Being the caregiver for an elderly loved one doesn’t mean you have to do it all yourself. Whether you’re helping your loved one age in place by living in his own home with some assistance, having him move back in with your family, or providing him another place to live that has professional services, you can still always use some help.
But it might be that you’re unsure as to where to look. You might be surprised to learn you could actually be surrounded by people willing to support your loved one.
Friends and Family
It’s often easier to start close to home. Depending on how big your family is and how close you are to friends, you might find some help in those you’ve known your whole life. If your loved one has multiple children who are ready to help with caregiving, you can have a family meeting where you discuss what each person will be responsible for. Cater to each person’s strengths and ask each person what they’d like to do. And don’t forget friends. Having a friend come over once a week to simply fold and put away laundry might provide great relief to your loved one (and a little companionship.)
Neighbors
If your loved one has lived in the same area for years, neighbors might be able to help with items such as lawn care or shoveling snow from the sidewalks. They might also like to bring over a casserole once a week or provide a ride to a local store when they go shopping. It’s also great for your loved one to stay connected to them socially. It provides security by knowing those who live nearby.
Volunteer Services
There are plenty of areas out there that provide volunteer services to help seniors who need a little extra help. Some bus services have busses for those who can no longer drive. A church may have a meal program to help make sure your loved one gets plenty of delicious homemade meals each week. A senior center may have a game night or an exercise class that will provide some social interaction and physical movement into your loved one’s day.
Rely on Senior Home Care
If your loved one needs help with chores that she can no longer do, or help with preparing meals at home, a senior care provider may be perfect for her. Senior home care providers can help keep the home in top shape, help make sure your loved one is well cared for (by helping with personal care needs), and/or help provide companionship when your loved one is feeling lonely. Having a senior care team on your team can provide you with peace of mind.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It can quickly become overwhelming as you’re providing care for your loved one and the best way you can make sure you’re giving the best care you can, is to ask for help from others before it becomes too much.
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 home care in Braselton, GA, and the surrounding areas.
Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
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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