Senior Care News

Advice For the New Family Caregiver

Caregiver in Loudonville OH

When aging loved ones have reached a point where they need help because they’ve decided to age in place and require assistance, this is when a family caregiver is enlisted. It’s not uncommon for someone new to this roll to feel anxious, worried, and overwhelmed with their new responsibilities and roles. However, with some careful planning and advice, the experience can switch from stressful to pleasant in no time at all. When seeking out the support of other elder care providers, too, answers to questions and concerns are quickly addressed.

Setting Up the In-Home Care Plan:

When the family care provider sets up their loved ones plan for home care, a number of factors are taken into consideration including scheduling, meal planning, safety, and any home modifications that must occur. This planning and preparation will not occur over night and, the sooner the new family care provider resonates with this reality, the less stress they will feel. Their loved one is transitioning into the need for a home care plan just as their caregiver is going through the development of one. Therefore, they can work through these adjustments and transitional phases together.

Remembering to Take Time Out:

One of the biggest mistakes a family caregiver makes is forgetting to incorporate self-care into their senior care plan. This problem occurs mainly because guilt or other feelings about their loved one being neglected are involved. The bottom line is, if the family caregiver is not receiving proper rest or care themselves, then they are not able to provide the best care possible for their loved one. Therefore, it is essential for them to rest regularly, eat right, and remain as physically fit as they can. By engaging in physical activities with their loved one regularly, they can help themselves stay healthier.

Requesting Help When Needed:

When a family caregiver needs help, it’s important to reach out for support from friends, family members, or an elder care provider. That way, the issue they’re experiencing is addressed and resolved immediately. If the issues is a medical one, then the family caregiver should consult with their loved ones physician with the questions they have. The last thing a family caregiver should do is try to handle anything on their own, especially when things become overwhelming or stressful. Reaching out to the community, friends, family members, physicians, providers, and other resources is the best way to provide the best overall care for seniors and for the caregiver.

The Bottom Line:

Family caregivers who are new to this role can enter into the situation feeling overwhelmed and nervous about their new experiences with their loved one. This is not only common, but something that can be worked through with their loved one as their home care plan is developed and goes through the transitional phases. Not only with the family caregiver develop a stronger bond with their loved one, but they will feel less anxious about the situation knowing they are not going through it alone.

If you are considering hiring caregiver services near Loudonville, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Ashland, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Loudonville, Mt. Gilead, Shelby, Wooster and the surrounding areas.

Stephen Sternbach

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