4 TIPS FOR CARING FOR AGING VETERANS

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How to Care for our Veteran Population

Caregivers can help enhance the quality of life for veterans by advocating on their behalf and helping them find services for their unique needs.

Veterans have sacrificed everything to protect and serve our country. They have served in conflicts around the world for the freedoms that we have today. It is essential that veterans are cared for both physically and mentally, both during and after their time in the service. Throughout the duration of their lives, we should continue to honor and care for them.

According to the 2012 U.S. Census brief (census.gov), there were more than 12.4 million veterans ages 65 and older. With veterans and the population in general having a greater life expectancy than in years past, it’s important that our care can help sustain the public services and special support that these individuals need.

1. Getting the right care

The type of care that veterans may need will vary and can include routine physical care, traumatic brain injury care, treatment for post traumatic stress disorder and other emotional needs, rehabilitation, nutritional and dietary needs, wound injury and trauma, and more. The diversity and uniqueness of the care is as diverse and unique as the individuals who have fought for our country.

2. Paying for care

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides benefits and services for a variety of issues that veterans face.

Compensation can include disability compensation, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Adapted Housing grants (benefits.va.gov), Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (benefits.va.gov), Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (benefits.va.gov), Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound care (benefits.vs.gov), Extended or long-term care and geriatric care.

Much of this compensation is a tax free monetary benefit paid to veterans and/or their spouses, surviving spouses and parents. Which programs each Veteran qualifies for will depend on their unique circumstances.

3. Supporting Mental and Emotional Health

Many veterans need more than just physical care. They need mental and emotional care to help them in dealing with PTSD, depression, suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, anxiety and other issues.

The VA offers mental health care for veterans (mentalhealth.va.gov), and is committed to a recovery-centered approach. Veterans can receive primary care for mental illnesses or receive more intensive treatment in specialty mental health care if necessary.

4. Activities to increase quality of life

Caregivers can help improve the overall quality of life for veterans on a day-to-day basis by engaging with them in different activities.

  • Allow them to share stories: Ask veterans stories about when they were younger. Many of them will love to re-live tales from their past and share them with someone else.
  • Let them give back: Although veterans have already given so much, it can be important for them to continue this spirit of giving to others. Find a place where they can volunteer. It can help boost confidence and give a sense of purpose.
  • Help them find community: Military life has a built-in community and many veterans may miss that once they are no longer active. Help them find a group where they can connect with others and share similar experiences.
  • Keep a routine: Many veterans are used to regimented routines and thrive off of schedules. Keep a regular routine each day and allow them to know the schedule. This can give them a sense of peace.

For years these veterans were advocates on behalf of us—whether it was directly or indirectly. We have all benefited from the sacrifices they have made. Caregivers can be their advocates by helping them navigate through various VA benefits, finding mental health solutions and doing daily activities with them that increase their quality of life.

Home Care Tip:

Caregivers should pay attention to veterans and what their individual needs are. Make sure to also recognize the abilities that veterans still have and to acknowledge those as well.

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Senior Driving Safety

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Should You Wait for an Accident to Take the Car Keys Away from Your Senior Parent?

Most adult children don’t know how to determine if their parent should be driving or not. Read more to find out if your senior parent is safe to be on the road.

How to Tell if Your Older Adult Parent is Safe to Drive

There is a moment that comes for nearly every senior and their loved ones: the day they decide that driving is no longer an option. This can be difficult for everyone involved, but if you notice your loved one’s senses are in decline, should you wait for an accident before you take the keys from the older adult in your life? The answer is usually “no.”

Why Are Seniors More Prone to Driving Accidents?

No one wants to give up their independence, but you may actually be helping your older parent live a longer, safer life by restricting their driving privileges. The truth is, seniors over age of 65 are almost twice as likely to die in car accidents than in any other type of accident. In fact, 15 older adults die in car accidents every day and 586 are injured daily. In addition, seniors are more likely to cause an accident. This is especially true over the age of 70. Between the ages of 70 and 74, there is a spike in car accidents. Seniors over the age of 85 have even more accidents – and they tend to be more serious. The reasons for this is due to increased susceptibility to medical complications and injury. Also, seniors tend to cause more accidents due to decline in vision and cognitive function. Medications can also play a part in the increase in accidents as they can cause impairment in drivers.

