Introduce taht the large imbalances in the amount of care given and the amount of care received by any human being is unhealthy. Invite the staff to compare and contrast the imbalance they experience in their daily work and the imbalances Elders encounter in their daily lives. Introduce staff, Elders and family members to the idea that the creation of a healthy balance between care giving and receiving is the antidote to helplessness and fatigue. Staff members, Elders and family members need to learn the differences between giving care and providing treatment. This understanding has to be deep enough to allow them to spontaneously identify and point out examples of treatment masquerading as care.
People only see what they look for and they only look for what they know.
The Care Balance Sheet for Elders Create a list of items that involve caregiving by Elders. Create a list of items that involve Elders receiving care. Determine if there is an imbalance and make suggestions for restoring a healthy equilibrium. You can include approaches that enable Elders to become caregivers for animals, plants, children, family members, staff members, the community and organization leaders. The Care Balance Sheet for front-line caregivers.