When seniors are sick or no longer able to take care of themselves, it often feels like the world stands still. Right now, your biggest priority might be to help your senior loved one, but it’s also normal to have other worries on your mind. Caregivers are sometimes viewed as saints who give up everything to take care of their loved ones, but this mindset is detrimental to everyone’s wellbeing. Your loved one needs to know he or she isn’t a burden, and you may need to take care of other essential things in your life. Taking stock of your current situation helps you create a care plan to retain your sense of self.
Check in with Yourself Emotionally
Caring for an aging loved one is an emotionally heightened experience. Be honest with yourself about how your feelings are influencing your decisions. For instance, you might feel pressured into taking on the caregiver role when you’re uncomfortable handling certain tasks. You might also feel resentful as you watch other people your age moving forward with their lives. If you feel negative emotions, that’s okay. Take it as a sign you need to change things in ways that help you feel happier.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Tucson families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
Take Stock of Your Responsibilities
Sometimes, being a full-time caregiver is just not feasible. You may not be able to put your life on hold if you have young children to raise or you’re still building a career. Your family, finances, and overall health all need to play a part in the decisions you make during the planning stage. Keep in mind these things can all rapidly change. Finding out you’re up for a promotion or applying for a new job could require you to alter the current care plan.
Think about What You Need to Feel Personally Fulfilled
Caregivers who give up everything are more likely to feel burned out. You’ll also want to consider what you need to feel happy that may not technically be a requirement in your life. Exercising, enjoying a hobby, and even socializing with your friends may all be essentials in your life that make it possible to maintain your mental health. Ideally, you shouldn’t have to give up anything you love doing on a regular basis.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality elderly home care, Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
Analyze Your Current Resources
If you need or want to maintain your current schedule, look around for sources of support to make that possible. You might have a family member who can take over your duties for a few hours each week while you engage in a hobby. Another option is to hire a professional caregiver who can maintain a regular care schedule for your loved one. Home care provides consistency you might not be able to get anywhere else so you don’t have to give up your job or let your other responsibilities fall by the wayside.
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 Tucson homecare services 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. Home Care Assistance is here to help. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (520) 276-6555 today