Post by Dawn on Nov 22, 2008 12:03:46 GMT -5
Below are fragments from the article. Please click the link at the bottom to read it in its entirety.
Your close personal relationship with the person you are caring for helps you to understand and interpret his or her feelings, wishes, and needs. You are also the first to become aware of many physical and emotional problems, the first to deal with those problems, and often are the person who carries out plans that you and other team members develop. As a team member, your job is to work cooperatively with other members of the team-both family and professional-in solving caregiving problems. To do this you need to use the four COPE problem-solving steps discussed in the first chapter of this book.
CREATIVITY by looking for new ways to solve problems,
OPTIMISM by having positive expectations for achieving your goals,
PLANNING by thinking about the steps you can take to reach your goals, and
EXPERT INFORMATION by asking for guidance from health professionals as well as people who have dealt with similar problems in the past.
As much as possible, the older person and the whole family need to be involved in problem-solving.
Remember that the older person is also a member of the team. His or her participation is essential for plans to succeed. It is also his or her right to be involved.
Caregiving can have important benefits
Caring for an older person at home can give you a sense of satisfaction and confidence. You will discover inner strengths that you didn't realize you had. Caregiving can draw families together and can help people feel closer to the person who needs care.
www.healthinaging.org/public_education/eldercare/2.xml#3
Your close personal relationship with the person you are caring for helps you to understand and interpret his or her feelings, wishes, and needs. You are also the first to become aware of many physical and emotional problems, the first to deal with those problems, and often are the person who carries out plans that you and other team members develop. As a team member, your job is to work cooperatively with other members of the team-both family and professional-in solving caregiving problems. To do this you need to use the four COPE problem-solving steps discussed in the first chapter of this book.
CREATIVITY by looking for new ways to solve problems,
OPTIMISM by having positive expectations for achieving your goals,
PLANNING by thinking about the steps you can take to reach your goals, and
EXPERT INFORMATION by asking for guidance from health professionals as well as people who have dealt with similar problems in the past.
As much as possible, the older person and the whole family need to be involved in problem-solving.
Remember that the older person is also a member of the team. His or her participation is essential for plans to succeed. It is also his or her right to be involved.
Caregiving can have important benefits
Caring for an older person at home can give you a sense of satisfaction and confidence. You will discover inner strengths that you didn't realize you had. Caregiving can draw families together and can help people feel closer to the person who needs care.
www.healthinaging.org/public_education/eldercare/2.xml#3
