Caring for a senior loved one can be a challenging task, especially when he or she happens to be your spouse. People who choose to act as in-home caregivers for their elderly spouses face many unique difficulties. These tips can help you manage some of the challenges that occur while taking care of an elderly spouse.
Take Time to Just Be a Spouse
Though you are a caregiver, you are also still a husband or wife. Many spousal caregivers find their relationship is stronger if they take the time to just interact with their loved one as a spouse instead of a caregiver. For some caregivers, this means spending an hour or two each day with their spouses without discussing medical issues. Others find it helpful to hire respite care so they can spend a full day with their partners without having to manage caregiving.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Lincoln seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Be Understanding
Many spouses living with illnesses feel frustrated and helpless at times, which could make them lash out. Try to learn more about your spouse’s condition so you can understand what he or she is going through. A little sympathy can smooth out your relationship and ease your loved one’s mental and physical discomfort.
Have Honest Conversations
One of the biggest concerns for many couples is that the caregiving duties may lead to a somewhat imbalanced relationship. Though your spouse might not mean to be insensitive, he or she might begin to treat you more like an employee instead of a spouse. In these situations, do not hesitate to have difficult discussions with your spouse. Regular communication is the key to a successful relationship, so you may need to remind your spouse of your own needs.
Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Lincoln seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Discuss Finances with an Attorney
Do not assume you will have the legal right to make plans for your spouse just because you are married. It is a good idea to plan power of attorney documents and get access to any separate financial accounts before your spouse becomes incapacitated. Early financial planning ensures you can take care of your spouse properly without encountering legal issues.
Take Care of Yourself
Since married couples are already so close to each other, a spouse can end up completely focusing on his or her partner’s health. Caring for an elderly spouse may not seem like a negative thing, but it can actually lead to caregiver burnout. It is natural to be worried about your spouse, but you still need to take the time to care for yourself. Enjoy your favorite foods, participate in a hobby, or just take a walk by yourself every now and then.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need help caring for your elderly spouse. Lincoln home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. To avail high-quality in-home care services for your loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 226-3737 today.