California low grade for long-term services for elderly and disabled

According to a story in the Ventura County Star, California has been ranked 15th among the states on providing long-term services for older adults and the disabled. This report was based on a study by the AARP Public Policy Institute. The findings by the Institute show that California ranks last in support for caregivers and the quality of life of those needing care. The report also points out that much of the problem in all states is the budget cuts in the area of public programs.

Dehydration a concern for both caregiver and aging and ill patients

Dehydration manifests itself similar to many diseases. As people age, they are more prone to becoming dehydrated. Similarly, those who are ill must strive to stay hydrated to maintain quality of life. Many times it is up to the caregiver to determine the hydration level of the care receiver. In order for the caregiver to be able to monitor the patient, the caregiver must also be hydrated. I know when I was my aunt’s caregiver my attention was always directed at her health, not mine. I carefully monitored her liquid intake without ever thinking about mine. Looking back, I know that some of my fatigue, headaches, and lack of focus were because I was not staying hydrated myself. The aging parents and elder care site provides a very good discussion of the signs and symptoms of dehydration and a list of the water content in foods that you can offer your patient and munch on yourself.

Modular cottages for caregiver’s backyard

I know people always ask me if I will move to my mom’s house if she ever needs constant care. My house is only 1100 sq feet and I have 5 dogs so having my elderly mom in the house would be a hazard. There may be a solution for those who have the funds. According to the Roanoke Times, a pastor came up with the idea of a modular backyard care home and a prototype is about ready. These cottages could be purchased or rented. These cottages will be produced by N2Care in Salem. The MedCottage is 12 by 24 feet and will eventually be outfitted specific to the needs of the person residing in the cottage. Check it out. This is an incredible idea and it could truly minimize caregiver stress.

Family Caregiver Alliance makes recommendations on caregiving policy in California

The Family Caregiver Alliance has drafted a report titled Recommendation on caregiver and long-term care services in California. As a Californian, I know that the economic downturn has impacted the financial status of many of my friends who are caregivers. According to the paper, 44% of the caregivers surveyed indicated that the state cutbacks had effected the services that their loved ones received from social services. This in turn increased their stress levels. Additionally, the report found that 44% of the respondents had a cut in pay or hours. While, 15% of those surveyed lost their job. The study found that the state’s fastest growing age group are seniors. Between 2000 and 2020, Californians age 65 and above are expected to increase by a dramatic 75.4%. This number is compared to a 29.4% increase for the state’s population overall. These findings are the reason that the report provides recommendations for state policy that promote employment friendly policies for caregivers; more funding for caregiver support and services for those needing care; and provide caregiver friendly policies and programs. For those of us who have been a primary caregiver or know someone in that position, we can get behind the policy recommendations of the Family Caregiver Alliance. Checkout the complete set of recommendations around the summary that I have provided. Let me know what you think.

Contact your legislator about helping to get caregiver legislation passed to help veterans

S 1963 in the Senate and HR 3155 are bills that would provide training for caregivers to help our injured and ill veterans. As in the Health Care Reform legislation, the differences between the Congressional bill and the Senate Bill are holding up needed legislation to help our brave veterans get the the best help to rehabilitate and/or provide the best care possible for the mental, psychological, and physical issues. With all of the innovations in medical care, veterans that would have died in years past are living with many problems. We need to support our troops with providing them with the best trained caregivers available. Additionally, so many of the military people have been on tours of duty more than being home. These personnel and veterans are affected by post traumatic stress and other stress related disorders. We need to support them by contacting our legislators and get them to compromise on the bills and pass a bill that will provide the help to our servicemen and women and veterans that they deserve. Contact your legislator.

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