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We all come to a point in life where we will need someone to look after us. Some people have been caregivers from a young age, while others learned some of these things along the way.
There are some key things to monitor if you care for an elderly or disabled family member ranging from following up with their medical appointments to ensuring their mental and emotional well-being is preserved.
This article will discuss why caregiving is essential and the most important things to keep track of for much smoother encounters.
The Importance of Caregiving
As mentioned above, there might come a time in one’s life when one will need to take care of their parents, or disabled family members, or need to be taken care of themselves.
There’s a nurturing side in all of us. It would add more value to our lives and the lives of people around us if we expand our knowledge about the best ways of taking care of someone else.
It can be quite challenging to fulfill this role as we will have to add more responsibilities on top of the ones we’ve already been facing daily.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the financial means to place their parents in senior homes or assisted living. Some people can have a nurse or caregiver come to their home on a daily basis. However, even that can be extremely pricey, and not everyone can afford it.
Therefore, some people become caregivers themselves and dedicate a significant part of their lives to their in-need parent or parents.
If you have elderly parents and take care of them, you shouldn’t give up your life. Read my in-depth guide to learn more about the reason and better alternatives. Should You Give Up Your Life To Care for Elderly Parents?
1. Kindness
There doesn’t need to be much of a guidebook for something like this since it is as simple as treating someone the way you would want to be treated.
Keep in mind that whoever has to rely on you is likely either in pain or unable to do it themselves, and that can be very frustrating and can stress anyone out. Staying calm and not taking things personally can really help you mentally and emotionally manage difficult times.
Another thing to note would be other people. You will probably have an established dynamic with your parent, but when someone else is around, that dynamic might shift.
It is crucial to monitor whether the presence of other people around is soothing or aggravating your parent. Pay attention to changes in behavior during social situations.
2. Never Too Old To Learn
Since you will be caring for an individual, it’s best if you can dedicate all the time you can to learning about their case. Whether it’s a disability or old age, the more you know about what you’re dealing with, the better you can handle things.
First-hand experience trumps years of theoretical study. Many online websites cater to what you’ll need, so it can be an excellent place to start the research.
It would also be a great idea to reach out to other caregivers and ask them about their own experiences. Their insight can offer some guidance with something you might need.
Another reason it’s a good idea to reach out to other caregivers is to have a social network dealing with the same issues you are. It can be a massive weight off your chest and a great way to vent.
You might also contact assisted living facilities and ask about tidbits they might offer you or ways to do things more efficiently.
3. Medical Follow-Ups
People in need of care might not be too disciplined regarding their physical health. They might miss doctor appointments or forget to take their medicine.
You will need to keep track of their appointments, follow-ups, and pill intake. Some things we can’t neglect, or they might have dire consequences for the future.
You can also reach out to their doctor and ask them all you need to know about your parent’s case to be better equipped to handle emergency situations that might require something minute that you can administer at home.
Make sure to be meticulous with the medical bills and keep your family safe from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
4. You Know Best
Doctors might be able to give you a medical diagnosis of what is happening to your parent. However, you’ve known your family your whole life, so you can pick up on things the doctor or nurse might miss.
You’ve probably lived with your parents for at least 18 years of your life (not counting exceptional cases); therefore, you know their habits, likes, dislikes, preferences, and how they unwind.
So the doctor might tell you your parent needs to go on a specific diet. Since you’ve probably eaten with your family on multiple occasions, you’ll be the decider of what that diet consists of. If you’re the one making the food, then there’s no problem. If not, you can steer the food-making process into something your parent would enjoy.
You also know all the ways your parent enjoys unwinding or entertaining themselves. This way, you can provide them with the things they like and keep their minds stimulated and active.
It can vary from simply watching TV to enjoying road trips with music. The doctor at the hospital might have extensive knowledge of arthritis, but your personal experience with your parents is irreplaceable.
5. Managing Yourself
As selfless as it can be to care for another, humans need their own time and space to unwind. You might be studying at university, working nine to five, or even having your very own little ones to look after.
As we mentioned above, being a caregiver is no easy task and can be extremely taxing on one person. Finding the best way to manage your time while ensuring you take care of your well-being can be quite a challenge.
No shame in asking for help if you need it and someone around you can provide it. You cannot care for someone else if you aren’t well enough yourself.
If you think about it, being able to take care of yourself can actually make you much better equipped at being able to take care of someone else. If you are not okay, this will undoubtedly transfer itself to the person in your care in one way or another.
