Unexpected Challenges

What do you do when the feeding tube accidentally dislodges or if an abdominal bag needs an urgent change? For many of us, who are inexperienced, and wary of causing pain or more harm to our loved ones, the first thought is to immediately rush to the nearest A&E where long queues await. The stresses of caregiving, travelling and waiting are only aggravated by the sight of the elderly loved one suffering alongside. But why should something as simple as a change of the feeding tube be such a stressful event? Managing clinical devices at home is preferred to waiting in long queues at the hospital at all hours of the day and it is possible with home care nursing. Ultimately, the aim is to help the patient recuperate in comfort.

The use of clinical devices is quickly migrating from the hospital into our homes. Common home clinical devices you may know about are blood pressure machines and glucometers. Today, patients are discharged with more sophisticated ones like feeding tubes, abdominal bags, and ventilators. Advancements in technology mean that the possibility of more in-home clinical devices is on the healthcare horizon. This is especially true in Singapore, which has recently emerged as a hub for clinical devices. However, this is often a double-edged sword as, despite its convenience, having these devices in the home can mean higher caregiver stress and a requirement for closer monitoring.

Help Caregivers Will Need

In the same vein, caregivers also need their fair share of help. In many cases, believing that they are left with little choice, caregivers disrupt or place their lives on hold, often taking leave from work or dedicating all their free time to caring for their loved ones because they feel that no one else would be equipped to handle the task. As one study showed, 84% of home care patients aged 65 years and over require skilled nursing services. However, with home care nurses shouldering some of these medical tasks, caregivers can direct their attention to the emotional and personal needs of their loved ones.

Clinical Procedures at Home

When a patient is discharged with a clinical device, the hospital can only advise on the proper care steps. As there is not much opportunity for follow-up until the next appointment, the caregiver must have a basic knowledge of the device and a backup plan for emergencies. Having a home care service like Jaga-Me’s Clinical Procedures can save patients time and money that would otherwise be spent rushing to the hospital and pay their exorbitant fees. If there are doubts on device care or function, our help is immediate and personalised. The Clinical Procedure allows you to schedule the changing and maintenance of these devices from the comfort of your home.

Award winning Home Care trusted by health professionals – Jaga-Me

When one falls ill and their condition does not go back to their original state of health, a caregiver is needed in their life. This responsibility usually falls onto family members. In Singapore, majority of the caregivers are the patient’s daughter or son. If the medical condition of their loved one improves with time, the caregiver is able to recover from the stress after they have tide through the tough time. However, when this stress is prolonged it becomes chronic. Chronic stress is the most likely cause of caregiver burnout.

 

Chronic stress is the most likely cause of caregiver burnout.

Caregiver stress comes in various forms. At times, it is overwhelming, and sometimes, it creeps up on a person.

The most imminent impact of caregiver stress is usually because of knowledge gap, when a caregiver is unsure of how to care for their loved one. This is when their loved one’s health condition has changed drastically. Their feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty cause stress. This is particularly prevalent in caregiving for stroke patients when an array of skills have to be speedily acquired by the caregiver, who is simultaneously working and caring for their children. Skills such as feeding, bathing and helping their loved one move have to be learnt in the short amount of time that they are in the hospital. When discharged, they might find themselves as a loss.

The most prominent impact is a lack of resources. Caregivers require time and energy to care for their loved ones properly. However, when they are at work, they are not able to care for their loved one’s daily needs at home. If they stay at home, they are not able to provide for the family financially. Time and energy to be available for their loved ones when they need it, time and energy to go to work. It is overwhelming to juggle workplace and caregiving responsibilities when we only have 24 hours into a day.

 

It is overwhelming to juggle workplace and caregiving responsibilities when we only have 24 hours into a day.

Other than the physical needs, a caregiver also tends to the emotional needs of their loved one. This chronic emotional labour can cause emotional strain which eventually leads to burnout. The loved one’s mood and behaviour affects the caregiver on top of their normal everyday challenges. If it was a loved one with cancer, each test and appointment with the doctor is an emotional rollercoaster that can really take a toll on a person.

