The Milwaukee Post

(BPT) — Nearly 10 million adults over the age of 50 are caring for their aging parents — a number that has tripled over the past 15 years. With careers, children and grandchil- dren added to the mix, many baby boomers are feeling the mounting stress of caring for young, old and themselves. One way to reduce stress is to have peace of mind in knowing you're prepared for emergency first-aid situations, such as cuts, scrapes and burns. In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, we've outlined some basic first-aid tips that can prepare you in case an emergency strikes, whether at home or on the go. Basic supplies A properly stocked first-aid kit can ensure fast and appropriate treatment for loved ones' minor injuries. It is important to have a first-aid kit for your home, car and a suit- case with which you regularly travel so you're prepared no matter when or where an injury occurs. First-aid kits should be kept out-of-reach from younger children, as well as children and adults with cognitive disor- ders, to prevent poisoning or misuse of con- tents. Although you can find pre-packaged first- aid kits at drug stores and online, many fam- ilies prefer to tailor their own kits based on their family's individual needs and prefer- ences. According to the Mayo Clinic, a basic first-aid kit should include a mix of medical supplies — including bandages, cold packs and antiseptics — medications — such as pain relievers, cold medicines and antihista- mines — and emergency items — such as medical consent/history forms, a flashlight and batteries. Be sure to set a reminder on your calendar at mid-year and end-of-year to check your kits for low or expired medicines and sup- plies. Wound treatment Everyone is susceptible to minor cuts and scrapes, which should be cleaned immedi- ately to prevent infections and treated once bleeding has stopped. Antiseptic solutions containing povidone-iodine — such as Betadine Solution — have been a trusted choice by hospitals for treating wounds for over four decades. Outside the hospital, Betadine products are used for first aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. They are effective against a broad range of microbes. A range of first- aid antiseptics can be found at drug stores for caregivers to tailor to their families' preferences and needs. If a wound is more severe and bleeding heavily, place a clean cloth or sterile band- age over the wound and apply light pressure. As necessary and if possible, elevate the wound above the heart to further reduce heavy bleeding. If the cut appears to be deep, won't stop bleeding or if a fracture is expected — which is often an injury concern in the elderly — it is best to seek medical attention immediate- ly. Addressing burns and scalds Children and aging adults are also at risk of scalds and burns from kitchen accidents involving hot objects and liquids. Daily pre- ventative measures — such as placing hot objects on sturdy surfaces and setting the temperature of water heaters at a safe level — can lower the risk for external burns and scalds. In the event of a minor burn, clothing and jewelry should be removed from around the burn site and the burn should be rinsed with cool water until pain is eased. Burns should be dressed, as needed, with a non- adhesive dressing. Aloe vera lotion or gel and over-the-counter pain relievers can help in providing relief and reducing pain. Medical attention should be sought for burns that are large and blistering, as these can bring greater risk for infection. Understanding the signs of infection Understanding the common signs of infec- tion is important so wounds are properly cared for and greater health risks are kept at bay. These signs can include swelling, red- ness, pain and oozing from the site of the wound. You should seek medical help if any of these signs appear. Although everyone should be mindful of the risks for infection following an injury that pierces the skin, caregivers of aging adults should be extra careful as elderly are often more susceptible to infection, especial- ly those with concomitant illnesses. First-aid education To ensure that you are adequately pre- pared to care for wounds or burns at home, you may want to consider taking a first-aid training course. Organizations, like the American Red Cross, offer local and online first-aid classes to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be a well- equipped and effective caregiver for yourself and your loved ones. Put reminder on calendar to check for expiration of medicines Caregivers can be prepared for emergencies by starting with getting and maintaining a first-aid kit. 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In my experience, if you go to the bank with one of your children, with the intent of having that child help you with a bank account, you will most likely walk out of the bank having made that child a joint owner of the account. While many individuals may need help with their financial affairs as they age, joint ownership is not what most individuals intend. The proper way to give someone authority to help you with a bank account or other asset is to name them as your agent under a power of attorney. The best power of attorney is a general durable power of attorney, usually done by a lawyer. It will cover all of your financial affairs and not a single bank account. Most banks will automatically make your child or trusted friend a joint owner of a bank account, rather than an agent under power of attorney. Bank clerks are not lawyers and will not take the time to explain the difference between joint ownership and agency under a power of attorney. Furthermore, in my opinion, banks seem to prefer joint ownership rather then agency under power of attorney, for liability reasons. I had a situation a number of years ago where mom wanted her daughter to help her with her financial affairs. The bank put the daughter on the account as a joint owner, rather then as an agent under power of attorney. Someone who has agency under a power of attorney has no ownership rights, but only access to a bank account for purposes of helping another individual. A joint owner has an ownership interest in the account. In this example, the daughter's husband got into financial trouble and creditors latched onto the bank account that mom had put her daughter on as a joint owner. A substantial amount of money was lost by mom. All of this could have been avoided if daughter had been put on the account simply as an agent under power of attorney. Under such circumstances, mom would have maintained complete and sole ownership, with her daughter only having access to the account to help mom with her affairs. In summary, if you want to give an individual authority to help you with your affairs, while maintaining sole ownership, the proper way to do it is with a power of attorney. Recognize that banks and other institutions do not like powers of attorney. When you walk out of the bank, make certain that your loved one has the ability to help you with the account, but has no ownership interest. You should also recognize that a joint owner becomes the sole owner of the account if you pass away, and that might not be what you intend. The Law Office of James J. Winiarski offers a free estate planning consultation. Our approach to estate planning is to explain the options available, the cost of each option, and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. If you would like to set up an appointment for a free estate planning conference, please call us at 414-383-3902. 254594107 First-aid tips to manage stress of caregiving

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