Caregivers, if we are a family caregiver, there is a resource which we may not be aware of to help us with the day to day tasks. This resource is Adult Day Health (ADH). Let me explain a few things about this resource which we may be unaware of or had just not put into our basket of helpers.
Many ADH solutions are offered at assisted livings and retirement settings. This can be very valuable to us in an emergency. When emergencies arrive there is little or no time to research help, so having as much information as possible in advance is a great relief. There is of course another hurtle to get over with this kind of help; and that is if the person needing the resource will accept it. May I suggest looking around and get all the information available regarding this establishments and then visit a couple. Once we have made the determination which one we like; give them a try for same 6 to 8 hours, a couple of time in one month. We may find that it is a good way for us to attend our medical appointments or pay bills or just get a break.
Here is the most important service we can benefit from. Should we, as the caregiver, become ill or injured; the person we care for already has a place which is somewhat familiar to them which will create less upset and we, as the primary caregiver, can relax knowing they are with someone who knows them. Emergencies happen, no one plans on them, and when they do we need to be ready.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for referral information, or www.(your state)dshsaps.org
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