Life can put you into some very difficult situations and positions you might not be ready for yet. One of such challenging positions is one of a caregiver for the elderly.
But, luckily, we are pros at caring for the elderly so we decided to make you into one, too!
You Are Not Alone
You may start to feel lonely, especially if you are the only one in your social group faced with this challenge. But, you are not alone! Many people have been and still are in your shoes and they have paved the road for you to have it a bit easier.
That means that you now have lots of information out there that can help you but also lots of practical programs that will make it easier for you to fulfill this role. Find encouragement in that fact and build from it because you will need strength.
Take Advantage of EAP Programs
One of the benefits of you not being alone in this is that many companies provide different kinds of EAP or Employee Assistance Programs. These programs are specifically made for people who find themselves in difficult personal situations like having to care for a senior, for example.
Confidential counseling for you and sometimes your family members is one of the things these programs cover. If you are not sure if your company has an EAP, all you need to do is check with your HR department.
Public Services Are There, Too
There are plenty of social services available to you, as well and you shouldn’t refrain from using them if you are eligible. They are there to help people like you. Such kinds of services range from transit support to food delivery to home care assistance.
Many of these and other things may come at lower rates for you based on your income level. Figure out what you are eligible for and use every bit of it as a little help goes a long way. As you are soon to find out.
Ask for Help
Many of your friends and family probably already offered their help. And you know what? They probably really mean it and all they need is for you to tell them how to help you. So, take them up on their offer, both of you will feel better.
Like we said, a little help goes a long way and a simple thing as your friend delivering food to your parent or driving them to the doctor will mean the world to you. On other days, just having someone you can vent to will make all the difference.
Don’t Forget About Self-Care Either
While caring for your senior parent comes as a top priority in times like these, you shouldn’t forget to care for yourself either. Remember – in case of turbulence, you can’t put a gas mask on another if you don’t put one on yourself first.
If you are in a bad shape or mood, you won’t be able to help your loved one(s) either. So, make sure you are eating and sleeping well and you have your life and your things organized. Mental health is also crucial so get yourself any help you need.
Give Yourself a Break
You won’t be the perfect caregiver that has it all together on your first try. Does any caregiver have it all together at all? It’s a marathon. So give yourself a break and don’t push yourself too much.
Also, take breaks from time to time to just relax. Take a stroll, play a video game, or do something else that isn’t a task that needs doing. It may sound like a waste of time, but this will give you the energy you need to make it all work and it’s totally worth it.
Consider Hiring Professionals
If it’s within your means, consider hiring professional home care services. You don’t have to hire someone full-time, it can be just a couple of hours here and there. Figure out your budget and if you can afford it, do it. You will find it to be the best investment both for you and for your loved one.
We are always here to help you out on this journey. Our friendly caregivers offer a wide variety of home care services and make our client’s life better and happier. We are here for you when you need us – all you need to do is make the call.
