Caring for Your Parents
Nevada Assemblywoman, RoseMary Womack, (DClark 23), campaigned and was elected to the state legislature in 2006, a decision she says came about to fund senior services in the state. For Womack, the need for services became evident when she found herself in sudden and immediate search of caregiving assistance for both her Mom and Dad.
“It all started when I got a phone call that my father had a stroke in his driveway and couldn't get out the car,” she said. “When we got to the hospital he asked, “Please take care of Mom,” his wife of 56-years. Confiding, he explained, “she couldn't tie her shoes, she puts dirty clothes in the dryer before the washer, and she has no concept - pouring a whole gallon of milk into a small glass!”
“Her perception was gone,” Womack explained.
Today, the Administrator of Mountain Springs Assisted Living in Carson City, Womack reflects, “Mom had dementia and was at the beginning stages of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.” She had become a caregiver to two parents instantaneously!
“That was 15 years ago,” explains Womack, now age 66, “and it is not much different than what many baby boomers are facing today with their own parents.”
Take Charge
Womack says baby boomers need to educate themselves and take responsibility in caring for an aging parent as they would in caring for a young child. “Get involved in a caregiver support group. If your loved one has cancer, get involved in a caregiver support group with the American Cancer Society.” The Alzheimer's Association, Parkinson's Association, Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society can all provide valuable information.
Caregivers will need to educate themselves as to the progression of the disease and what to expect. They will have to learn to become their own case manager she said. “In the ten minutes you get in the doctors office, unless you know what questions to ask, you will never get the answers you need. It's really your responsibility to use that information to get the best care you can for your loved one.”
Education is Key
“ Education comes with good information, and caregivers cannot make good decisions without good education.” Womack says today it is so much easier to find resources. “The internet has made it very easy,” regardless of the state you live in. She directs consumers and caregivers to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Web site www.nvaging.net to access the Aging and Disability Resources Center.
The ADRC provides information and referral, and consumers can download applications for various services. “It tells you where to go and get help.” ADRC outlets can also be found at the Washoe County Senior Center and the Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living in Washoe County. Additionally consumers can call the Nevada 2-1-1 hotline for human services in the state, as well as log on to the Nevada Care Connection found at: www.nevadacareconnection.org/.
Trust Instincts
When that time comes to find more extensive care, Womack advises consumers to learn the difference between assisted living, independent living, skilled nursing, and memory care facilities. “Families need to find out how much help their loved one needs, how much help they can afford, and what programs are out there. Even in the industry there is a wide range of what is offered, from minimal care to ward care. Every facility within a category must follow state law, but the kind of care and how they charge for that care differs greatly. This is really important.”
Womack recommends caregivers visit a facility several times before making a final decision. “Visit different times of the day; find out what is happening in the morning, and what activities are offered in the afternoon. What you see, smell and hear is the best indicator as to whether your loved one should be placed in the home. If it doesn't look nice (clean), if it has an odor, and the sounds you hear are not pleasant, then you need to look for someplace else. Your first impression is key.”
Caregivers can get a list of all the facilities in the area by contacting the Nevada Bureau of Licensure and Certification or visit Health Facility Locator at: http://health.nv.gov/.
“Make sure it's where you want your family member to be.” And remember, “The squeaky wheel really does make a difference. Visit the facility regularly and inquire about the care your loved one receives.”