7 Tips Caregivers Need To Properly Care For Their Sick or Elderly Family
When it comes to taking care of an elderly parent or helping a relative or friend who’s disabled or habitually sick, it can take a real toll on the caregiver. They may feel alone in this task, but it is important that caregivers understand is that they know they are not alone. There are roughly 22 million Americans who are taking care of loved ones.
Caregivers will give 80 percent of the in-home care, but are not paid for their “services” unlike Home Care Agencies or Senior Care Centers, home health aides or nurses.
National Association of Social Workers Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Clark said caregiving is an extremely taxing job — taking a toll on a person’s emotional well-being, and hindering them from keeping a job and relationships. Clark said it’s important that caregivers get some type of assistance for help from professional senior caregivers or considered a senior live-in care person.
Clark said people who take care of other people also need to take care of themselves.
Ask For Help When You Need It
Many, people don’t get help until the very last moment. It’s not until they feel both physically and emotionally wore down that they get help. It’s imperative to get help from professionally trained senior caregivers or other medical professional.
Take Care of Yourself Mentally
It, extremely difficult to take care of an elderly or sick parent. It’s taxing not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. After all, how can you get someone to understand that you’re only there because you love them and want to help them? When you feel at your wit’s end, it’s imperative to seek the assistance of a professional. You want someone who will help you wade through your emotions and frustrations.
It’s Difficult To Be In Charge Of Your Parents
When you’re a child, your parents told you what to do. However, things are different now. And, if you respect your parents, telling them what they can and can’t do may be a bit difficult. It’s important that any type of caregiving instructions and wishes be known before your parents “get too old.”
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