Long-Term Care Professionals--What We Can Learn From Geese!

Posted on

Jan 26, 2012

Book/Edition

Utah - Utah

Share This
As we consider our responsibility to provide exceptional care for the aging and vulnerable population in Utah, I think it is important to remember that we are all part of the same team! We have all committed to assisting elders in their quest for quality of life, safety, access to health care, comfortable & affordable housing, and companionship!
As we reflect upon the following habits of geese, lets re-commit to working collaboratively to ensure that we minimize gaps in services, provide access to benefits, and remember that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect no matter what their circumstances.

Geese fly together in the same V formation that means they all agree on where they're headed! (shared goals and cooperation)
When the lead goose gets tires, it rotates to the back of the formation and another goose flies at point. (teamwork and support)
As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird just behind it. By flying in a V, the whole flock has 71% greater efficiency than flying alone. (share the workload)
When a goose falls out of formation he feels the drag of resistance and quickly gets back in line. (Its hard to do it alone trust and delegate)
The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those in front to keep up their speed. (Celebrate accomplishments and be positive)
When a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to protect it. They stay until it can fly again or dies. (Support teammates in good times & bad)

Editors Note: Article by Diedra Kearney, Eden Educator, Director for Community Education at Dignity Home Health & Hospice. For more information or request for speaking opportunities, please call 801-860-3801.

Other Articles You May Like

How to Prevent Family Conflict Over Aging Parents

How to Prevent Family Conflict Over Aging ParentsWhen it comes to aging parents, certain topics are often at the forefront of the conversation senior living, health care, and financial planning, to name a few. However, there is one topic that is very common but not as openly discussed: family conflict. This type of conflict usually occurs among adult children as their parents or family members go through the aging process. Disputes can also occur between parents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, or others. Disagreements often stem from the stress, sadness, denial, anger, or uncertainty people often feel when their loved ones start to need help.Family conflict over aging loved ones is especially prevalent in the state of Florida, which has such a large senior population. In fact, family conflict became such an issue that the Florida Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts launched the Elder Justice Initiative on Eldercaring Coordination. This dispute resolution process was specifically created for families experiencing conflict over the care, autonomy and safety of Florida seniors.Clearly, family conflict over aging loved ones is a real issue that impacts seniors. While it is not uncommon, it can be prevented with the proper preparation, communication, knowledge, and guidance.This article will cover several aging-related topics that can lead to family conflicts, and how to best solve or prevent these issues. After all, the best outcomes for seniors occur when there is harmony and teamwork among their adult children. Situations that Can Lead to Family ConflictProblem: Uneven balance of caregiving responsibilitiesAdult children of seniors often have to handle many matters related to their aging parents. These can include taking on the role of a family caregiver, accompanying parents to medical appointments, making healthcare decisions, managing finances, driving them to all their obligations, managing their nutritional needs, performing household maintenance and chores, and many other duties.When multiple adult children are involved, it is natural for one child to take on more of the caregiving load than the others. This is often the case when one child lives much closer to their parents than the others.But when these duties are not evenly distributed among the children, some start to develop feelings of anger or bitterness toward their siblings.Solution: When feelings of bitterness and resentment start to develop, have a civil discussion with your siblings about the issue. Rather than being accusatory, try to make a plan to solve the problem. Write out all the responsibilities required for taking care of your aging parents, and specifically delegate each duty to certain people. Make sure everyone is on board with the agreement and is assigned a role that is achievable for them. Keep the list somewhere