It may have started informally, with a bit of support every now and then. Picking up a few things at the store for your aging parent. Dropping off the extra dinner you made while preparing your own family’s dinner. Or simply spending additional time visiting to ensure everything is ok.
As time passed, you could have discovered that more care is now required. Do you think you’re up to the challenge of serving in a family caregiving role for a senior loved one?
A caregiver’s job is remarkably rewarding. It also features a significant amount of responsibilities, which may feel intimidating. These steps can help you make sure the bases are covered in providing care for a senior loved one:
There are two components to safety for seniors:
If the older adult is challenged by cognitive impairment, like dementia, it’s extremely important to aid with money management. However, in any situation, it’s best if you collaborate with your aging parent to review bills, bank accounts, insurance plans, etc. to ensure that, if the time comes that you need to take over these tasks, you are fully equipped.
Spending quality time with a senior is a very important component to being a caregiver. While sharing a cup of coffee and conversation may just be second nature for you, for a solitary senior, it can mean the world. Be certain never to let all the required tasks overshadow the need to simply enjoy quality time with each other.
Looking after a senior’s health includes ensuring physical activity, healthy eating and sleep practices, and proper medication management. Participating in healthy lifestyle decisions together is a great way to avoid the feeling of being overbearing or parenting your parent. Sign up together for an exercise, swimming, or dance class. Experiment with new recipes with each other. Pick up a pill organizer, in the event that senior isn’t already using one, so medications are taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. If the senior agrees with the notion, attending doctors’ appointments together can help make sure that all questions are answered and suggestions are understood.
Finding a care partner is vital for both your parent’s health and your own. Nobody can be expected to handle all of the care needs required alone. At Compassionate Nursing Services, award-winning providers of home health care in St. Louis and the surrounding communities, we offer respite care solutions that allow family caregivers time to step away for breaks from care – as much or as little as you need. Contact us at 314-432-4312 for a free in-home assessment for more information.
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