Becoming a family caregiver is a tremendous responsibility that also gives you a chance to deepen your relationship with your loved one. However, this decision must be carefully considered. Before you assume your caregiving duties, be sure to ask these 7 important questions.
1. Where Is Your Loved One Happiest Living?
Make sure your loved one prefers to continue living at home. If not, he or she may prefer to downsize or move into your home. Finalizing your loved one’s living arrangements helps you know the best way to proceed.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care Lincoln, CA seniors can trust and rely on.
2. Are You Physically Capable of Handling the Job?
Caregiving often involves physical tasks such as lifting a senior from a wheelchair to a bed. Make sure you are physically capable of managing your loved one’s needs before you assume caregiving duties.
3. Do You Understand Your Loved One’s Health Needs?
You need to make sure you have a complete understanding of what it means to care for someone with a serious health condition. For example, seniors with dementia often require around-the-clock care to prevent wandering. Make a list of your loved one’s current and future needs so you can develop a realistic long-term care plan.
If your elderly loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, trust in the Lincoln dementia care experts at Home Care Assistance to help him or her manage the condition while continuing to live at home. In addition to high-quality dementia care, we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke care.
4. Is There Someone Who Can Step in When You Need a Break?
Family caregivers should not be expected to do everything on their own, and trying to juggle multiple roles can lead to burnout. Make sure you have an alternate caregiver who can step in when you need a break. Knowing a professional caregiver is available gives you peace of mind when you need a break from your caregiving duties.
5. Is Your Loved One Comfortable with You Providing Care?
Talk to your loved one about what your role as a family caregiver will involve. For example, you may need to assist him or her with toileting or bathing. For many older adults, personal hygiene tasks are private, and your loved one may prefer letting a professional manage these tasks.
6. How Will You Address Your Loved One’s Need for Socialization?
It is too much to expect for you to be your loved one’s only source of companionship. Consider how you will plan for social activities throughout the week to keep depression at bay. Whether you invite a special companion over for lunch or arrange for your loved one to attend a community event, it is important to look for other sources of companionship for your senior loved one.
7. Do You Have an Emotional Support Network in Place?
Caregiving is rewarding, but spending long hours caring for someone can be challenging at times. Set up a support system for yourself that includes other family members and caregivers who can relate to what you are going through. This way, you’ll have someone to lean on when you need a helping hand.
A Lincoln, CA, home caregiver is the perfect option if your elderly loved one wishes to age in place with greater independence. Cooking, bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping are just a few of the important everyday tasks a caregiver can help with. If you need a respite or live-in caregiver for your senior loved one, get in touch with Home Care Assistance at (916) 226-3737 today.