Concerns for a New Family Caregiver
As a new family caregiver, you may have some trepidation about the role you are about to play in your parent’s life. But with some planning and foresight, you can make this part of you and your parent’s life one of the most memorable.
Caregiver in Somerset NJ: Concerns for a New Family Caregiver
The Roles
One of the hardest emotional hurdles to climb is the role reversal that is taking place. Your parent has undoubtedly lost some of the ability to care for themselves and perform the daily activities of living. They have retired and lost the social network that provided. They may have lost their driving privileges. Whatever stage of aging they face, the changes that this time of life brings have been many. And now the child they raised and cared for is caring for them. Both of you may feel uncomfortable in some of the tasks that need to be performed. Be open and honest and encourage your parent to be the same. There is almost always an alternative solution.
The Schedule
This one strategy—developing a schedule—will in many ways define your success as a caregiver. Make sure the schedule covers every task that needs to be completed every day. This includes time for exercise and socialization for your parent as well as respite time for you. You cannot be everything to every person, though as a caregiver you may try. This is where the caregiving team comes into play. Cast your net wide. If you have few friends or family members in the vicinity, check with neighbors. The local senior community center or Area Agency on Aging often has resources and suggestions for family caregivers.
Distance does not negate a family member from contributing. With the advent of technology, there are numerous tasks that can be completed miles away. These include paying bills, scheduling appointments, and preparing the weekly menu. Making sure your loved one remains socially engaged as they age is an important part of caregiving—to that end, schedule a video chat with your parent and those family and friends that live miles away once a week. Ask family members that are unable to be present physically to chip in monetarily towards a home care provider that can provide needed respite care for you.
Once your caregiving team is in place, make sure that all daily tasks your parent needs assistance with have been assigned accordingly. Consider all daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, running errands such as grocery shopping, housekeeping, and transportation.
Home Care Provider
A home care provider is a good addition to your caregiving team. They can assist with the daily activities of living as well as light housekeeping, transportation and running errands. One of the most important services they provide is that all-important companionship so important to an aging parent and the respite care so important to a family caregiver.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional caregiver services in Somerset, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
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