Senior Care News

Family Caregiver Guidance for Aging Loved Ones

 

Caregivers in Garden Oaks, TX

Caregivers in Garden Oaks, TXSuccessful caregiving means different things to different people but, the bottom line is every family caregiver needs guidance from time to time. This is particularly true for those who are caring for an aging senior who was recently diagnosed with a medical condition or is new mobility issues, and additional senior care is required.

Assess Needs of the Senior

Each time elder care needs change, it’s important for the family caregiver to address them accordingly. For example, as a senior is aging in place, their home may need additional safety modifications or they may need more senior care products. There may also be the need for more appointments added into their in-home care schedule that were not needed previously.

Access Education

The family caregiver should remain educated with regards to how seniors experience the progression in age normally, as well as which changes to look for that could be indicative of a serious issue. There is also education related to health conditions or diseases their aging loved one could be experiencing that would be beneficial for them to know, as well as related therapies or preventions.

Future Planning

Community services are an excellent resource as part of home care plans, especially for seniors who are no longer able to drive. Planning for such services is an important part of home care for seniors who are aging in place. Additional future planning includes families having a discussion with their loved one about their finances, wills, and trusts.

Respect Space and Boundaries

Families must understand that, as a senior progresses in age and continues living in their own environment, they’re going to want to continue making their own decisions for as long as possible. Respecting this need for control is an important component of the elder care plan however, there could be some limitations placed due to the senior’s illnesses, finances, or any disabilities they may have. Despite this, though, they should still be part of the decision making process at some level.

Be Proud of a Job Well Done

It isn’t uncommon for the family caregiver to obsess on what isn’t finished, rather than what has been completed. Instead, they should look upon their day and ask themselves how much of a positive role they’ve played in their loved one’s life. They should think about the things they feel good about. Making mistakes is human nature, meant to be learned from, and meant to be moved on from.

Additional Thoughts

When caring for a loved one aging in place, the family caregiver must also implement self-care. The addition of self-care to the home care plan is just as important to elder care as all the other elements. When the caregiver is not receiving enough rest, a proper diet, or enough exercise then they are not able to provide proper care for their loved one. They can add self-care to in-home care plans easily by enjoying meals with their loved ones, engaging in physical activities together, and resting whenever the opportunity presents itself.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from the help of caregivers in Garden Oaks, TX contact At Your Side Home Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call (832) 271-1600 for more information.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

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