Having an elderly relative in your life to take care of can be hard. Not only do you need to worry about all of your life problems, such as juggling looking after a home, and going to work, you will need to spend time ensuring they are well looked after. It can take up a great deal of your time, and often you will feel tired, and that you can't get a break.
You may need to help with several areas of your loved one's life. These may include helping them dress and wash, as well as cooking for them, and buying groceries. You may need to help them up in the morning and into bed at night. They may have mobility issues and require you to take them places. Fundamentally though, if they live alone, they may rely on your company to get them through life.
Ask For Help From Your Family
It is vital to get as much support from those around you during a time such as this. Enlisting the help of your partner, or children may be beneficial and will take some of the burdens off you.
If you have any siblings, you could involve them too. Having as many people who can pop in and visit will mean that there is not a sense of resentment either if it feels that it is all falling on you to do everything.
Come up with a plan between you as to who will go on which days. Try and keep to a regular schedule if possible as this will help you to get the best coverage of care at all times.
Use A Care Visitor Service
There will be private duty care services within your area that will help to take the pressure off you. Hiring a specialist caregiver to visit each day will mean that your loved one will get the best attention possible. You will be able to rest easy, knowing that their every need are being met and that they are in safe hands.
A care visitor will be able to help with all of the day-to-day support that your loved one will need, including assisting them in dressing, washing, eating, and get about.
Get Respite Care
If you are devoting a massive part of your life to caring for your loved one yourself, then it is only natural that you will feel exhausted by this at times. You will need to take a break.
Going on holiday from time-to-time will ensure that you get the opportunity to unwind and recharge. This will help you come back refreshed, and better able to take care of your loved one.
During this time, you may wish to take your family member to go and stay in a respite care center. Have a look for a home that you feel will give them the best experience. Many run social activities and have a very supportive staff that are there 24/7 to take care of all of their needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment