Sue H.

“ I have privately cared for 2 female elders for about 3 years combined and also worked with 2 agencies that provide in-home care for another 2 years. I have elderly parents. I understand the desire to stay in one's home, maintain as much independence as possible. I have a parent with Alzheimer's, so I understand the need for patience, compassion, and reassurance. They live out of state unfortunately. I assist...

I have privately cared for 2 female elders for about 3 years combined and also worked with 2 agencies that provide in-home care for another 2 years. I have elderly parents. I understand the desire to stay in one's home, maintain as much independence as possible. I have a parent with Alzheimer's, so I understand the need for patience, compassion, and reassurance. They live out of state unfortunately. I assist with ADL's (Activities of Daily Living). I am an educated female, have been in medical field in various capacities since 1984. The elderly need someone to evaluate their living situation for potential "slip and fall" hazards. I realize family members want to trust and know that the person caring for their mom or dad genuinely cares for that persons well-being. Excellent communication is essential with family members to keep them updated on any changes good or bad with their loved one. I keep a log of activities and ADL's when with each client so family members are informed of what transpired that particular day with their family member. I am interested in companionship, assistance with errands, appointments, meal preparation/assistance etc. It's important for them to do as much for themselves as physically possibly. This helps with their sense of usefulness and maintains a sense of dignity. No one likes to feel controlled, or dictated to.

My husband is my medical adviser. He's a Chiropractor, a registered nurse, and he graduates in 2012 as a Nurse Practitioner. He helps and advises me with clients in dietary/health concerns. I prepare healthy food choices, encouraging fluids.

I encourage exercise, walking, sitting and doing arm and leg exercises to keep joints mobile; simple activities such as rolling up yarn into a ball, kicking a ball across the room, while sitting, throwing a beach ball back and forth, playing cards, all these things help keep their minds AND bodies active.

Outdoor activities for fresh air may be as simple as going to a park. I know the elderly enjoy watching children at play; some enjoy simply watching the birds and nature. Outdoors, sunshine gives us all that Vitamin D our bodies need. A daily supplement of vitamin D at a dose of 700-1000 IU reduces the risk of falling among older people by 19% according to a study published on the British Medical Journal website. I am very observant and detail oriented, I notice changes in behavior and physical limitations, allowing for medical intervention if necessary.

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