everyone can access it, whether it be a printed copy for each family member, or even a shared Google Doc. Plan to have frequent check-in meetings to make sure everyone is doing their part and discuss any concerns that have arisen.For example, one child who lives nearby can be in charge of driving their parents to appointments, while another child who lives farther away can take on the role of managing their finances. Or, if one person is unable to physically help, perhaps they would be willing to contribute financially to help make the other childrens roles a little easier whether that be by paying for respite care, a geriatric care manager, hospice care, or another service. Problem: One sibling is being excluded from the decision-makingSometimes, one child will take over most of the decision-making for their senior parents, causing the other siblings to feel as though they are being left in the dark about these important issues. Solution: In these situations, communication is key. In a calm manner, tell your sibling how you are feeling. It could be that they are simply unaware of their actions. Or, they might have thought they were making their siblings lives easier by not involving them. Explain your point of view and that you want to be more involved in matters relating to your aging parents. From there, you can work together to make an arrangement that you are included in.Problem: Disagreements about the amount of care neededFor some people, it can be hard to come to terms with the fact that their parents needs and abilities are changing. This can lead to denial or avoidance of the situation which is not only harmful for the seniors, but can also cause disagreements between adult children.In other situations, some adult children may believe their parents are able to safely age in place in their own home, while others may think senior living would be the best choice.Solution: Sometimes a professional outside opinion is all it takes for people to come to an agreement about their parents care needs. Consult your parents doctors for a professional report about their health status and changes in ability. It is also wise to contact an expert senior advisor like Florida Senior Consulting to conduct necessary assessments and make professional recommendations for the senior. A senior advisor can also help inform about all the possible options, whether that be in-home care or senior living. Along with involving outside sources, siblings can work together to research the situation at hand. For example, if the seniors are experiencing memory issues like dementia, adult children can research this topic to learn what level of care is often recommended in these situations. This method is always a good place to start and helps everyone be on the same page about their loved ones needs.Problem: Disagreements about end-of-life care and estate planningEstate planning and end-of-life care can be uncomfortable or delicate topics to discuss. Because of their complexity, these matters can often lead to disagreements among adult children.Solution: In these tricky situations, it is often best to leave the decisions up to your parents. If possible, have them choose a power of attorney and set up advance directives like a living will and health care surrogate designation before a crisis occurs. This will prevent any future conflicts that could arise among family members if these designations are not in place.If a crisis occurs and your parents do not have these documents or their estate in order, it is best to contact an elder law attorney, a financial planner that specializes in elder affairs, and possibly a family mediator to help with inheritances. These professionals can help get the situation sorted out without the risk of a conflict developing between family members.Next Steps for Adult Children to Help their Aging ParentsDont let conflicts about your aging parents tear your family apart. In difficult times, it is important for families to come together so the seniors in your life can receive the best care possible. This positive outcome is only achieved when the adult children work together as a team. After all, as Helen Keller once said, Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.If you and your family need guidance on how to best help your aging loved ones, always contact a professional. Florida Senior Consulting will help you every step of the way, from deciding the right plan for care, finding the best assisted living community, packing, moving, and everything in between.Our expert senior advisors are local to Florida and will help you and find the best care possible.Call (800) 969-7176 or visit FloridaSeniorConsulting.com to get started today.Senior living on your terms. The choice should be yours.

