue and if it happens to you, you should immediately find another option.
You should always make sure a caregiver is accredited. If the caregiver works for an agency, you should speak with the manager at their office and if any problems continue, you may want to consider another agency. You should make careful note of what is happening on a day-to-day basis so that problems you are noticing cannot be dismissed as a “one time thing” or some other kind of extenuating circumstance.
In addition to finding the right care setting and caregiver, technology can also be a helpful tool for seniors. Many seniors may be hesitant to adopt new technology, but it can provide a wide range of benefits, such as connecting with loved ones who live far away through video calls or social media, accessing medical information and resources online, and using wearable technology to monitor health and safety. There are also many technological devices designed specifically for seniors, such as easy-to-use tablets and smartphones, voice-activated assistants, and emergency response systems. By incorporating technology into senior care, caregivers and family members can help seniors stay connected and engaged while also ensuring their safety and well-being.
If you have any questions or are currently having problems with senior care, please give Senior Planning a call. We will be happy to point you in the right direction or try to resolve your issue.
