Jacqueline Marcell (author and former professor) recently posted on the web the top 10 eldercare recommendations.

  1. Consider buying long-term care insurance.  Long-term care insurance can help cover home care services, visiting nurses, community programs like adult day services, and nursing home and assisted living expenses.
  2. Consult an elder law attorney.  Elder law attorneys specialize in the needs of older adults and can provide guidance in estate planning, advance directives, and guardianship and conservatorship.
  3. Utilize available resources, like the Alzheimer's Association or the Area Agency on Aging.
  4. Review medications with your physicians.  Physicians should know all the prescriptions, OTC, supplements, and vitamins a senior is taking.  They can review the meds and determine if it is an appropriate and effective combination.
  5. Consult a physician or other professional regarding mental health.  Some seniors experience depression, anxiety or behavioral issues with dementia.  A physician or professional can provide effective tips and interventions for caregivers.
  6. If your loved one has dementia, learn how to effectively communicate with them (see some of my past blogs).
  7. Validate feelings.  Validating and acknowledging how a senior feels about their health and overall situation instills a sense of comfort.
  8. Utilize respite care services.  Adult day services and other community programs are a great way to provide social interaction for seniors while offering a break to caregivers.
  9. Learn about your loved one's health conditions.  Educating oneself prepares caregivers for being effective advocates.
  10. Take care of yourself!  (see some of my past blogs for information on how caregivers can take care of themselves).

    For more information, see healthcentral.com.