How to Measure Senior Independence with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

How to Measure Senior Independence with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)As our relatives age, maintaining their independence and quality of life becomes a top priority. But how do you determine if your senior loved ones are able to continue living independently?In this article, we will explore how to measure senior independence through the lens of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The ability to perform ADLs independently often serves as an indicator of a person's overall health and their need for assistance or care. Understanding how to assess and support older adults in their daily routines is crucial for ensuring their well-being and helping them lead fulfilling lives.What are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the fundamental, routine tasks that individuals typically perform in their daily lives to maintain personal care and physical well-being. The six basic ADLs are:BathingDressingGroomingEatingToiletingTransferring or moving from one location to another (e.g., from the bed to a chair)These activities are often the building blocks of personal independence and are crucial for an individual's basic self-sufficiency.What are Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)?Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are a set of more complex tasks that are essential for living independently. IADLs encompass activities that involve functioning effectively within the community and managing one's daily life. Common IADLs include:CookingCleaningManaging financesGrocery shoppingManaging medicationsThe ability to handle these tasks independently can provide insights into an individual's capability to remain self-sufficient and engaged in their community. Managing IADLs requires more complex thinking skills, so it is common for these activities to be affected if a senior is having difficulty with memory or cognitive function.What is the Difference Between ADLs and IADLs?ADLs and IADLs are both important measures of someone's independence. But they differ slightly.The primary difference between Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) lies in the nature and complexity of the tasks they encompass.ADLs are centered on a person's ability to maintain essential self-care and personal hygiene. IADLs include more complex activities related to managing one's household, paying bills, community involvement, shopping, and meal preparation. Both sets of activities are critical for assessing a senior's functional independence and are used to determine the level of assistance or care they may need.Why are ADLs and IADLs important for caregivers and medical professionals?Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are important for professional or family caregivers and healthcare professionals. Assessing an older adult's physical and mental capabilities to perform ADLs and IADLs provides critical insights into their level of functional independence and their specific needs.ADLs offer a window into a senior's ability to manage essential self-care tasks, enabling them to tailor care plans to address deficits and provide appropriate support.Similarly, IADLs offer a broader perspective, assessing an individual's ability to live independently within their community.Occupational therapists and physical therapists often assess ADLs and IADLs so they can provide treatment for a senior to recover the function of--or compensate for--a certain activity of daily living.Recognizing a person's strengths and challenges in these areas is fundamental to creating comprehensive, personalized care plans for seniors. Identifying older adults' specific daily living needs improves the overall experience for both the caregiver and the care recipient.When to Assess ADLs and IADLsAssessing Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living is a dynamic process that should be carried out at various key junctures in the lives of older adults.Initial assessments are often conducted when someone's health status changes significantly, such as if they experience an illness, injury, or disability.Regular assessments are also essential for seniors to monitor their functional abilities over time and to adjust care plans accordingly.Routine assessments are particularly important for caregivers and healthcare professionals, enabling them to provide timely support and interventions as needed to ensure seniors can maintain their independence and quality of life.How to Assess ADLs and IADLsAssessing Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living involves systematic evaluation of an individual's ability to perform these tasks independently. Assessment typically includes direct observation, interviews with the individual and their caregivers, and sometimes the use of standardized assessment tools.For ADLs, a professional or family caregiver may observe and inquire about the person's ability to perform the six major activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, grooming, and transferring.For IADLs, a family member or professional can ask questions about tasks such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation to gauge independence.Standardized scales, like the Katz ADL Scale for basic activities or the Lawton-Brody IADL Scale for instrumental activities, can provide a structured framework for assessment. You can also use Florida Senior Consultings simple ADLs and IADLs checklist to assess your loved ones abilities.The goal of these assessments is to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's capability to live independently. Furthermore, assessments help caregivers identify areas with which older adults require assistance, and tailor care plans accordingly to support their functional independence and overall well-being.How ADLs and IADLs Affect the Senior Living ProcessWhen considering the transition of a senior to a senior living community, assessing their ability to perform ADLs and IADLs becomes crucial.This assessment helps determine the most suitable senior living environment, whether it is independent living, assisted living, memory care, or a skilled nursing facility.Assisted living communities often assist with IADLs like medication management, meals, and housekeeping. Some assisted living facilities offer additional ADL assistance for an added cost. Memory care communities may also include ADL support.To accurately determine a potential resident's needs, most communities request ADL and IADL assessments as part of their evaluation process.In SummaryThe assessment and understanding of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) hold a profound significance in safeguarding and enhancing the independence of seniors.These assessments provide a roadmap for tailoring care and support to meet their specific needs, ensuring they can continue to lead fulfilling lives while maintaining their dignity and autonomy. Recognizing and addressing challenges in ADLs and IADLs not only empowers seniors to age with dignity but also fosters a sense of self-worth and well-being.By focusing on these essential daily tasks, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and families can play a pivotal role in preserving the quality of life for our older loved ones and, in turn, promote a more compassionate and respectful approach to aging.What to do if Your Senior Family Member Needs Help with ADLsWhen a loved one requires assistance with ADLs or IADLs, sometimes it is best to enlist a professional.Florida Senior Consulting's team of expert senior advisors has a wealth of knowledge and experience in senior care. We help families make informed decisions about the most suitable senior living and care for their loved ones.Get peace of mind about your loved ones' safety and quality of life. Give us a call at (800) 969-7176 or visit FloridaSeniorConsulting.com.Senior living on your terms. The choice should be yours.

