Caregiving Corner: The most important question to ask

By Medicine Hat News on March 10, 2018.

My mom and I were sitting at her kitchen table, looking over the advanced care planning forms. There are a lot of decisions to make and it wasn’t easy seeing the tears in my mom’s eyes as she talks about her wishes for end of life.

One question in the planning booklet stuck out for me and it has given me confidence and direction over the last year.

“What is most important you?”

“To be independent as long as possible,” she said.

I live seven hours away from my 87-year-old mom and the longer she is independent, the less worry I have and the more things are easier for me.

The question remains “How do we keep her, and my step-dad, independent and safe?”

Technology is an emerging solution to help aging parents stay in their homes and remain independent as long as possible. Common options are Lifeline and MedicAlert alarm systems, and more and more families are installing security systems with cameras or using devices like FIT bit.

Recently I learned about another system that is a great solution for families who are concerned about their aging parents, want the comfort of knowing they are safe, and does not intrude on the privacy of the parents.

Care Link Advantage combines the simplicity of a home security system with the personal needs of both aging parents and the caregiver. The system is fully customizable and can include monitoring of night time falls, wandering, washroom use, eating habits, general movement and activities, and medication compliance, including visual verification that correct medication was taken. Other options include monitoring of environmental conditions such as water left on, smoke/heat detectors and high/low temperatures.

One wonderful benefit is that the family relationships are strengthened. Instead of visits and phone calls becoming interrogation sessions to find out if the parent is eating regular meals, falling, or taking medication as required, they can now chat about what each other has been doing, catching up on family news, and the calls/visits are more fun again.

To find out more about Care Link Advantage call 866-876-7401 or visit http://www.carelinkadvantage.ca

Lorna Scott is a caregiver strategist, a member of the Caregiver Coalition of Southeast Alberta and The Caregiver’s Lighthouse; and is author of the best selling book “Walking the Journey Together É Alone.” She may be contacted at Lorna@TheCaregiversLighthouse.com or 403-548-8437.

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