New Castle, DE – If you are like many people caring for an aging loved one, take the time to check in with them this holiday season, whether you live close by or are separated by hundreds of miles. Although the distance may change, the responsibility and dedication as a caregiver remain the same. Whether you check in by phone, by video chat or in person, Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore has some advice to help you keep your loved ones safe during the holidays and throughout the year.
– Call Easterseals to schedule a virtual tour of the Resource Center. While you are visiting an elderly loved one or someone with a disability, the virtual tour of the Resource Center can help you learn about Assistive Technology or devices that may be helpful to keep your loved one safe and independent. Virtual tours are made possible through a generous grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which provided the support to add cameras throughout the Center.
– Ask people from the community for help, such as neighbors and friends. This can be key if you live farther away or are unable to visit. Take the time to get to know your loved one’s neighbors and friends so you can turn to them in a time of need or they can alert you if they see a problem.
– Compile a list of medications and schedules in case of a medical emergency and update it frequently – consider medication reminders and organizers. Easterseals Case Managers may have suggestions for you.
– If your loved one has fallen or is at risk for falls, use this checklist to learn more about it and when to talk to your loved one’s health care provider. https://tinyurl.com/tzh3tdex
– Look through the home for possible hazards such as unsafe stairs or loose rugs. Use this home safety checklist from the CDC to help guide you whether in person or virtually. https://tinyurl.com/hlrsxgm. Arrange for necessary home modifications such as stability bars in the shower or seat lifters for the toilet, which you can learn about through the staff in Easterseals Resource Center.
– Turn to Easterseals Caregiver and Assistive Technology Resource Center in New Castle and in Sussex for resources and information for caregivers. The Case Managers are available to help people find answers. Contact them today at resources@esdel.org or call 302-221-2087.
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is leading the way to an inclusive community through its innovative services, which include: children’s therapies, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, supported employment, senior services, recreational camping, respite services, and services for caregivers. To learn more about Easterseals, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.