The Elder Orphan: How to Plan for the Potential of Aging Alone

The Elder Orphan: How to Plan for the Potential of Aging AloneHow to Plan for the Potential of Aging AloneA significant portion of the population is faced with the prospect of growing old alone - that is, not having family or friends around for support in times of trouble or when independent living is no longer practical. Moreover, as the baby boomer generation continues to age, the number of people aging without a family will likely increase.The prospect of aging alone can be intimidating, but it doesnt have to be. If you understand the challenges you may face and plan for them ahead of time, you may find that you can navigate this stage of life without fear or uncertainty.What is an Elder Orphan?Elder orphan is a term that has been coined to describe people who are growing old alone, without the support of spouses, children, or other close family members or caretakers. It is difficult to assess just how many people in the United States are in this situation because many physicians do not inquire about patients marital, familial, or social status. However, a 2016 study estimated 22% of the population 65 and older are at risk of becoming elder orphans.The study calculated older peoples risk of becoming elder orphans based primarily on whether they were married or had children, since these are the relationships that typically take on responsibility for caring for an older adult. An increasing number of Americans aged 45 to 63 are single, and fewer people in this age group have children. This means that the number of people at risk of becoming elder orphans will rise.Nevertheless, that study fails to tell the whole story. Not everyone with a spouse or children is safe from becoming an elder orphan, and not everyone who lacks these relations is destined to become one. Adult children do not always live close enough to provide adequate support, or they may be estranged from older parents. One may find themselves aging alone following the death of a partner. On the other hand, people without partners or children may find other caretakers in siblings or trusted friends who live nearby and therefore avoid becoming elder orphans.What Challenges Do People Aging Alone Face?People growing old without a family face several significant challenges:Health Problems: As you age, your risk for developing chronic health problems increases. These health conditions may affect your mobility and mental capacity, making it more difficult for you to care for yourself.Legal and Financial Affairs:There are significant financial and legal matters that can arise as you grow older. It can be difficult to find help with these if you have no children or close family members to assist.Isolation and Loneliness: Isolation and loneliness are not the same things, but they can relate to one another. Loneliness is a subjective feeling of being alone, while isolation is the objective state of having minimal contact with others. Whether occurring separately or concurrently, isolation and loneliness put you at greater risk for cognitive decline.What Can You Do to Prepare to Age Alone?The difficulties involved with aging alone are significant but not insurmountable. The key is to recognize the challenges you may encounter and plan ahead of time to meet them. Here are some steps you can take early on:Build a Support System: If you do not have close family members, you need to build a network of people you can rely on. Your old friends may be deceased or may not live nearby, but there are many opportunities for seniors to make new friends through volunteering, classes, clubs, and other community resources for older people.Make Use of Technology: Many older people are intimidated by adopting smartphones and all the technological advances that come with them. However, some of these new or relatively new technologies can be very helpful to seniors. Communicating via phones and social media apps can keep you from becoming isolated by connecting you with virtual communities, while medical alert systems and monitoring devices allow you to access help in an emergency.Get Your Paperwork in Order: For many people aging alone, one of the biggest concerns is what happens if they become incapacitated. You should express your wishes clearly in a living will and choose someone you trust as a health care proxy. This does not need to be a family member; in fact, it may be in your interest to choose a friend who understands your wishes and lives nearby.Turn to the Professionals: If you dont have family members who can help you sort out legal and financial matters, hire a professional trained in handling them, such as an elder law attorney or accountant.Consider Florida Senior Living Communities One of the biggest concerns you may have when aging without a family is where you will live. A senior living community allows you to live among peers and access care and support when needed.Florida Senior Consulting offers hundreds of senior living choices in communities across Florida to meet the needs of every senior we serve. Between assisted living, independent living, memory care, adult day care, and other options, there are plenty of communities in Florida that are suited for your own personal preferences and needs. This can be a very difficult landscape to navigate, and you should always engage the services of a professional to avoid the pitfalls and make the best decision possible the first time.Interested in Getting Help or Support from the Professionals at Florida Senior Consulting? We are a mission-driven company that believes deeply in purpose over profit. Our focus is helping every senior we encounter in the markets we serve to live their best life with the least amount of worry and the most support possible. We dont charge anything to sit down, get to know you, get to know your situation, and help you plan the best path forward.Call (800) 969-7176 today for your free consultation, or visit FloridaSeniorConsulting.com. Youll be glad you did!Senior living on your terms. The choice should be yours.