Therefore, taking care of yourself, drawing your boundaries, and managing a consistent schedule for a much healthier lifestyle is crucial.
Try not to let anger, resentment, or anxiety get in the way of how you do things. If something is working, keep doing it. If not, try to keep a level head and channel your negative feelings toward finding another solution for better long-lasting outcomes.
It’s okay if you get upset. It’s normal. That’s why having a solid support system or a healthy way to cope and unwind is highly necessary for situations like these.
6. Asking for Help
As mentioned above, being a caregiver is no easy feat, and you might require some help. No one can make it alone. Since people who end up being parental caregivers are ordinary people who have chosen to dedicate themselves to their parents, there is no shame in asking for help.
Here are some places you can turn to:
- Other caregivers: We mentioned above that reaching out to other caregivers can be very beneficial for both learning and shared experiences. Other caregivers, especially those who have been doing this for far longer than you, can have priceless experiences and stories to share. You can incorporate what they say into your experience, and the results might be grand.
- Other facilities: You can also get in touch with facilities, hospitals, or centers that deal with seniors and ask for help. Their professional opinions can help you sort things out and provide more efficient ways to handle things.
- Therapy & counseling: Your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as your physical one. There are days when you might get overwhelmed and can’t function. You can seek therapy for yourself or your parent if they need it. Caring for a senior is, in some ways, like caring for a child. It would be best if you kept yourself in check in order to go through your daily tasks.
- Spiritual healing: Whatever your religious beliefs might be, every person leans towards something. Connect with whatever it is that feeds your soul, and take care of yourself. Perform daily mental affirmations and practice gratitude. Don’t forget to take it one step at a time.
7. Don’t Neglect Yourself
If you’ve been playing sports your whole life, keep making time for sports. If listening to music while you’re getting ready in the morning brings you joy, keep doing that.
Don’t let go of the things you used to enjoy. You might not do them as much anymore but keep at it even if it’s just a little bit. You can also keep a journal if that helps you sort out your thoughts.
If there’s a hobby you enjoy doing, like going to the gym or hosting a book club, don’t stop doing that. If you have to cut time out of it or have it every two weeks instead of every week, that’s fine. The important thing is not to stop because when you do, finding the will to start all over again will be much more challenging.
Don’t neglect yourself socially, either. If you read a bedtime story to your kid every night or have a date night with your significant other once a week, then keep doing that. In the end, it’s your own family you’ll be going back to every night.
8. Things To Make Life Easier
Being a caregiver does not mean you will be doing everything for your loved one. There are certain instances where your parent can maintain a form of independence with the use of tools or helpful aids.
Monitoring your parent’s needs can help you determine exactly what they need to handle life much more smoothly. Whether they need better equipment or a little more help in the shower, you’ll be able to find something to help. Here is a list of items that can help both caregivers and seniors and make their lives run much more smoothly:
- Toolkit for Caregivers (Amazon.com): This book provides tips for caregivers and answers frequently asked questions and concerns. It can assist in making the overwhelming transition to caregiver much smoother.
- Medical Guardian Medical Alert System (Amazon.com): This system comes in the form of a necklace and bracelet. It acts like the button pressed in hospitals for patients to signal to nurses. It covers the range of any house.
- EZY DOSE Push Button (Amazon.com): This plastic pill holder can have one week’s worth of items for both morning and evening medicine. It has a clear lid and easy-to-open push buttons.
- RMS Button Hook With Zipper Pull (Amazon.com): People with arthritis can easily button up their shirts or coats and zip up clothes with this button hook and zipper pull. This significantly decreases the time it takes to put on clothes every day.
- Zeerun Portable Long Metal Shoe Horn (Amazon.com): It might seem like putting on shoes only takes a few seconds. Still, this long-handle shoe horn can significantly assist those who struggle.
- Amazon Basics Safety Grab Bar (Amazon.com): This grab bar is stainless steel and supports up to 500 lbs (226 kg.) You can place it in the bathroom for extra support from the tub or shower.
- GreenChief Folding Walker (Amazon.com): This walker has an armrest with adjustable height and front wheels. Some people might require all the help they can get walking around quickly, significantly decreasing any risks of accidents or injuries.
- OasisSpace Heavy Duty Shower Chair (Amazon.com): This shower chair has a padded seat and a free assist grab bar for a much smoother and less time-consuming bathtime.
- Carex Tub Transfer Bench (Amazon.com): This shower chair can have its height adjusted and is convertible, also providing a more practical and safer time in the shower.
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