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While it sounds like something encountered in an outer-space movie or TV show, the "impairment continuum" is a place much closer to all of us.
It's the term experts use to measure how the aging process may be changing the needs of our elderly parents, relatives and friends.
As people age, more and more things simply become too difficult for them to manage on their own.
In the early stages, that may mean some assistance with preparing food, cleaning a home, driving or dealing with financial matters.
Those aging advance to other stages of increased impairment. Their bodies or minds or both may begin to break down. In turn, those difficulties may accelerate their dependence on others for help.
Those needs may range from eating and dressing to bathing and toileting.
Every aging person is different and each crosses through the stages of the
impairment continuum in a very different manner. Some may show the early stages briefly, then reach a plateau for years.
Illness may cause others to proceed rapidly from independence to total dependence within a matter of months or weeks.
As your parent, relative or elderly loved one changes, your role as a caregiver may begin or increase. You may be called on to serve as the primary caregiver or your role may be to support someone else.
You may not know when and how you will be called on to help, but you can plan to be the best supporter you can be on your loved one's journey through the impairment continuum.
The stages may challenge and tax your abilities mentally, physically, financially and in terms of your time, but you'll find you're not alone and you have options.
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