Being a family caregiver is not an easy job. Sometimes you might even feel as if you don’t have time to figure out who else can do something, so you just do it yourself. The problem is that you likely have other avenues of help you can turn to when you need them.
Books and Websites
It may seem a little bit “old school,” but doing your own research can help you to find information that you need. You’ll be able to spot what you’ve tried already and differentiate it from new ideas that might be just the answer. Building up a library of books and online sources can help you immensely when no one else is around.
Your Loved One’s Medical Team
Your loved one’s doctor and other medical team members can give you specific answers related to your loved one’s immediate concerns. They’re your partners in this journey called caregiving and they can be absolutely invaluable when you’re stuck.
Support Groups
Whether you attend support group meetings in person or online you’ll be able to meet people who are in the same situations that you’re in. They’ll have other ideas and suggestions when you need help, but they can also be a shoulder to lean on when you just need to vent.
Friends and Family
Your friends and family may want to help you more, but if they’re not sure what to do, they might come across as standoffish. If you go to them when you need help, you might be surprised to find that they really want to help. They may also be waiting for you to ask them to help so that they aren’t creating more problems than they’re helping with.
Elderly Care Providers
Many family caregivers don’t realize all that elderly care providers can do for them and for their elderly loved ones. If your loved one simply needs a companion during the day, they can help her with that. If she needs more specific help, with personal care needs or even with housekeeping, they can help there, too. Look into what you could delegate so that you can shine elsewhere.
As your needs and your loved one’s needs change, you might find that some of these sources are more helpful at certain times than at others.
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 elderly care in Oakwood, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.
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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