How-To Ideas
 Promote Your Health or Elder Care Related Service Here The following how-to bits of information are a small preview of the services offered by Kathryn Kilpatrick, founder of Communication Connections, a Certified Senior Approved Service. Supporting Caregivers Young and OldLife changing things happen all the time to people we care about. Hundreds of activities are done automatically as part of the daily routine. Then something major happens and it may be a temporary or a permanent change – a minor or a major one. Life goes on no matter what, but when we care we want to help. LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOTWhen circumstances evolve in the caregiving arena, it is often the quick and more routine tasks that do not even make it on the to-do-list. More often than not, days are not long enough or caregiver’s energy is not sufficient to do it all. Supporters of caregivers have their own busy lives and want to help, but often are not sure they can spare enough time. Perhaps you can incorporate one or two of the things during your visit. If they have a list of errands that need to be done, you could call ahead and then do one or two of them while you are out doing other things. MORE THAN MONEYClose proximity to family and friends is no longer common, and people who do live nearby may have such hectic schedules that they do not have time to help as much as they would like. Helping with expenses by hiring someone to provide certain servicesmay be one of the options you prefer.PERSONAL ASSISTANTWhen a family is dealing with life-changing situations, unfamiliar issues that have to be handled often arise.All the medical and insurance details coupled with daily care-giving can be overwhelming. If they have minimal knowledge in those areas it becomes difficult to know where to even begin. Perhaps your expertise will help to relieve some of the worry as you guide them through the process.MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORKThe needs of an older adult who has become increasingly more frail may present a long-term need. When a group can chip in to share the responsibilities, the ability to assist them can be extended over a longer period of time. One of the many advantages of group involvement is that it is often easier to locate a back-up person.CHINESE SAYING
BECAUSE YOU CAREListenBe present Encourage Hold a hand Give a hug Ask permission Respect boundaries For additional ideas from Because You Care - What to do when you do not know what to do MORE INFORMATION About the Author Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A. is an author, geriatric communication consultant, a memory fitness specialist and has over 35 years of experience as a speech and language pathologist. Communication Connection provides Life Enhancement programs, staff training and reminiscence products for senior residences. In addition, families may want to take advantage of the private consultation services to learn ways to enhance communication when hearing, vision, speech or memory are a concern. Learn ways to meet them where they are, how to maximize their strengths and maximize the quality of the time you spent together throughout the year.
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