How to Decrease Chances of Accidents Behind the Wheel

While the statistics may sound discouraging, there are ways to reduce the chance of a senior you love having an accident:

  • If possible, avoid medications with side effects.
  • Plan your route before driving.
  • This will help avoid confusion later on.If you need glasses or corrective lenses, wear them.
  • And consider anti-reflective coatings to help minimize glare.

Finally, one of the best ways to decrease the chance of an accident is to not drive at all. With today’s home care options, a senior can use the aid of a home caregiver to run errands and drive to appointments and other outings. If your loved one has poor vision, has arthritis or a condition that makes it difficult to turn their head, having a home care aid assist with transportation to appointments, grocery runs, and to stay active and connected in the community can be a great idea. While it’s sometimes difficult to have the conversation about driving with your loved one, don’t wait until something happens. Now is the time to do so. You’ll be glad you did.

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First Aid 101: What You Need to Know

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First Aid 101

Knowing some basic first aid tips and techniques can equip you to react in an emergency situation and help loved ones.

What is First Aid?

First Aid is helping someone who is suffering from a sudden illness or injury. It can be a complete treatment such as applying ointment and bandages to a cut, or helping the individual with a more serious injury before they can get medical attention.

 

First Aid Tips: Proper first aid techniques can prevent a situation from escalating until a first responder arrives

  • Be prepared: Have and know where the first aid kits are in your home, car and work.
  • If an injury is serious, have someone call 911 while you help care for the victim.
  • Learn the signs and symptoms of various illnesses including strokes and heart attacks.

Get First Aid Certified Today

The National Safety Council offers online training (source) and a list of local classes (source).

First Aid Basics

Bleeding

  • Stop the bleeding as quickly as possible by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth
  • Use a tourniquet if blood loss seems to life threatening. A belt or bandana can be used to pinch off the flow of blood.
  • If the wound is very large, have the person lie down and elevate the part of the body that is bleeding.

Having a Heart Attack

  • Call 911
  • Give the person an aspirin to help with potential heart damage.
  • Perform CPR if the person stops breathing

Burned

  • If the burn is mild, treat it by running it under cool water for 10 minutes.
  • Then cover loosely with gauze.Never apply ice or ointment to the area.
  • Call 911 if the burn is third– degree burns.

Choking

  • A person who is choking cannot speak and will often clutch their hands to their throats.
  • Try to make them cough by hitting your fist between their shoulder blades.
  • Perform the Heimlich maneuver on them.

Signs of a Heart Attack

Signs of a heart attack include stab- bing chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, cold sweats, nausea, sudden dizziness, and chest discomfort.

First Aid Kit Checklist

Every home and workplace should have a First Aid Kit that is a well know location, accessible to everyone.

Anatomy of A First Aid Kit—What To Include In Yours (source)

  • Absorbent compress dressings
  • Various sized bandages
  • Adhesive cloth tape
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Aspirin
  • Breathing barrier (with one–way valve)
  • Instant cold compress
  • Non-latex gloves
  • Hydrocortisone ointment
  • Scissors
  • Roller bandages
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Oral thermometer
  • Tweezers
  • First aid instruction booklet

Check and Update Your Kit

  • Check and replace flashlight batteries frequently
  • Update emergency phone numbers
  • Check the kit for refills regularly
  • Check expiration dates on medications

Knowing proper first aid can help prevent bigger injuries and can help comfort an injured victim. Get certified today so you are prepared to help loved ones in a time of need.

Home Care Tip:

A “Caregiver First–Aid Kit” is an essential to home safety and care. Be sure your first–aid kit has all the critical supplies and is easily accessible to you at all times. Make a plan to check the kit regularly to discard and replace any expired or missing items.

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