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The Caregiving Challenge Nearly 44 million adults in the United States currently provide care for an older lovedŽone. While it can be rewarding, it can also be challenging. STEP 1: FALL-PROOF THE HOME Whether your parent is returning home after a hospital stay or has been living in an environment that's not senior-friendly, fall prevention should be your top priority. Simple alterations, such as removing items from the fl oor to create wider walkways and installing grab bars in the shower, can help prevent dangerous accidents. STEP 2: WORK TOGETHER You shouldn't tackle caregiving alone, particularly when it comes to its most basic element: determining the level of care your parents need. In addition to discussing this topic with your parents, consult their primary care physician, friends and other children. Consider hiring a home health aide to help when you're unavailable. STEP 3: COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY Caregiving can be a delicate endeavor, especially if a parent has dementia. Be straightforward and clear in your communication, don't obsess over trying to get them to think or act rationally, and ground every conversation in love and respect. STEP 4: MAKE A PL AN If you're preparing meals for your parents, consider recipes that can be frozen and reheated throughout the week. Create a schedule to keep track of chores your parents need help with. Calculate a caregiving budget for grocery shopping and other expenses. Often, a parent's acute illness or injury, such as a stroke or broken bone, is the catalyst for caregiving by an adult child. For other families, gradual changes in a parent's mental condition, perhaps due to dementia, lead to a need for ongoing support that develops and increases as time passes. No matter how you came to be a caregiver, the following steps can help you navigate the experience. Your NICHE Hospital As a hospital committed to elder care excellence, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System is a NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) designated facility. Through participation in NICHE, CHRISTUS St. Michael offers evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches that promote better outcomes, positive experiences and enhanced care for older adults. For more information, visit christusstmichael.org/ accreditationandaffiliations. ONE STOP FOR SENIOR HEALTH The CHRISTUS St. Michael Senior Health Center brings all of the general health care services seniors need under one roof for a more convenient, coordinated and patient-centered experience. Physicians specializing in senior health direct each care plan and serve as the leaders of the health care team, which includes geriatric nurses, licensed vocational nurses and a nurse educator. Our services include: • chronic disease management • free educational luncheons • medication management • specialty care coordination • treatment planning and review The Senior Health Center is located in the Medical Office Building on the CHRISTUS St. Michael campus. Same-day appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, call (903) 614-5330. Are you feeling stretched by the demands of caregiving? CHRISTUS HomeCare-St. Michael provides in-home medical services and education that can ease the burden of managing a parent's illness or injury. For more information, visit christushomecare.org. 10 christusstmichael.org