Going it alone as a caregiver is not an easy thing to do. Caregiving becomes more and more complicated the longer you do it, even as you’re gaining experience. At some point, you’re no longer going to be able to ignore the fact that you need some help.
Address Your Concerns with Other Family Members
Other people who love your senior, other family members, can be far more helpful to you and to her than they might realize. They might not have the time to do as much as you’re doing, but they can take over one or two tasks a week, possibly, and that can free you up in some really big ways. Talk to them about what they can do and how often they can do it.
Hire Senior Care Services
You might be able to get a little help here and there from other family members, but when you need reliable help that will be there day in and day out, you need to hire senior care providers. They know how to help you with issues you’re not even aware you have just yet. Their help can be an invaluable part of getting your feet fully under you as a family caregiver.
Investigate Options through Your Employer
Believe it or not, your company’s employee assistance program may have some options when it comes to caregiving. Employee assistance programs are all about helping you to balance your work life and your home life in the ways that matter to you. As such, you can access resources that you might not have known existed without the program’s assistance. In many cases, you may not even have to pay full price for those services if they’re covered through the program.
Get Other Types of Support, Too
You need plenty of hands-on help, but you need other types of assistance, too. Having someone who can listen to your frustration and reassure you that you’re not a bad person for how you’re feeling is a vital part of caregiving. Join a support group for other caregivers. When you do, you’ll meet caregivers who are at varying stages of their own caregiving journey and they can help you on yours.
While it’s admirable that you want to do as much as you can on your own, you don’t have to torture yourself. Look for the ways that you can get help right now and then look for ways you can get long-term help as well.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Berkeley, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
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