Council on Aging Senior Guide 2013 - 58

COUNCIL ON AGING ORANGE COUNTY

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wall poster with pictures from your relative’s past, with brief subtitles under each picture. Staff will then become familiar with your relative’s history in a positive way. Knowing someone’s past is the key to developing rapport and a trusting relationship with the staff. When trust is established, your parent is more likely to feel comfortable at his or her new home. Also provide staff with a written description of your relative’s typical day. Write down your relative’s daily schedule including sleep time, bathing schedule and preference for time of bath and meals. Also let staff know if your relative would prefer a male or female caregiver to provide personal care. You are still the caregiver. Even after you move your loved one, you are still the caregiver. If the administrator and/ or staff suggest you no longer need to be involved in care decisions, ask yourself if this is the environment you want. Remember, you might not be providing the hands-on care (although you should still have the option of doing this if it is important to you), but you will always be your relative’s advocate and care manager. Your role shifts, but is still vital to the health and well being of your loved one.

with your Family Consultant, join a support group, or contact a private counselor or clergy member. Try to rest, eat well, exercise. Research suggests that the first months may be the most difficult, but once your relative is situated and you have developed a relationship with his or her caregivers, you will experience a long over-due sense of relief. Keep in mind that often the care receiver does very well with the move. After all, their social and physical needs are being accommodated ‘round-the-clock. You have the opportunity now to enjoy spending time with your relative in a new way, free of the 24-7 demands of caregiving. For additional information call: Caregiver Resource Center at (800) 543-8312 or visit www.caregiveroc.org Caregiver Resource Center provides support and assistance to family to family caregivers in Orange County. Services include Information & Referral, family consultations, counseling, support groups, resource library, legal clinics, educational seminars and a respite program.

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Take Care of Yourself. Although everyone’s experience is different, moving a relative to a care facility might be the most difficult decision you will have to make as a caregiver. When making the transition from home to a community setting, reach out to people who understand and will support you. Don’t hesitate to call the Caregiver Resource Center – Orange County to speak
Senior Guide OC 2013
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Council on Aging Senior Guide 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Council on Aging Senior Guide 2013