Caring for a senior or elderly relative or friend or client at home may be one of the most gratifying and rewarding experiences of a lifetime, but is one that may also be filled with frustration, physical and mental weariness, and at times, resentment. Understanding the challenges and responsibilities of elder care, learning how to deal with day-to-day challenges and providing a safe and senior-friendly environment to loved ones is essential in the caregiving process. Encouraging seniors to stick to medication schedules, preventing dehydration and providing proper hygiene are essential in long-term care scenarios.
Learning how to safely transfer seniors in a variety of scenarios while at the same time protecting the caregiver are essential, as is learning how to deal with security and safety in the home of a senior diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Caring for seniors in a home environment also means providing care for the caregiver. Time-outs, support, dealing with difficult family members as well as the emotional, physical and mental strains of caregiving are addressed in this course.
Dealing with behavior problems such as aggression is also discussed, as are recognizing and preventing situations of senior abuse. Learning how to identify the warning signs of senior abuse and dealing with feelings of anger, resentment and stress are addressed in this course, and are as important for caregivers as they are for all family members.
Finally, learning about community options for respite and end-of-life or hospice scenarios will help caregivers provide the best in effective, efficient and quality home care for seniors.
Chapter 1: Caring for an Elder
* Challenges and Responsibilities
Chapter 2: Dealing with Day to Day Challenges
* Balancing Your Time
Chapter 3: Safety First!
* Providing a Senior-Friendly Environment
* Fall Prevention
* Driving - Can She or Can't She?
Chapter 4: Preventing Problems
* Sticking to medication schedules
* Preventing Dehydration
* Skin Care
Chapter 5: Mobility Issues
* Ambulation Needs - Can You Do It?
* Protect Your Back! Ergonomic Lifting Techniques
Chapter 6: Dealing with Alzheimer's
* Alzheimer's Stages
* Security and Safety in the Home
Chapter 7: Caring for the Caregiver
* Time Out
* Taking Care of Yourself
* Support Groups
* Dealing with Non-helpful Siblings
Chapter 8: Body Works and Limitations
* Understanding Common Medical Conditions
* Arthritis
* Diabetes
* Strokes
* Dealing with Incontinence
Chapter 9: Daily Routines
* Meals
* Bathing
* Dressing
Chapter 10: Behavior Problems
* Dealing with Emotions
* Dealing with Aggressive Behaviors
Chapter 11: Recognizing and Preventing Senior Abuse
* Warning Signs
* Dealing with Stress, Anger and Resentment
Chapter 12: Staying Active
* Keeping a Parent Socially Active
* Ideas for Outings
* Mind Games for Mental Stimulation
Chapter 13: Respite Care Options
* Taking a Break
* In Home or Facility Respite Care
* Finding Options
Chapter 14: Finding Help
* Community Services
* Professional Help (Aides)
Chapter 15: Hospice
*Dealing with The End
* Understanding Grief
* Letting Go