Caregiving for an elderly parent is one of the most stressful things you can do. Beyond the daily challenges of caring for another person's health and well-being, you'll have to deal with the self-imposed fear of doing something wrong.
There's a good chance that you won't eliminate ALL the stress of caregiving, but you can make it easier on yourself by being prepared. Take this quiz to make sure you know what works (and what doesn't) as a caregiver.
If you need assistance caring for your loved one, what are the best resources to find help in your area?
A and B.
The social services at a local hospital or the Eldercare Locator are the best places to go for advice on where to find services for your loved one. The Eldercare Locator is a government-run service. You can search its database online, or call a toll-free number.
When you have to make a big choice about eldercare, what's the best way to approach the decision?
Hold a meeting and listen to many viewpoints.
According to the National Council on Aging, holding meetings to help you make decisions is key. Use the phone and your computer to include family members who can't be at the meeting in person. Before you leave the meeting, make sure everyone understands the decision and their role going forward.
Which of the following is NOT a good gift for a loved one who's living in a nursing home or assisted-living facility?
His or her favorite food.
Many nursing homes and assisted-living facilities provide food for their patients in accordance with strict dietary rules. Your loved one might enjoy a gift of food, but his or her nurses may not appreciate it. Focus on other types of gifts and, if in doubt, just visit. There's no gift like your presence.
Caregiving is hard on the caregiver as well as the person being cared for. What should you do to make sure you stay healthy as a caregiver?
A, B and C.
When caregiving, you need to make sure you take the time to care for yourself in all of these ways. You'll be no good to anyone if you get sick or depressed yourself.
In a residential care facility, what's the most patients that one staff member can safely handle at a time?
8 patients.
In a residential health care facility, the staff-to-patient ratio should be about one to eight.
If you're caregiving for an Alzheimer's patient at home, what should you do to prepare your house?
If you're going to be sharing your home with an Alzheimer's patient, you need to take measures to protect them, and yourself. It might be difficult to be in the position of protecting your parent from him or herself, but it's necessary.
This Box will Close In 5 Seconds
