Elder Care Solutions

Define informal and formal caregivers, explore activities of daily living, costs, and the physical, emotional, and time commitments involved in 24/7 caregiving.

Learn proper lifting techniques, safe device use, stretching to train core muscles, and protect your back while transferring a person from floor to bed or chair.

Explore how caregiving creates cumulative stress and depression and learn practical strategies to safeguard your well-being through rest, relief, and time away.

Initiate upfront conversations before becoming a caregiver to discuss costs, living arrangements, progression, and final wishes, aligning with loved ones to ease future planning.

Consult a competent attorney to set up medical and general powers of attorney, care agreements, and clear plans for money, property, and long-term caregiving.

Define a care agreement as a written contract detailing who pays for care, expenses, travel costs, and necessary modifications, with signatures and attorney review.

Liquidate assets to fund elder care, including homes, cars, and investments, and use power of attorney to cover long-term care costs while evaluating insurance options.

Establish a budget, track actual expenses, and plan for unforeseen costs when caring for a loved one; ensure separate private space and essential amenities using course tools.

Understand medical power of attorney (MPOA), its authority to interact with care providers, and the importance of having documents drawn or reviewed by an attorney, with copies for various providers.

Prioritize creating and updating a last will and testament to ensure assets transfer smoothly and prevent burdens for loved ones; consult a competent attorney and review changes as life evolves.

Explore how the amount and types of care needed for elder adults vary and increase over time, focusing on daily activities of living care and support.

Explore the typical requirements you are most likely to need to help someone in elder care, from minor tasks to major needs, with a printable list for easy reference.

Manage elderly medication by scheduling doses, ensuring correct drugs and amounts at the right times, coordinating with doctors, renewing prescriptions, and maintaining on-site supplies to prevent missed or double dosing.

Clean and maintain the resident's quarters daily by wiping surfaces, chairs, and bedding, using waterproof mattress covers, mattress pads, and disposable pads to ensure hygiene.

Dress homebound individuals in loose, comfortable, easy-to-wash clothes with daily changes, possibly more if soiled by bodily fluids; install a nearby separate washer and dryer to manage frequent laundry.

Assess when to transport elders by weighing safety, physical and cognitive capability, and weather conditions; schedule occasional outings and use patient transport services when necessary.

Prioritize social interaction to prevent loneliness and depression for elders and caregivers. Schedule visits, conversations, and respite care to maintain emotional wellbeing and balance caregiving with personal time.

Navigate caregiver life with a loved one in denial about progressive decline by avoiding arguments, and empower yourself with dementia research, local or online support groups, journaling, and professional help.

Assess elder care timelines by noting durations range from one to ten years, with three to five years common, and prepare early with paperwork and hospice planning.

Plan your return to work or launch a new business after caregiving ends, and prepare emotionally and financially, using resources and this course to guide the transition.

Electric recliners are essential caregiving equipment that, via remote control, adjust position to relieve pressure, improve comfort and circulation, and some models lift to assist standing.

Explore various walkers and configurations, including wheeled and wheelless models, to match balance needs and safety. Consult providers, test brakes and portability, and adapt equipment as conditions change.

Enhance toilet safety with grab bars, safety rails, non-slip floors, and night lighting; consider portable toilets and plan a transition to briefs or diapers delivered to your doorstep.

Choose a solid, high-quality power adjustable bed to reduce pressure points and boost comfort for those with limited mobility, with waterproof covers, bed pads, and washable sheets.

Reinforce wall attach points with 2x6 pressure-treated wood, glued and screwed to studs (or concrete backboard) during remodels or new construction to create rock-solid heavy-duty grab bars and handrails.

Explore assisted living facilities as an alternative to nursing homes, including staffing, daily living support, meals, and living environments. Compare licensing and costs, and emphasize visits to ensure quality care.

Explore local elder care resources by connecting with churches, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, then do homework, ask questions, and seek referrals to make informed choices.

Understand nursing home admission procedures and costs, which can range from three to twelve thousand dollars per month, and plan ahead with long-term care insurance and weekly family visits.

Explore adult day care providers in your area, including facilities and in-home services, compare costs, and secure resources to give you time out for yourself.

Explore hospice as a proactive, patient-led service: research local providers, compare costs and offerings, and plan timely involvement while weighing pros and cons.

Seek out and join support groups to share what you’re learning and receive help, then create your own Udemy course, meetup group, Facebook group, or blog to help others.