Ask for Help Before You Feel Overwhelmed

You love your parents and want the best for them. For that reason, you’re focusing your energy on being their family caregiver. You plan to be there as much as possible to help them with daily activities.

Even if you quit your job, being a family caregiver can be a lonely, thankless job. Your parents may not always act appreciative of the help you give. You may experience the opposite and grow closer.

Many caregivers spend more hours helping their parents than socializing with friends and immediate family members. You can find the right balance. Learn how to ask for help so that you don’t become overwhelmed or isolated.

Ask Your Parents for Input

Your parents need to be comfortable with the idea of relying on others. It can be a difficult step for them to take. They like their independence.

They trust you and aren’t certain they want you to have additional help. Make sure they know you need the help. Ask them what would help them feel at ease with a new caregiver.

Make sure they understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. They wouldn’t hesitate to help a grandchild who can’t tie a shoe. They shouldn’t hesitate to accept help from others.

Gather Your Family for a Team Effort

Gather your family members and close friends. Talk about the care your parents need and see if anyone can help out. Friends may be willing. Your siblings should be helping.

It doesn’t always work that way. If you can create a care team, your parents have more chances to socialize. It gives you time to focus on your own mental, emotional, and physical care as well.

Schedule Carefully

Create care plans that can be shared in online calendars that others can view and edit. You take your mom to a doctor’s appointment. A follow-up appointment is scheduled on a day you cannot get off work. Put it on the schedule and note that a driver/escort is needed that day.

Be prepared for sudden schedule changes. Someone may wake up with a stomach bug or a car that refuses to start. If that happens, you may need to have home care services send a professional caregiver to fill the gap. Respite care becomes an important part of your care plan.

It’s great that you want to be the main caregiver for your parents. It’s not good to dedicate so much time that you lose track of your own needs. Arrange home care services to make sure you’re able to take breaks.

Home care aides can help out while you take a day off, go on vacation, or attend to your self-care needs. Call a home care specialist to find out how to get started.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN SUMMERLIN, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.