Senior Care in Cumming GA

For many elderly adults the need for care develops gradually. They may start experiencing increased cognitive limitations and challenges, or they may have a progressive illness that requires more assistance to ensure that they can age in place safely, healthily, and comfortably. In these situations the family caregiver has the opportunity to prepare themselves and the rest of the family for the efforts that they will put forth for the senior. This allows for them to make arrangements for additional childcare, rearrange their schedule, or even simply prepare their physical and mental health for the upcoming challenges.

This, however, is not always how it happens. There are some situations when the need for the senior to receive care occurs suddenly. Your parent might suffer a serious illness or injury that requires extensive recovery, or you notice that they have gotten to a point at which they are no longer safe living on their own. If you are suddenly aware that you need to become a caregiver, it can seem overwhelming. You may not feel prepared or know what you should do next. Taking a moment to evaluate the situation and get yourself into the right mindset will help you to enter this new chapter in your life with greater confidence.

Try these tips to help you cope with the sudden need to become a family caregiver for your elderly parent:

• Evaluate the needs. The first thing that you need to do when you realize that your aging parent needs help is to evaluate the needs that convinced you that they needed care. Be honest with yourself about these needs so that you can clearly determine how much care your parent needs from the beginning of the care relationship.
• Know your limitations. You love your parent and want what is best for them. That does not mean having to take on everything yourself. Knowing your limitations enables you to make the arrangements that are necessary to give your parent the help and care that they need. Be upfront with yourself and with your aging parent about what you are able to handle on your own and what you will need to seek out extra help to handle.
• Remember yourself. Do not overlook your need to take care of yourself when you enter into your care relationship with your aging parent. Stress is extremely common among family caregivers and can cause physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive health complications. As soon as you start your care relationship, put steps into place to take care of yourself as well as your other relationships. This will protect your own health and wellbeing, and ensure the effectiveness and quality of your care for your elderly parent.

If you have suddenly found yourself in the position of being a family caregiver for your aging loved one, arranging for senior care can be a tremendous source of help. A senior home care provider can offer professional, personalized care that ensures your parent is healthy and safe while also encouraging them to maintain as much independence as possible. Having a care provider is also a fantastic way to help you ease into your care arrangement with your loved one, enabling you to better prepare for your role as a caregiver.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Cumming, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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