As a live in for an elder, and supervisor of 5, I made them all keep a daily journal of everything going on with the elder lady we cared so much for. And I responded as, even with this blog, there are ways to help with this, as I have been there with my mom and then Eileen (the lady that died under my care in Oct. 2008.) Talk, talk talk, to all involved. Give them a journal and hope they might fill it out with what is going on.

This does not work with all, but it is a start. With us, it worked with some of the caregivers employed by the Assisted Living (or nursing home) and with others it did not. With the ones that it did work for, we related to them a great deal.

As far as being intrusive with a loved one. I understand this. If directed right I have found out that they are so welcome to the love and concern that is directed toward them, if done in the right manner and form. I found out that keeping a journal on an elder, giving her room to talk, express her favorite moments, her past years, etc. , was wonderful, and we kept a book on this. (Which also included a journal of their meds, meals, etc.) Having the caregivers keep their thoughts on this, along with her medications and other needed to know information worked well. With doing so was a joy for them and their supervisor (if there was one), and was easily discussed with them, all involved, concerning their health and welfare. It became a journal they and others appreciated.

Katie