Medical advancements have enabled people to live longer. Though everyone wants to live longer, some people outlive their ability to care for themselves. In suchinstances, family members must make a decision regarding how best to care for an elderly relative.

According to “Aging in Place in America,” a commissioned study byClarity(R) and the EAR Foundation, 63 percent of Baby Boomers are actively involved in providing some kind of help or assistance to their elderly parents.Whether this is due to the rising cost of elder care or simply a feeling of obligation

When you become the parentof your parenton the part of the child, many middle-aged men and women are responsible for car -ing for aging parents and young children.

The emotions that might result from caring for an aging parent are often mixed.Some people are happy to do their part to help make life a little easier for a person who devoted so much of his or her energyto raising them. Others in the sandwich generation can feel like this is a burden or guilty that they’re not doing enough for a parent.

Signs an elder needs helpWhen an older relative stops driving,

this is often indicative that he or she needs assistance with daily living. There also may be signs that support and care is needed,such as if the house seems untidy, if he or she is having trouble maintaining personal hygiene, if the parent is getting hurt attempting to do things around the house or if he or she seems malnourished due to the inability to cook meals. Limited mobil -ity or loss of mental faculties also may be indicative that it is time for a loved one to receive care.

Questions to askAlthough taking on the care of an

aging parent may seem like the best idea possible, particularly for a senior who is very afraid of losing his or her independ -ence, it may not always be in either party’s best interest. Before anyone determines what will be done to help a relative, it’s best to answer a few questions as straight -forwardly as possible.

• What type of care does my parent need?• How soon into the future is that type

of care bound to change?• Can this care be handled by some -

one who comes into the house, such as a visiting nurse?

• Will my parent feel comfortable with an outside person helping with day-to-day care?

• What are my parent’s limitations? • Am I capable of handling this on my own? • Can I afford an adequate care facility?• What are my local facility options?• Will this type of care affect my own

personal well-being?• Can Ihandle this emotionally and

physically?Any person facing the prospect of car -

ing for an aging parent can realize that there is help available, as well as many dif -ferent people who can help guide a deci -sion. The first resource is to ask siblings,aunts, uncles, and cousins to weigh in on the situation to help the family come to a consensus.

There are also social workers who specialize in this sort of thing, as well as financial consultants who can spell out the pros and cons of different types of care and help determine the most affordable option. This can also go a long way towardhelping determine the course of action.

The burden of caring for a parent can take a physical and mental toll on a per -son. Knowing there is a support circle available can ease one’s mind and enable caregivers to make rational decisions that are in everyone’s best interest.

Caring for a loved one who can no longer care for him- or herself is some -thing that many Baby Boomers are facing on a daily basis. Although it may be a touchy subject, it is worth exploring what you will do before the situation becomes urgent.

12 Friday, February 22, 2013CITIZEN’S NEWS

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The Kinesio Tape® Method was developed in the late 1970’s byJapanese physician, Dr. Kenzo Kase.He developed the tape, in response to the limitations of traditional sports taping methods. An example of its application is to use on overuse injuries, the tape supports and reinforces muscle elasticity that has been affected by injury. This added support helps the muscles heal. Dr.Kase developed a tape that would have similar qualities as healthy muscle. Kinesio Tape® offers elasticity and breathability for patients. Since the 1970’s the method

The Kinesio Tape ® MethodSubmitted by Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

has continued to grow through new advancements and techniques in the fields of sports performance, pain management and physical therapy.

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Continued on page 14

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The Kinesio Tape ®

MethodContinued from page 13

with lower leg and shoulder injuries;

all patients expressed having great

results .”

Physical therapists receive

specialized training in this method in

order to treat patients. Some of the

injuries Kinesio Tape® help treat are:

shoulder and knee

injuries, sprains, muscle

strains, and running

related injuries. The

Kinesio Tape® Method

also can assist patients

in need of muscle re-

education, and

reduction of pain and

inflammation. It has the

ability to enhance

performance, prevent

injury and promote

good circulation and

healing (Kinesio Tape®

Method).

Incorporating the

Kinesio Tape® Method

along with an

individualized physical

therapy plan enables a

patient to experience improved

function and performance with

decreased pain during physical

activity.

PTSMC located at 1183 New

Haven Road offers the Kinesio Tape®

Method to their patients! For more

information visit them on the web at

www.ptsmc.com or call the office 203-

723-0722. Let them help keep you

moving and enjoyng your activities!