Caregiving can be complicated. You may want to do everything on your own, but that’s not a practical approach. Odds are very good that you need more help. You need to work out the best way to get that help.
Acknowledge that it’s Time to Explore Your Options.
It isn’t easy at all to admit that you need more help with caregiving. You’re supposed to have everything that you need and be the caregiver that your elderly family member needs. But you’re human and you’re only one person. It’s okay to need extra help.
Get Super Clear about Your Needs.
Very often caregivers aren’t even sure what they need the most help with at any given time. You’re so busy doing everything that you can that you’re not taking the time to figure out where help would be beneficial. Take some time and work out where you have the biggest needs, whether that’s helping your senior with transportation or getting respite time for yourself.
Sit Down and Brainstorm Who Can Help.
Next it’s time to brainstorm who can help. There may be some family members who are able to drive your senior to her doctor’s appointments, for instance. Or you might find that you’re short on helpers. Hiring elder care providers can be the best solution for multiple issues because they can help in a variety of different ways. They’re also more available than other family members tend to be and they have experience with just the sort of situations you face daily.
Put Some Action Behind Your Plan.
Once you have an idea how to solve the issues you have in terms of getting extra help, you need to put action behind some solutions. Until you actually take the steps, things are going to stay the same. To see different results, you’re going to have to make some changes.
Review How Well Your Plan Works.
It helps to periodically take the time to look at how well your plan is working for you. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed or you’re still wishing you had more help, then your plan needs some modification. On the other hand, if you’re feeling as if you have everything under control, you may not need to make any changes.
If you’re still trying to rely only on yourself, you’re going to wear yourself out. Other family members may be able to help now and then, but for truly reliable assistance you’re going to need to be more creative. Do what you can to put what you need in place so that you can be as effective as possible.
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 elder care in Flowery Branch, 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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