Feeling Overwhelmed with the New Caregiver Role – How to Get Started
It is quite normal to feel overwhelmed when faced with assuming the role of caregiver. There are a number of people in this country who are now taking care of their parents in their declining years. You may have actually been a caregiver for years without realizing it before an accident or event changed your perception. Do you feel you are even a caregiver? Here are some signs that indicate you soon will be if you are not already:
1. Your once vibrant dad is now being plagued with a lot of little health problems, nothing earth-shattering or life-threatening – but enough to hamper his lifestyle.
2. You find your loved one\'s bank statements and unpaid bills laying on their desk unopened when they were once really diligent about paying on time.
3. Loss of interest in the hobbies or regular socializing your loved one normally does. Perhaps your elderly dad\'s workshop has not been opened in a while or that weekly card game has now become a thing of the past.
4. Regular household chores are not being done such as mowing the lawn, washing dishes or fixing a leak in the sink.
5. There is not an adequate food supply present to feed your ailing parent or they become inattentive when cooking or baking, burning food.
6. Grooming has become slack and your once polished parent is now a bit disheveled.
7. Being distracted and inattentiveness in your loved one are also signs that you may soon become a caregiver.
If you feel that your parent may almost be ready for a caregiver, talk with them about it. Involve your aging parents in the process so they have some input in their own care. Of course, if there is some cognitive impairment in your parent, it is still important to include them in the decision-making. This will make them feel included and not so isolated about their situation. Help them navigate the Internet on the computer so they can read for themselves the positive benefits of care giving.
Once your role as caregiver is inevitable, create a job description so you know what to expect from yourself and get your loved one\'s input as they will be the recipient of this care. Get other family members, friends and neighbors lined up and on board to serve stand-by for those times when you need help. If you do not have much of a support system, look into local home health care agencies or companions, depending on your loved one\'s needs. Be sure to stick to the guidelines you set up for yourself and respect your time off because you will need it to recharge your internal batteries.
You do not have to shoulder the burden of caregiving alone. Check with the AAA, the Area Agency on Aging and look for a local office. They and many other entities like them can provide you with leads on home companions, nursing assistance and even assisted living facilities or adult day care. Know what your options are now before immersing yourself in the caregiving role.
If possible, involve your aging parent in your care giving decisions. If you plan to use an adult day care, take them on a tour of the facility to ensure there will be enough activities to keep them engaged. Interviewing for a home health care nurse, allow your parent to meet with the interviewee. This will give you a chance to see how well they would interact together.
Find a positive spin for all of these care giving changes in your aging parent\'s life. If a companion is coming to the home to help cook and clean, tell your parent that now they don\'t have to worry about those two chores, they have more time to visit with friends or indulge in a favorite pastime. All in all, the most important thing you can do is involve your loved one. Of course screen all possibilities first to weed out the chafe but take into consideration your loved one\'s opinions. After all, they are the recipient of your care giving efforts and should have a positive experience.
