Becoming a caregiver for an older loved one often sneaks up on you. You visit your Dad’s house, and now you’re cooking a meal and doing his laundry. Gradually, chores and responsibilities such as doctor’s appointments, filling prescriptions, and taking care of home repairs become yours. Being a caregiver to an aging parent or relative is sometimes triggered by a health event that sends your loved one to the hospital. Your life as you know it stops while all of your energy goes into caring for them. Below, we will discuss tips for tackling a rising need for caregiving in your family.
Learn About Your Loved One’s Condition
Learn about your loved one’s diagnosis of your loved one from their physician or the hospital. Developing the skills you might need to care for their condition can be important. Skills vary if you are dealing with Dementia or a Heart Attack. Educate yourself on the disease of your loved one so you know what to expect and can better cope with the day-to-day. Work with other family members to help them be more informed as well.
Caregiving as a Team
Bring family and friends together to discuss care. Keep them up-to-date on your loved one’s current situation. See where family members can assist a unit. Identify resources in your community for yourself and your loved one. Support is always needed for yourself and your family. It is also important to see what full-time care resources may be available in your area. If your loved one doesn’t need them now, they may in the future. Researching options now can save you time and effort in the future if their condition progresses.
Finances and Care
You should discuss finances and healthcare wishes for the present and the future. If legal documents still need to be started, start the process as soon as you can with an Elder Care lawyer who deals with trusts and estate planning. Generally, Advanced Directives and Power of Attorney are a good place to start. There are usually community organizations that can help defray the costs. An elder care attorney may also suggest planning for the cost of caregiving. This may include setting up a trust or savings account for the cost of care down the line.
Caregiver Needs
It is also important not to set aside your needs. As a caregiver, you also have to consider your needs. Many family members put their lives on hold to care for an aging loved one. Try to set realistic goals for yourself; you do not need to be perfect. Ask for help when you are overwhelmed and accept it. Set some time for yourself to avoid Caregiver burnout. Identify your coping skills to improve your reactions and caregiving to your loved one. Self-care is important for all caregivers involved.
Professional Caregiver Options
When help in the home is needed on a more regular basis, it may be time to consider professional care. If you would rather your loved one stay at home, an in-home caregiver may be an option. Generally, this would include an in-home nurse or a certified home health aide. Overall, a nurse is usually for serious conditions that require regular medical care to treat. A home health aide can provide daily care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, hygiene care, and more. Professional caregivers can work with the family to provide a more broad network of support for the loved one.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
