5 Tips for Making Hard Decisions about a Loved One’s Care

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How to Make Hard Decisions about a Loved One’s Care in Lincoln, CA

Caregiving involves more than helping with medication management, transportation, and support as well as providing companionship for an aging loved one. There will also come a time when you need to make difficult decisions your parent may not like. As a family caregiver, it’s your responsibility to do what’s best for your loved one. Below are tips caregivers can use when making complex care decisions for their elderly parents.

1. Put Your Loved One First

If a care decision is about your loved one’s mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, always put his or her safety, health, and comfort first. Keep in mind that although you may be able to skip certain meals and exercise routines or take a different type of medication, your loved one may not be able to do the same without experiencing drastic effects. Therefore, you should always think about the situation from your parent’s perspective and make your decision accordingly.

Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading senior home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

2. Go Over the Benefits

In many cases, you can overcome indecisiveness with facts. What may seem like a complicated process to you and your siblings may be the best option for your loved one. As you go over the available options for every situation, your family can share opinions, ask more questions, and determine if the advantages outweigh the challenges. Share these benefits with your parent so he or she is stress-free and less resistant.

3. Meditate

Caregiving is stressful, and making decisions for your loved one can be mentally and emotionally draining. You’ll experience various emotions that come from wondering if you’re making a good long-term decision or worrying about how the choice will impact your relationship with a sibling or your loved one. Before making a difficult decision, take time to meditate and relax. You can give your mind time to unwind and clear before you need to choose your next step. While meditating, your body will relax, and your mood could lift.

A professional caregiver can be a fantastic source of information and encouragement for both you and your loved one. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Lincoln, CA, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.

4. Remain Respectful

Your loved one should always have a voice when it pertains to his or her care as long as he or she is competent enough to make logical decisions. As you discuss the difficult choice, use a respectful tone. Seniors should be treated with dignity at any age despite their current health limitations. Speaking to your loved one as if he or she were a child could cause tension and make the situation worse. Instead of agreeing to a decision, your parent could lash out verbally and physically. However, remaining respectful can make the decision process go more smoothly.

5. Ask Medical Providers for Assistance

The more you know about a situation, the better your decision will be. If you’re unsure of something, ask a medical provider or another knowledgeable unbiased individual. Relying on others for assistance doesn’t mean you’re incapable of overseeing your loved one’s care. It shows your maturity and commitment to being a high-quality caregiver. 

One of the most important decisions you can make is whether and when to hire a caregiver for your loved one. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional in-home care, Lincoln Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us at (916) 226-3737 today.

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