Caring for Family

With greater technology, access to healthcare, and pharmaceuticals; we are living longer. As our families grow, our older generations are still strong in determination and independence but sometimes need help in the physical and financial areas of life.

I have lived in six states and eight cities and none compared to Jasper County when it comes to the older population having so much drive and determination to continue caring for their farms, homes, and livestock. I have met several handfuls of citizens in their late 80’s and 90’s that still cut their own hay, mend their fences, and tend to their cattle.

While these folks are amazing, they account for the 26 percent of seniors who live alone in Georgia.

Sixty-eight percent pf Georgia’s seniors live with family. These seniors range from fully independent citizens who live with family for a multitude of reasons to the bed-ridden loved ones who are cared for 24-hours a day by family. It’s just what family does; we take care of the people who once cared for us. I’ve been there. I moved across the country two different times to care for my grandmother and great-grandmother. Caring for aging family is a blessing; while there are many challenges, the wisdom, love, and relationship far outweighs any obstacles.

From a public safety perspective, we are so happy when our senior population has family that cares for them. Even if living alone, having family or neighbors who check on them is reassuring. We see far too often elderly people in our community who do NOT have family, appear to have no neighbors or friends who check on them and are struggling with their ability to thrive independently. We are often called well after the threshold of necessity has passed so time is fleeting.

When caring for sick family it is very helpful when EMS is answering a call for help to have their demographics, medical history, and all of their medicines listed. When I cared for my grandmother who was transported often I wrote up a one page sheet that listed her name, birthdate, social security # (for the hospital to verify her), her primary doctor, ALL of her medical conditions, ALL of her medicines, her allergies, and any surgeries she had. Then I made 20 copies.

Having all that ready to go to hand a copy to the paramedics made their job easier and allowed me to focus on getting her the care she needed.

But with caring for our seniors also comes challenges. Money is tight, stress is high. You’ve committed to caring for your loved one but you feel alone. There are so many resources for you!! Please check out a few of these sites:

https://aging.georgia.gov/programs-and-services

This site has resources for help at home, nutrition and wellness, respite care, and help understanding Medicare.

https://tinyurl.com/agingprograms

This site is a great list of the top 10 government programs for caring for elderly parents; whether for you or them, it’s a must.

We know that you are there for your family when they need you, and we are here for you when you need us. Take care Jasper County.