Building a Team for Elder Care

According to statistics compiled by the National Association of Family Caregivers, more than 50 million people are providing help and care for an aged, chronically ill or disabled family member in any given year.

The average family caregiver is a 48 year old woman who works part or full-time and is still caring for her own children at the same time she is providing assistance to an older family member.   That doesn’t leave much time in the day for much else as so many women who are juggling careers with caring for elders can testify.

The solution for stressed caregivers of any age or gender is to consider building a “team” of support people who can lend their help in caring for your elder.

Who might be on a support team for elder care?

Church friends, senior service providers, family members, neighbors, and volunteers are some of the people who can serve on a support team.

Before asking anyone for help, it’s important to take these steps:

1. Make a list of the chores or services needed.
2. What is most important and least important?   Help with meals or help with food shopping? Household cleaning or trips to the doctor?
3. When is help needed? Mornings? Weekends?
4. How much time is involved? A trip to the doctor’s office might involve two to three hours with waiting time whereas a shopping trip might be done in an hour.
5. Now sit down with your family member. Does he or she want help?
6. If your loved one is ready to accept help, now is the time to evaluate what services can be done by family and friends as well as what services are available in the community.
7. Now you’re actually ready to seek help from family, friends, neighbors, etc. With your list, you can provide information not only about what needs to be done but also when, how often, time expectations, etc. This information will make it easier for each person to know if he or she can help and in what way.
8. Next create a calendar so that each person knows exactly what he or she is do and when. Provide a copy of the calendar for each “team member” and your loved one.

Keep in mind that it helps to make periodic contact with “team members” to learn if there are new concerns or changes needed in the schedule. And don’t forget to reward your team members on occasion   - a thank you note, small box of chocolates or a plant can let your team know they are appreciated by both you and your loved one.

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