Althizmers disease is by far the most common. The on set of Alzheimer’s can happen as quickly as a single year, or it can happen over the span of 20 or more years. Some of the effect of Alzheimer’s are delirium, delusions, depression, and disturbed behavior. Being alert for the signs of Alzheimer’s can help caregivers better help their client. If the home care worker notices lapses in memory, sudden difficulty with language, or decreased motor functions, they should consult with their clients doctor, and have the client checked for Alzheimer’s.

Delirium is another mental disorder that caregivers should watch out for in their clients. While delirium many be a symptom of Alzheimer’s, it can also act as a stand alone disorder, and should be treated as such. A reduced ability to focus, sudden onset of misconceptions, poor judgment, and reduced motor activity, that change over the course of a day, or an even longer period of time could be indicators of delirium. Delirium may also be a reaction to a new drug that the client has been prescribed, and signs of delirium should be reported to the clients doctor immediately.

Psychosis is a blanket term, often used to encompass a number of disorders such as bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. While many people suffering from some form of psychosis will show signs of the disorder when they are younger, it is still possible for psychosis to strike the elderly very suddenly. Some tell tales signs of psychosis that caregivers should look our for are sudden, erratic mood swings, and hallucinations. It can be very easy to mistake a psychotic disorder with delirium, so a careful psychological examination of the client is needed to make a proper diagnosis.

Caregivers should also be alert for signs of depression in their clients. While depression is much more common in women, it affects both genders. Depression can be triggered by a number of different factors, such as losing a loved one, or several loved ones in a short span of time, something many seniors will have to cope with.

People working in the home care industry should be alert for signs of any of these disorders. A caregiver who can catch these problems in their early stages can better help their client cope with them.

Treating elderly patients can be much more difficult than treating younger people. While the flu, or a common cold can be easily treated in the younger population, they can quickly turn deadly for geriatric patients. Often times older patients have compromised immune systems, due to their advanced age, and must be treated differently than their younger counterparts.

When working in the home care industry, it is always best to attempt to find a doctor who specializes in geriatric medicine. This is not always possible; the next best thing is a general practitioner, with several years of experience, who is well versed in dealing with elderly patients. Many doctors who are fresh out of medical school lack any working experience with elderly patients This lack of experience can turn deadly, so choosing a doctor who has been in the medical field for a few years is highly recommended.

A medical journal, know as Academic Medicine, recently published a list of basic geriatric procedures. Many of these focus on preventative practices, such as avoiding fall hazards, and dealing with common diseases in the elderly. It is important for caregivers to understand what they can do to prevent medical complications. Another study published, by the Institute Of Medicine, in 2008 called “Retooling for an Aged America”, urged caregivers, doctors, and people working in other aspects of the home care industry, to become acquainted with basic geriatric care.

While it can be difficult for a caregiver to find the right doctor for their situation, it is one of the most important things they can do to help their clients. They need to find a doctor that both they, and their client can trust, who is well versed in situations which might arise when dealing with geriatric patients It is also important for home care workers to understand the basic things that they can do to help prevent accidents, or other medical incidents.

Why Should Caregivers Avoid Giving Medication to Clients?

Caregivers should avoid giving clients medication, as it not within the boundaries of the care that is provided by the traditional caregiver services. Although the caregiver may be aware of the medications that the client is taking, the caregiver may be unable to determine if there will be an interaction between the medications which are being administered and the medications which are taken on a daily basis.

Aside from any obvious legal ramifications of a caregiver in an elderly care situation administering drugs there will always be the chance that there could be a fatal errors made due to lack of professional training.

What Should a Caregiver do if the Senior Requests Medication?

In the case that the client requests medication from the caregiver, it can take a simple phone call to the doctor’s office, or nurses that are offering home care. The nurse can then give advice that can be dispensed to family members that can administer the medication to the client.

As an alternative, the caregiver may contact the family members or support system directly and allow the family members or friends to consent to the request, contact the physician or nurse that is responsible for the medication.

In the case that the client has taken it upon themselves to take medication that has not been prescribed, the caregiver can note this on the chart of the client which is prepared for the home care company. This information can be relayed to friends and family members and if this medication is seen as dangerous, it can be removed from the environment of the client to prevent further unauthorized usage. 

How Can Caregivers Assist with Medication?

When dealing with the elderly, care must be taken regarding the reminding for medication to be taken. The use of medication holders which can determine which and how many pills should be taken each day can be used, as well as charts and reminder notes or alarms which are set to coincide with the schedule that the medication will be taken. Using these tips, the caregiver can take an active role in the care of the client, including the health without putting the caregiver, or the company that the caregiver works for in direct danger of acting unlawfully.

Still Unsure?

If you have any thoughts or questions after reading this please don’t hesitate to call our office to clear up any doubts you may have.