Dr. Eboni Green
December 13, 2021
Being a caregiver for a loved one whose abilities are declining can be overwhelming. You might feel helpless watching as physical and mental ability deteriorate. However, making a careful assessment of your senior’s abilities can provide a foundation for improving your loved one’s independence and streamlining care.
Aging brings a host of concerns, generally related to declining physical and mental ability. With a careful assessment, you can enact a plan for better care for your senior loved one. The industry standard tool for making the evaluation is the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living. This tool is designed to assist you or a health care professional in evaluating your loved one. The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing provides a good explanation the assessment:
“Normal aging changes and health problems frequently show themselves as declines in the functional status of older adults….One of the best ways to evaluate the health status of older adults is through functional assessment which provides objective data that may indicate future decline or improvement in health status, allowing the nurse to plan and intervene appropriately….The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, commonly referred to as the Katz ADL, is the most appropriate instrument to assess functional status as a measurement of the client’s ability to perform activities of daily living independently.”
The Katz ADL gauges seniors’ abilities on a sliding scale, from full independence to full dependence. It considers the areas of bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring from one position to another (such as from laying in bed to sitting or standing), continence, and feeding.
If you harbor specific concerns regarding cognitive ability relating to dementia or Alzheimer’s, another important tool is the Alzheimer’s Questionnaire. The assessment is designed to help you determine whether a medical professional should further evaluate your loved one.
If you discover your loved one may need additional help with their day-to-day lives, there are options available throughout the country. Fortunately, online directories provide insight into these facilities, letting you explore ratings and care information that can assist you in your decision.
Don’t forget that you can reach out to other caregivers and utilize websites if you’re experiencing stress and anxiety during this process. Caregiver Support Services provides the resources and tools you need to enhance your own well-being.
Once you complete an evaluation, you have a starting point for improving care methods and home safety. And according to experts, most of us prefer to modify our homes in order to age in place, rather than move to assisted living. According to some studies, “Two-thirds of retirees say they are living in the best home of their lives. With work and family obligations no longer weighing on them, retirees have more freedom to choose the home and location that meets their wants instead of their needs.” In fact about eighty-five percent of seniors prefer to stay home to remain happy and independent.
There are numerous modifications you can make to your senior’s dwelling that improve safety and accessibility with minimal effort. For instance, improved lighting helps seniors whose eyesight or perception is fading. Also, as noted by The Washington Post, “Home automation has become increasingly popular to an aging population. Many of the features include all-in-one remote controls and smartphone apps that control temperature, light and other elements of the home.”
An assessment is an invaluable tool toward appropriate caregiving. With a more comprehensive understanding of needs, you can provide a safer environment to your loved one. At the same time, your burden can be eased with more efficient care. Both you and your loved one benefit, boosting your senior’s independence and giving you more peace of mind.
