Because We Care
Practical tips for family caregivers

Preparing for in-home care

Initiating in-home help for a loved one sets up a big change. You know support is needed, you’ve reached out for help, and now you wonder, Are we ready? That’s a good question! It’s wise to do some up-front preparation. When possible, involve your relative in the process. Open communication helps them feel respected and helps you avoid last-minute problem solving.

Here are concerns to address before you enlist paid help, and topics to cover when you’re orienting a new aide and bringing them on board:

• Safety, insurance, and emergencies. Check the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to confirm coverage when a paid helper is in the home. Put lists of emergency contacts, medications, allergies, and preferred hospitals in one place. Include a brief medical history. Show and discuss this information with the aide. Point out any safety concerns about the house, such as a floor prone to being slippery when wet.
• Personal history and daily routines. Share the things that matter to your loved one, such as favorite foods, pets, clothing items, preferred TV shows, and names of relatives. Review their daily rhythms: what time they usually wake up/nap, bathe, eat meals, etc. Are there cultural or religious considerations to explain?
• Roles, boundaries, and expectations. Communicate with the aide about what they are there to do or not do. This may include personal care, meals, light housekeeping, companionship, or errands. Getting clear about their duties now helps avoid awkward conversations later.
• Transportation and personal security. Decide ahead of time if you want the aide to drive and what car they’ll use. If driving is planned, confirm the aide’s license and insurance. It also helps to talk through keys, alarm codes, and privacy expectations so both you and your relative feel comfortable.
• Backup plans and time tracking. Life happens. Find out what to do if your loved one gets sick or if the aide cannot come. Get clear on how their hours will be tracked—paper log, app, or agency system—which can also help with required reporting.

Solutions to hearing loss

Roughly 67% of adults over age seventy have hearing loss significant enough to warrant the use of hearing aids. But many elders resist the idea. Your loved one may believe there are no good options for correcting their hearing. In fact, there are more options than ever.

The current generation of hearing aids bears little resemblance to those of old.

• Appearance. With new technology, hearing aids today are less visible. Even the traditional behind-the-ear style is smaller. Only a slender tube extends into the ear canal.
• Improvement in hearing. According to research, more than 80% of people with hearing aids are satisfied with their purchase. Behind-the-ear, open-fit designs are ranked highest for the most difficult hearing situation: loud social gatherings.
• Comfort and use. Many styles and types are available. Choose a provider that offers follow-up service to fine tune fit and volume. Be sure the purchase includes a trial period and refund.

Cost remains a challenge. A pair of prescription hearing aids costs $3,500 on average. Medicare does not cover aids, though it often covers the diagnostics. Some supplemental health plans and Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage. More affordable over-the-counter hearing aids are also available. Some brands offer remote fittings and adjustments.

Assistive devices are another option. These devices support hearing in specific situations. Look for personal amplifiers, which fit in the pocket. Some Bluetooth earbuds are now equipped with technology that allows them to work as entry-level hearing solutions.

You can also try these tips to improve communication:

• Face your relative. Make sure you have their attention.
• Speak a bit more slowly than usual.
• Turn off or avoid background noise. Move to another room if need be.
• Stop shouting! Volume is only part of the problem. Those with hearing loss tend to have difficulty with high tones (pitch) and certain consonants. If you can, make your voice lower and only slightly louder.

Watching for financial abuse

Financial abuse of elders is shockingly common. Research shows that annually about one in ten older adults in the United States reports abuse, and the true number is likely much higher. Financial abuse makes up the majority. It occurs when someone takes, uses, or controls an older adult’s money or property without clear or legal permission. Statistics show that the perpetrator is typically a family member. Not an unknown fraud or scam artist, but someone known and trusted.

Who is at risk? Your loved one is at higher risk if they live alone, are socially isolated, have cognitive decline, need help with activities of daily living, recently lost a spouse, or rely on others to manage money. There’s added risk if they have substantial savings or property, including valuable possessions, especially if they have a soft heart for relatives “in need.”

Watch for warning signs. Look for sudden drops in account balances, unpaid bills despite steady income, relatives getting newly involved in finances, unexpected changes to legal documents, or missing possessions. If your loved one seems confused about money or seems reluctant to talk about it, ask gentle, open-ended questions. Pay attention to their emotions and body language.

What you can do. Stay involved. Make sure there is a designated financial power of attorney. Review statements together as much as you can. Encourage openness with finances. Simple tools such as direct deposit and automatic bill pay can reduce risk. You might consider hiring a licensed daily money manager or a professional financial care manager. Building in two points of oversight (you and a trusted partner) adds further protection.

If you suspect abuse, document what you notice and contact local police and Adult Protective Services. If your loved one lives in a facility, a long-term care ombudsman can help. Acting early protects your relative’s dignity, safety, and savings.