Becoming a caregiver for a senior loved one can be a rewarding experience. It gives you an opportunity to bond with your loved one, and it enriches both of your lives. However, providing care for an aging adult may not always be an easy task.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Lincoln families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. If you’ve recently assumed the role of a caregiver, here are a few tips that can help you provide high-quality home care.
1. Make a List of Resources
One problem new caregivers often face is that they have dozens of questions but nowhere to turn to get the answers. This might include questions about medical issues, general senior care, or even the senior’s personality. Be sure to prepare a list of resources so you always have someone to contact when you have a question or concern. This list should include the senior’s doctors, other family members, and general sources for senior care such as a local agency or foundation that specializes in aging or any disease affecting the senior. Be sure to put some people on the list who you can talk to you when you feel stressed. You may even find a local support group for caregivers.
2. Organize Important Legal Documents
As a family caregiver, there will be times when you need to access your loved one’s important paperwork such as his or her driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card, will, car titles, property deeds, and medical records. Make sure you know where these documents are kept, and consider organizing them all in one safe space so you can grab them if there is an emergency.
3. Be Patient
The transition to caregiver may not be smooth at first, so be patient with your aging loved one and with yourself too. Both of you are getting used to a new way of living. There will likely be some arguments in the beginning. Be sure to communicate with your loved one and other family members as much as possible to prevent stress and health problems.
4. Maintain a Schedule
Creating and maintaining a schedule is one of the major keys to successful caregiving. Prepare a schedule and hang it on the fridge, or consider downloading a scheduling app. It should include everything you need to do for your loved one throughout the day, such as administer medication, prepare meals, and help with hygiene. A weekly schedule might include outings, doctor’s appointments, and extracurricular activities.
Preparing a schedule is important when providing care for an aging loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who do not have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. For trusted Lincoln Alzheimer’s care, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives.
5. Take Some Time Off
You can’t provide adequate care for your senior loved one if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Be sure you continue to eat right, get some exercise, and follow your regular health and hygiene routines. Maintain your social life, job, and hobbies. If necessary, ask for help from other family members or consider contacting a local agency for occasional respite care.
If your aging loved one needs help managing the tasks of daily living and you’re searching for a reliable, expertly trained home caregiver, Lincoln, CA, Home Care Assistance is your top choice. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers strive to make aging in place a safer and more comfortable experience for seniors so they can enjoy their golden years in better health. Call us at (916) 226-3737 to hire a professional caregiver for your senior loved one.