- Episode 61: Elder Care 101: Key Things Caregivers Should Know Sandy Kibling 40:54
Does this sound familiar? You've been tirelessly caring for your elderly loved one. You trying to figure out how to determine the right care, be an advocate for your loved one and figure out resources available to you….all this, while navigating a complicated healthcare system.
You're not alone in this struggle. Family caregiving affects millions of Americans every day, in all walks of life. At least 17.7 million individuals in the United States are family caregivers of someone age 65 and older who needs help because of a limitation in their physical, mental, or cognitive functioning. It's time to stop feeling lost and instead empower yourself with knowledge and resources.
In this episode, we will discuss:
- Effective communication in elder care advocacy.
- Unlock the potential of utilizing external resources for home healthcare.
- The importance of additional therapy sessions your loved one may need.
- Explore the benefits of engaging technology for at-home exercises.
- Learn the significance of mobility advocacy in elder care.
My special guest is Mercedes Fernandez
Don't be afraid to ask questions a lot of the times because it's such a new setting and there is a stigma around these care facilities or hospital itself. There's a lot of fear, and that's totally normal. – Mercedes Fernandez
Mercedes is a powerhouse in the field of elder care advocacy and senior health. With a master's degree in kinesiology and a background in psychology, anatomy, and nutrition, Mercedes is a certified senior fitness instructor and CPR first aid responder. Her extensive experience as a lead geriatric physiotherapist, working with various conditions from stroke patients to Parkinson's disease and spinal bifida, has honed her expertise in adapted physical activity and skilled rehabilitation.
However, it's not just her professional accolades that make her an authority in this field; Mercedes' personal experience as her grandfather's primary Caregiver has instilled in her a profound understanding of the challenges and nuances of senior health care.
Her passion and compassion for older adults drive her unwavering advocacy for adequate senior health care, making her an invaluable voice on the topic.
Don't be afraid to ask questions a lot of the times because it's such a new setting and there is a stigma around these care facilities or hospital itself. There's a lot of fear, and that's totally normal. – Mercedes Fernandez
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 – Caring for a Senior Loved One
00:01:29 – Advocating for Aging Loved Ones
00:02:31 – Personal Experience and Professional Expertise
00:06:26 – Navigating Care Facilities
00:13:35 – External Resources and Support
00:14:58 – Role of Ombudsman and External Resources
00:16:32 – Mental Health Component of Caregiving
00:17:55 – Loopholes in Home Health Care
00:23:14 – Utilizing Technology for Physical Therapy
00:26:32 – Suspected Elder Abuse and Advocacy
00:28:38 – Neglectful care in assisted living facilities
00:31:08 – Abuse and theft in caregiving facilities
00:34:00 – Importance of mobility in aging
00:35:40 – Impact of sedentary lifestyle on health
00:38:29 – Listening to your body
Resources:
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