As your senior loved one ages, he or she will need more support and care. It can be difficult for seniors to accept help because they may feel it means a loss of independence. Many caregivers worry this will affect their relationships with their loved ones. Taking certain steps will allow your relationship to continue to grow as your care for your parent.
Respect Your Loved One’s Opinions
Openly communicate with your loved one by listening to him or her and taking any concerns seriously. Ask for your loved one’s opinions and ideas, and encourage him or her to take control and make choices. Doing so can help your loved one retain independence while still getting the help he or she needs.
Elder care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Limit Difficult Topics
There are a lot of heavy conversations that will need to occur with your loved one as he or she grows older. Finances, end-of-life wishes, and medical decisions are topics that may be difficult for your loved one to discuss. Make sure these topics aren’t included in every conversation you have with your loved one. Limit conversations to one difficult topic, and then move on to other subjects. Include lighthearted talk so your loved one doesn’t dread communicating or associate talking with negative, stressful feelings.
Set Boundaries
Your loved one may lash out verbally or physically when you try to help. There’s a big difference in caring for your loved one and allowing him or her to abuse you. Tell your loved one you love him or her but you won’t tolerate being treated in an improper fashion. It’s okay to set firm boundaries and have expectations of your loved one. Doing so can prevent your relationship from becoming strained and stop caregiver burnout from occurring.
If you’re feeling burned out as a caregiver, compassionate help is available. Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Montgomery in-home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Include Your Loved One’s Doctor
When it comes to difficult topics, it may be a good idea to include your loved one’s doctor. Seniors respect medical personnel and often follow their advice more readily than their children’s. For example, your loved one may not want to hear he or she can’t drive anymore from you but might listen to a medical professional.
Consider Hiring a Caregiver
Over time, your loved one may need help with personal tasks such as bathing or using the restroom, and he or she may not be comfortable having a family member help with these activities. A professional caregiver can be a great source of support, providing assistance with your loved one’s more personal needs and saving him or her the embarrassment of turning to a family member. Talk with your loved one about what he or she is comfortable with, and contact a local agency for help.
In Montgomery, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.