3-minute read
The more than 60 people who attended a forum on health care and aging on Thursday came away with a lot of tips on caring for elderly family members and other loved ones.
The forum at First Presbyterian Church was part of LkldNow and Lakeland Vision’s 2024 series of candid conversations on health care, and it was co-sponsored by Age Friendly Lakeland.
The format was a dialogue between host Kari Ann Gomez, owner of Home Instead, overseeing a team of about 100 care professionals, and Jody Streussnig, senior program manager of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Maintain dignity: Streussnig was asked about mistakes that caregivers make when dealing with a senior loved one.
She responded that many people overlook their loved one’s independence. Don’t assume they need help, she said; instead, ask them about their needs and involve them in decisions.
Streussnig gave some other suggestions that apply to seniors and their caregivers:
- Keep medical records in an easily findable spot for both loved ones and first responders; many people put them in a freezer with a note on the freezer door that they are inside.
- Many doctor’s offices and medical facilities now rely on a computerized patient portal for communications. If you don’t understand how to use it, ask the office staff for help.
- Share your patient portal with a trusted friend or loved one who is knowledgeable about healthcare.
Isolation and depression: Streussnig and Gomez told the audience to be mindful of senior isolation and the depression that often accompanies it.
Both women said since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation has become an increasing issue. They suggested taking advantage of Lakeland’s parks for walking and exercise, city recreation and cultural arts programs, and various churches’ older adults ministries.
“You have to admit that you’re pulling into yourself,” Streussnig said.
Struggling with sadness: For older adults, watching their loved ones and friends get sick and die can be deeply sad. Gail Bagley, who has been active with senior housing issues, asked where to turn to for help that doesn’t involve a doctor prescribing an antidepressant.
Streussnig recommended contacting Peace River Center, hospice centers, which have support systems and grief counseling, and social workers who can assess your needs. Gomez said many religious institutions have support groups. Most of the programs are free.
Age-friendly businesses: Streussnig urged the audience to take note of businesses that are welcoming to older adults. In Lakeland, the age-friendly business program is a joint project of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and Age Friendly Lakeland.
Businesses can apply for certification that show that they consider the needs of older adults and create a barrier-free environment through things like electric doors, appropriate seating, music at the right tone and volume, and a welcome attitude to seniors with memory issues.
One resource for both seniors with memory issues and their caregivers is Beautiful Minds Social Center, an adult daycare on South Florida Avenue in Dixieland, Gomez said.
“As caregivers, you guys need to take care of yourselves, too,” Gomez said. By taking advantage of adult daycares, “you can go home and sleep, run errands, go get lunch. They’re going to be with other individuals like them,” she said.
Streussnig urged seniors and caregivers to write a list of names of people who can help them. For instance, the teenage neighbor who could mow the lawn if you aren’t up to it, a friend you can call to make a grocery run, or someone you can talk to on those bad days.
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