The role of a caregiver is a difficult one. If you have a parent or a loved one that is aging and dealing with ongoing health ailments, it can seem very bleak at times. While the role of a caregiver at first glance seems evident enough, there can often be some tips/reminders to help you be the best caregiver possible for your loved one. We created a cheat sheet with some of these tips to help.
1. Remember and Remind Them About Their Successes
This is something to remember especially when a loved one is going through any kind of rehab or recovering from a health setback. Their frustration with what many might consider a common task like walking to the bathroom can be a difficult one. Remind them that they have done it before and can do it again.
2. Avoid “Empty Offers”
When you are visiting a loved one in an assisted living facility, it is habit to part with statements like, “let me know if I can do anything to help.” Many aging parents are prideful and don’t want to ask for help which is why as a caregiver, you should simply act. If you know they are struggling with something and need help, just help. Don’t wait for them to specifically ask for it.
3. Check in Regularly
This is especially important advice for those with loved ones that have recently moved into an assisted living facility. There is a big adjustment period and by simply calling and visiting regularly can help them adjust. It also will leave them feeling less “lonely” by having those regular check ins.
4. Create Social Inclusion
Isolation is a serious challenge for your loved one as they adjust to the new care and dependent living. Isolation can drive serious mental depression and other challenges if you don’t come up with ways of keeping them feel included. Having a family get together? Make sure you include them. If they are unable to leave the care facility, go to them for those celebrations.
These all seem like common sense but as a caregiver, you can let frustrations cloud your ability to be the best caregiver possible. Remember these tips and call Senior Living Specialists to help with any other challenges you face as a caregiver in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
