Being a caregiver for a senior loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. The latter is more likely to be true if you assume or believe you have to bear the burden of caring for your loved one alone. Fortunately, providing care can be less physically and mentally demanding if you share your caregiving duties with other people. Here are six ways you can do this.
1.Reach Out to Other Family Members
Don’t automatically assume other family members will be unwilling or unable to help. You never know for sure unless you ask. Increase the odds of getting a positive response by reminding them that even small things like picking up groceries or coming over for a few hours now and then throughout the week can make a big difference.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted senior care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Lifestar Home Care is here to help.
2.Don’t Turn Down Offers of Help
If you regularly turn down sincere offers of care-related assistance, family members and friends may simply stop asking. Instead, get into the habit of graciously accepting any type of help that can take some things off your caregiving to-do list and give you a chance to recharge and refresh.
3.Check in with Your Loved One’s Neighbors
If you don’t live in your loved one’s immediate neighborhood, see if trustworthy neighbors may be willing to chip in somehow. This type of assistance might include:
- Taking care of your loved one’s yard
- Checking in on your loved one when you’re not available or simply providing some extra companionship
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Providing transportation to run errands when you can’t do
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4.Have a Family Meeting
If you’re the type of person who normally steps up when there’s a pressing need, siblings and other relatives may take it for granted that you’ll do the same thing when your loved one needs care. But if this burden is getting to be too much for you, consider having a family meeting so you can clear the air and let people know you need them to chip in, too.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional Respite Care. Oklahoma City, OK, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Lifestar Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
5.Set Up a Reasonable Schedule
In some cases, the main reason you end up with the lion’s share of the caregiving duties is because of scheduling confusion or conflicts. If this is what’s going on in your family, make an effort to get everyone together on a regular basis so a reasonable schedule can be worked out. Focus on the times of the day when you tend to be most overwhelmed. Once a schedule is agreed upon, you can post it on a family website, share it via social media, or use a scheduling app everyone can access.
6.Explore Options with In-Home Care
Another way to share your caregiving duties is to explore your options with professional assistance. In-home care is a service provided by screened and trained caregivers prepared to assist with a wide range of care-related tasks. Some other benefits associated with this option include:
- Enjoying scheduling flexibility without having to make a long-term commitment
- Paying for care only when it’s needed
- Taking time for your own needs without feeling guilty
The type of Home Care Oklahoma City seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Lifestar Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. Call us today to learn about our comprehensive in-home care plans.