The following list was compiled by the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC) for its policy paper entitled: "DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS OF A SYSTEM OF SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS."
These are services that a blue ribbon task force of experts on aging felt should be available in every community. Are they available in yours? Not every person will need every service, but every service will be needed by someone.
This blog post lists the Personal Care Services that were identified:
1. personal supervision and protection
2. supervision and assistance with personal care including care of skin, mouth, hair, etc
3. assistance in and stimulation of activities of daily living (viz., eating, bathing, transferring, etc.) and physical activities.
4. financial counseling, management
5. legal counseling
6. psychological counseling, diagnostic evaluations/work-ups
7. nutritional counseling
8. medication assistance and counseling
9. peer counseling, support groups, self-help groups
10. guardianship
11. therapies (occupational, physical, speech, recreational)
12. adaptation (personal and medical devices)
13. substance abuse counseling, diagnostic evaluation/work-ups
14. vision services
15. hearing services
16. dental services
17. provision of medical supplies
18. day care services
19. hospice services
20. pastoral services
Can you think of anything to add to this list? If so, please comment.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
3 comments:
My name is Matt and I wanted to thank you for your blog and your comments. I spent 3.5 years working in an Alzheimer’s/Long Term Care facility in Utah and I know the difficulties and pains associated with this disease. I personally got to know some great people afflicted with Alzheimer’s and I also became close with some of their families. I’ve seen a lot of resources that help. One in particular seems to be a great benefit: http://www.thecaringspace.com
Please pass this link along to anyone you feel could benefit from it.
Matt-Thanks for your comment and your advice. I will check out the caring space site and recommend it to others. Folks who read this will already have been alerted, but I'll pass it along elsewhere as well. Your experience working in an Alzheimer’s/Long Term Care facility gives you a unique perspective. I'd love your reaction to Dementia Diary, should you read it but, in any event, please feel free to comment here with your expertise.
It is an interesting Personal Care list. It needs some organization, though. Firstly, the differentiation between ADL & IADL. Then, there is a difference between those with or without Power of Attorney. This has a big impact on caregivers.
For those caring for dementia patients, the stress often revolves around the lack of control be caregiver or care recipient. My late father was often angry, as are many who suffer from dementia.
My book,
Dying With Dignity, provides much research and information on the impact of caregiving on personal health, as well as means by which one can navigate through the Ontario Health Care System. In Canada we have many supports and non-profit centres where those suffering from cancer and/or dementia (my father had a brain tumour), might find relief.
My blog keep up on current issues that affects ailing or frail seniors and their caregivers.
The Canadian model isn't a bad one - we just lack financial and personnel resources. With so many aging baby boomers there are shortages in medical and professional staff members.
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