Geriatric nurses share tips for older adults and caregivers

The more than 60 people who attended a forum on health care and aging on Thursday received many tips for caring for older family members and other loved ones.

The forum at First Presbyterian Church was part of LkldNow and Lakeland Vision’s 2024 Open Conversations Series on Health Care and was co-sponsored by Age Friendly Lakeland.

The format was a dialogue between moderator Kari Ann Gomez, owner of Home Instead, who leads a team of about 100 nursing professionals, and Jody Streussnig, senior program manager for the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Would preserve: Streussnig was asked about mistakes caregivers make when dealing with an elderly loved one.

She responded that many people overlook the independence of their loved ones. Don’t assume they need help, she said; Instead, ask them about their needs and include them in decisions.

Streussnig offered some additional suggestions that apply to seniors and their caregivers:

• Keep medical records in an easy-to-find location for both your loved ones and first responders. Many people put them in a freezer with a notice on the freezer door saying they are inside.
• Many medical practices and medical facilities now rely on a computer-based patient portal for communication. If you don’t understand how to use it, ask the office staff for help.
• Share your patient portal with a trusted friend or loved one who knows healthcare.

Isolation and Depression: Streussnig and Gomez urged the audience to be aware of the isolation of older people and the depression that often comes with it.

Both women said isolation has become an increasing problem since the COVID-19 pandemic began. They suggested using Lakeland’s parks for walking and exercise, for recreational and cultural programs in the city, and for senior ministry at various churches.

“You have to admit that you get drawn into yourself,” Streussnig said.

Struggling with sadness: It can be deeply sad for older adults to watch their loved ones and friends become sick and die. Gail Bagley, who is actively involved in housing issues for seniors, asked who she could turn to for help without a doctor prescribing an antidepressant.

Streussnig recommended contacting the Peace River Center, hospice centers that have support systems and grief counseling, and social workers who can assess your needs. Gomez said many religious institutions have support groups. Most programs are free.

Age-friendly companies: Streussnig urged the audience to pay attention to companies that welcome older people. In Lakeland, the Age Friendly Business Program is a joint project of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and Age Friendly Lakeland.

Companies can apply for certification that shows they are taking into account the needs of older adults and creating an accessible environment through things like electric doors, appropriate seating, music at the right tone and volume, and a friendly attitude toward seniors with memory problems.

One resource for both seniors with memory problems and their caregivers is the Beautiful Minds Social Center, an adult daycare center on South Florida Avenue in Dixieland, Gomez said.

“As a caregiver, you also have to take care of yourself,” Gomez said. By using adult daycare, “you can go home and sleep, run errands and go out to lunch. They’ll be around other people like them,” she said.

Streussnig encouraged seniors and caregivers to make a list of names of people who can help them. For example, the teenage neighbor who could mow the lawn when you are unable to, a friend you can call to do some grocery shopping, or someone you can talk to on bad days.