With people living longer we see that the need for caregiving is much greater and sometimes can be very overwhelming. In an effort to help caregivers understand the resources that are available to them I have come up with a Bullseye of Care.
The very center of the bullseye, in this case, the yellow, represents the loved one you are caring for. The red ring is family and friends who help support and care for the loved one. This could be children, grandchildren, extended family and close friends. Part of there support may be stopping by to check in on their loved one. Maybe bringing a meal or picking up needed items at the store.
When the care of the loved one becomes slightly greater, reaching out to the next level, purple, would include church organizations, community resources such as senior programs and services. These not only provide stimulating activities but excellent socialization. Many community programs have a bus that can pick up and drop off your loved one at their home.
As needs increase and the loved one requires more help, we move to the next level of the bullseye, the white circle. This level would include hiring a personal assistant that can help your loved one with activities of daily living such as grooming or light housekeeping. Hiring a personal assistant is not covered by Medicare or Mediaid but can provide some well needed relief for loved ones who may be experiencing caregiver burnout. In this level is also Home Health or Hospice services, if the loved one qualifies. These services are generally paid for through Medicare or other insurance providers. Many caregivers don't realize that if your loved one has a fall, that would qualify them for a home health evaluation. If they would benefit from Home Health services they could have a Physical Therapist come in and do exercises with them, right in their own home, to help them restrengthen and regain a former level of functioning allowing them to stay in their home longer.
Hospice services are for those who have a terminal illness and their doctor has decided that, given the disease and the natural progression, the loved on has possible 6 months to live. This is a perfect time to call in a Hospice agency to start supporting the loved one and their family through nursing, medications, social and spiritual services. Many clients surpass the six month mark because of the added one-on-one care they receive through Hospice.
The last circle in the bullseye represents assisted living or skilled nursing care. This may be needed when the needs of the resident are so great that they cannot be cared for in their own home any longer. In an assisted living facility, residents can still take advantage of Home Health services and in both assisted and skilled nursing facilities, Hospice can provide services.
I hope this information helps you as you care for a loved one. If there is anything I can do to help please call:)
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