 

“I’d get so frustrated — how to handle him when he started screaming?” – Mr Richard Ashworth, in an interview with Talking Point

How do you know you are burning out? You know that you are burning out when there are exhibited signs and symptoms. There are physical signs like getting sick often, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss and changes in sleep pattern. There are also emotional signs like when you perpetually feel hopeless, irritable, and ever have thoughts of wanting to hurt yourself or your loved ones.

 

Signs of burnout? … Getting sick often, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss and changes in sleep pattern

When faced with this situation, recognise that you need help! It is commonly seen that people seek help late when all these stress could have been avoided if only they had sought help earlier. Don’t let the situation escalate and consequences be dire. Get help for your loved one and yourself so that you can spend better quality time with your loved one and not strain the relationship.

Do you find yourself suddenly entrusted into the role of a Caregiver? Read Caregiver Guides: Are You A First Time Caregiver? to equip yourself with essential knowledge on how to care for your loved one with confidence.

Award winning Home Care trusted by health professionals – Jaga-Me

Mother’s day is a great occasion for the family to get together and thank our Moms for the love they have selflessly showered us with since day one. But often, many of our loved ones may be warded in various institutions, like community hospitals or nursing homes, making it difficult for the entire family to come together to celebrate this special day.

That being said, mobility or illnesses should not prevent you from being with your loved ones. By taking the necessary precautions and with the right care plan, you can safely bring/transit your loved ones from these institutions to the comfort of your own home. Here are 5 steps on how you can do it!

1. Obtain Care Instructions
Ensuring you have adequate care knowledge is pivotal in bringing your loved ones home. Here are some things to note about care instructions!

i. How to assist your loved one in mobility, toileting and grooming, etc.
ii. Signs of Health Deterioration
iii. Follow-up actions such as who to contact and where/when to seek help.

However, if you feel that your loved one’s condition is too tough for you to handle, engage a home service provider to ensure you do not miss out any care detail and have a point of contact if anything should happen.

2. Learn Relevant Nursing Skills

You need transferring techniques when your loved one need help with mobility. There are other specialised skills that you should know about if your loved one requires it. For example, if your loved one has a nasogastric tube, learn about nasogastric tube care; learn how to maintain the stoma bag if your loved one has one.
If you do not have time to learn them, you can always engage a private nurse to do it instead. You can learn these skills right at home with appropriate caregiver training!

3. Know the Medications!

i. Medication supply
Make sure you have enough supply for the duration of the home leave!

ii. Medication Route
There are several ways to administer medications. You have to make sure you do not get confused. Learn to differentiate which ones are edible and which are the ones to give rectally (oops!). There are also different ways one can consume their medication, for example, know if you can crush it, chew it or to let it melt in the mouth.

iii. Medication Time
There are also trickier instructions to take note like before or after meals. Tip: Set up alarms on your smartphone and label the alarm with the medication name so that you won’t miss out any meds.

4. Get Resources

Does your loved one need a wheelchair or walking frame to move about at home? Or do they need adult diapers? Be sure to prepare them before they get back home.

Tip: Have your family pitch in to care for your loved one. Disperse the caregiving responsibilities! You should be enjoying the reunion.

5. Arrange for Transport

Now that you know the care needs for your loved ones, you just have to arrange for a transport home! If your loved one requires more space, help and equipment, consider getting a private ambulance. Here are some contacts:

Lentor Ambulance: 6100 1777
Angel Ambulance: 8338 2526

However, if your loved one can walk with little or no assistance, you can always take a cab, Uber or Grab back from the institution.

These are the 5 basic steps for homecare this Mother’s Day. Sounds a little too complicated? It may be tough, but it is going to be a meaningful endeavour. Let us assist you with this complicated coordination work while you concentrate on spending quality time with your loved one!

Award winning Home Care trusted by health professionals – Jaga-Me