While there is some small comfort in knowing that the pressures you feel are shared by many others, the bottom line to the very personal matter of care for your parents is simple.
You must find the time and services that can help make your life and the lives of your aging parents a little easier.
As you think of your elder, find the balance you need each day to continue to provide great care for your loved one and yourself.
Plan for Safety This is a time when caregivers' concerns accelerate as their loved ones face changing weather.
Consider doing the following:
Getting out every day for a senior can be a challenge.
You can help your parents by scheduling the following or hiring a companion to do so:
Afterwards, have them communicate to you the doctors' feedback and next steps.
Know that you don't have to do it all-whether it's taking your loved one to a doctor's appointment, wondering just what to do next or actually feeling overwhelmed.
Know that we are here to help.
Companions can take seniors back and forth for multiple doctor or hospital visits, to the bank, to the grocery store, to events or movies, on walks, etc.
Reassess your elderly parent's situation This is a good time to take an inventory of their overall health, financial picture, and living needs.
Now is the time to begin compiling a to-do list to be implemented over a period of time.
Medical information should include your loved one's health conditions, prescriptions and their doctor's names and contact numbers.
A financial list should contain property ownership and debts, income and expenses, and bank account and credit card information.
You should also have access to all of your parent(s) vital documents that could include their will, power of attorney, birth certificate, social security number, insurance policies, deed to their home, and driver's license.
Hire an elder care professional First and foremost, always remember why you are assisting your parent(s) and know that you are doing the best that you know how by providing your love, patience and support.
As has been mentioned, don't be afraid to ask for help, as it may be time to contact an elder care companion who will make caregiving easier for you.
An elder care companion will provide a personal plan that outlines manageable ways the companion can help the senior.
Be certain to look for an elder care consultant who partners with nursing care providers when that becomes necessary.
That will give you peace of mind.
Schedule fun time for yourself on a regular basis You need something to look forward to - whether it's time with a good friend or spouse, a weekend away, a family game night or just being alone.
Before anyone else, you need to take care of yourself first.
Eat well, get some exercise, get enough sleep; and be sure you're also getting your annual physicals.
It's not an indulgence - it's a necessity! Let go of the caregiver guilt There's no room or energy for any guilt.
You're no longer a child but an adult trying to care for an aging parent while still trying to have your own life.
Remember, your parents were able to live their lives and it is okay to want to do the same.
Know that you're doing the best you can in caring for them.
You must find the time and services that can help make your life and the lives of your aging parents a little easier.
As you think of your elder, find the balance you need each day to continue to provide great care for your loved one and yourself.
Plan for Safety This is a time when caregivers' concerns accelerate as their loved ones face changing weather.
Consider doing the following:
- Remove scatter rugs and make sure all house entrances are safe.
- Be sure your elderly parents have the proper shoes or boots when walking outside.
- Be careful especially on rainy days to hold the senior's arm and ensure that they don't slip and fall.
- Make sure the senior's air conditioning is working and working well.
It does not take much for seniors to suffer from heat exhaustion. - If the elder is still driving occasionally, make sure the car is well serviced (e.
g.
oil change, tires, full radiator, auto club membership).
It is also a good time to reassess if the individual should still be driving.
Getting out every day for a senior can be a challenge.
You can help your parents by scheduling the following or hiring a companion to do so:
- Making sure they're getting some exercise (walking in a mall, neighborhood, exercises at a local senior center.
) - Checking B-12 (if low, it could impact memory), Vitamin D, and thyroid levels.
- Scheduling a weekly event they can look forward to (a movie, dinner out, or a visit by you or a friend).
Afterwards, have them communicate to you the doctors' feedback and next steps.
Know that you don't have to do it all-whether it's taking your loved one to a doctor's appointment, wondering just what to do next or actually feeling overwhelmed.
Know that we are here to help.
Companions can take seniors back and forth for multiple doctor or hospital visits, to the bank, to the grocery store, to events or movies, on walks, etc.
Reassess your elderly parent's situation This is a good time to take an inventory of their overall health, financial picture, and living needs.
Now is the time to begin compiling a to-do list to be implemented over a period of time.
Medical information should include your loved one's health conditions, prescriptions and their doctor's names and contact numbers.
A financial list should contain property ownership and debts, income and expenses, and bank account and credit card information.
You should also have access to all of your parent(s) vital documents that could include their will, power of attorney, birth certificate, social security number, insurance policies, deed to their home, and driver's license.
Hire an elder care professional First and foremost, always remember why you are assisting your parent(s) and know that you are doing the best that you know how by providing your love, patience and support.
As has been mentioned, don't be afraid to ask for help, as it may be time to contact an elder care companion who will make caregiving easier for you.
An elder care companion will provide a personal plan that outlines manageable ways the companion can help the senior.
Be certain to look for an elder care consultant who partners with nursing care providers when that becomes necessary.
That will give you peace of mind.
Schedule fun time for yourself on a regular basis You need something to look forward to - whether it's time with a good friend or spouse, a weekend away, a family game night or just being alone.
Before anyone else, you need to take care of yourself first.
Eat well, get some exercise, get enough sleep; and be sure you're also getting your annual physicals.
It's not an indulgence - it's a necessity! Let go of the caregiver guilt There's no room or energy for any guilt.
You're no longer a child but an adult trying to care for an aging parent while still trying to have your own life.
Remember, your parents were able to live their lives and it is okay to want to do the same.
Know that you're doing the best you can in caring for them.
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