5 Senior Care Tips for New Caregivers

Senior caregiving is a journey different for each person who embarks upon it. For some, the event begins quite suddenly. Maybe an accident has left an aging loved one unable to care for themselves, or a loved one of any age has suffered an abrupt change in health. For others, becoming a caregiver is a lengthy process in which people find they must devote more and more time and care to a loved one with diminishing health or dementia until it’s no longer clear when their role evolved to include caregiving responsibilities.

No matter which description suits your relationship with your senior loved one or how long you’ve had to come to terms with your newfound responsibilities, you know that caregiving is not an easy role to prepare for. To help, we’ve compiled several excellent tips for new caregivers just like you.

1. Ask for guidance when you need it. You’re off to a great start; you’re here, reading these tips and, as a result, have shown a remarkable capacity to learn and grow. As you proceed through the caregiving journey, don’t be afraid to ask for additional help regarding logistical issues, physical needs, and emotional issues. Look to experienced caregivers you know, members of your loved one’s medical care team, or even a local organization that may offer caregiver resources just like this blog.

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1. Connect with other caregivers. Aside from asking for help and advice, other caregivers are a wonderful form of support. Look for individuals willing to lend an ear, support groups for a more structured outlet, or even inquire at a local hospital or nursing home for support-related information.
2. Research options for the future. Even if caregiving is ideal for you and your loved one right now, your situation may evolve to where you need professional help. Learning all you can about senior home care, assisted living, home health care, respite care, and more will help prepare you should circumstances change.
3. Don’t go it alone. Waiting until you’re completely burned out or at a loss can be detrimental to both you and your loved one. If you have family nearby, don’t avoid the conversation about how they can help share in the caregiving responsibilities now as well as in the future.  You may run up against family members who simply deny the situation, they may not be there every day to observe the subtle signs.  Alerting them early on allows them time to recognize and accept the changes that are occurring.  In addition, consider utilizing home care or respite care to supplement your care with that of caring, qualified experts.
4. Begin these essential conversations as soon as possible. No matter whether you’re wondering when it’s time to begin acting as a caregiver for your loved one or simply are unsure of their preferences when the time comes, have the conversation earlier rather than later. While it’s tempting to put a difficult discussion off as long as possible, it’s always better to make these decisions together before a crisis forces you to decide alone.

When it’s time to begin thinking about providing care for your senior loved one, it’s not uncommon to feel anxious about the changes ahead. Fortunately, home care often provides an ideal first step between your loved one’s current situation and a more structured setting – allowing them to receive excellent, expert care on your schedule and in the comfort of their own home. If you’d like more information about home care, or more tips regarding how to begin this essential conversation with your loved one, contact Arista Home Care Solutions today.