Senior Mental Health: Caring for Elders in Central Illinois
When it comes to working with family members or caregivers of older adults, the most common statement I hear is “I’m so overwhelmed - I don’t even know where to start”. This is completely understandable, especially when an important decision needs to be made about the type of assistance or level of care required to maintain overall wellness and safety for an older adult. Throughout my years working in healthcare and social work, I have encountered numerous families and individuals searching for guidance and reassurance for their aging parents or loved ones. According to the World Health Organization, the number of persons aged 60 and older is projected to hit 2.1 billion by 2050. We are not only expecting this population to grow, but individuals across the globe are living longer due to advances in medical care, public health, and nutrition. You may not currently find yourself in a caregiver role, but being proactive and knowing how to navigate this transition can promote improved outcomes not only for you but for your elderly loved one too! If you are feeling overburdened with navigating the aging world or want to prepare for the future, below are a few tips that can help you feel more informed and ready for what is to come.
Talk to your loved one.
Setting aside time to ask the hard questions and gain an understanding of their wants and wishes is imperative. Having conversations regarding preferences for care assistance, medical decision-making, or end-of-life care can seem daunting, however exploring and honoring their wants and wishes can provide you with guidance and reassurance that you are making informed decisions.
Tap into community resources.
When in doubt, start with your local Area Agency on Aging. Each county in Illinois has a designated Area Agency on Aging that can connect you to a wide range of local services such as in-home care assistance, home-delivered meals, adult day/senior centers, and health insurance navigation - and that’s just the beginning!
Get familiar with options and levels of care.
Maybe your loved one just isn’t ready for long-term care in a nursing facility, but you aren’t able to provide increased assistance and supervision at home. There are options! In our community, there are several agencies that offer private pay in-home care. Additionally, older adults may qualify for state-funded home and community-based services depending on income and level of need. There are also different types of care facilities, ranging from independent living all the way to full-support long-term care. It is never too early to begin determining when and if these supportive services are needed and at what time.
Seek guidance from medical providers.
As we age, it is inevitable that eventually, we will begin to experience medical conditions, ailments, or injuries - it’s the natural aging progression and unavoidable. Talking with your medical providers about healthy aging and attending routine check-ups can help determine if increased care or assistance is needed, and at what level. Medical providers and their staff are also a wealth of information and education on managing chronic illnesses, medications, and physical care needs.
Know the signs of caregiver fatigue.
Are you feeling drained, irritable, or isolated? Are you noticing disruptions with your sleep, appetite, or normal routine? These are just a few of the signs of caregiver fatigue. As a caregiver, you are devoting a great deal of time and energy to caring for someone else. This can lead to disregarding your own needs or ignoring the warning signs that your body and mind need rest. If you begin to notice changes in your mood or overall functioning, it may be time to reinforce your own support systems.
Establish a support system and embrace help.
You are not alone in this! There are many individuals who have previously or are currently, caring for an aging family member or friend. Establishing a support system is vital not only for your loved one but for you as well. You may find yourself in need of respite to attend your own personal appointments or engage in restorative self-care methods. You may also need a listening ear and validation of the mental and emotional load you are undertaking. Local senior centers and community agencies offer support groups and individual caregiver advisory services to help connect others to resources, assistance, and educational opportunities. Connecting with your own therapist to navigate these challenges and experiences can assist you in developing your own “toolbox” of skills, methods, and resources to manage stress and cope with the hard moments.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please check out our providers who can discuss caregiver support and navigating elder care.
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