Caring for an aging parent is a daily task for millions of Americans. These may be simple tasks like helping a parent out in grocery shopping or driving a parent to appointments and activities should the parent no longer has access to a driver's license. In as much as one loves his or her parent, we must face the fact that eldercare can be stressful which is why many have taken it to higher levels. For adult children to learn more about coping with care for older parents here are some tips to follow.
Aging can be a frustrating process. While some people certainly maintain total independence throughout their adult life, many do not and when your parent has difficulties this can be very stressful and demeaning for them. After all, for decades they have been in control of their lives and now they are slowing losing their independence. Perhaps they can no longer move around as easily as before or perhaps they forget things often or maybe they have lost their driver's license. As a caregiver, you need to frequently remind yourself that this situation is often as frustrating for them as it is for you.
Despite your understanding and empathizing with their concerns, it can't be easier sometimes when they lash out angrily at you even in your attempts to help. But with this empathy, your perspective and approach at caregiving can be changed. You can be more patient and note that even if you are helping them they still remain grown-ups and your parent for that matter who require as much respect as possible. So ask your mom what she thinks she should do instead of telling her what to do. Discussing with her options directly but calmly when she looks unsure would work. As after all, you dislike being told what to do and so your mom would be feeling the same which should call for respect of her ability to make decisions.
True, patience and empathy could go long however with a parent suffering from dementia and some kind of serious illness their ability to make rational decisions can be affected which also causes an alteration on their personalities. Try your best not to take their anger and yelling personally though it may be hard. Yes, the caregiver deserves better than to be abused however your parent being so sick, scared and confused could no longer take hold of their emotions and bodies. When you find your parent becoming abusive, losing the desire to eat, bathe or refusing to any care, call for professional help. You can try to contact your parent's physician or any eldercare support group and seek advice about improving the circumstances.
At some point, your parent's medical needs or the stress of taking on the responsibilities of care can simply be more than you can handle. While finding a suitable facility for eldercare can be difficult, there are services such as Care Placement that can help you find a quality board and care facility, an assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility or even in-home caregivers. The will help match a level of care that suits the needs of your parent and also fits your budget. Knowing that your parent is safe and being well cared for can be a great relief.
Aging can be a frustrating process. While some people certainly maintain total independence throughout their adult life, many do not and when your parent has difficulties this can be very stressful and demeaning for them. After all, for decades they have been in control of their lives and now they are slowing losing their independence. Perhaps they can no longer move around as easily as before or perhaps they forget things often or maybe they have lost their driver's license. As a caregiver, you need to frequently remind yourself that this situation is often as frustrating for them as it is for you.
Despite your understanding and empathizing with their concerns, it can't be easier sometimes when they lash out angrily at you even in your attempts to help. But with this empathy, your perspective and approach at caregiving can be changed. You can be more patient and note that even if you are helping them they still remain grown-ups and your parent for that matter who require as much respect as possible. So ask your mom what she thinks she should do instead of telling her what to do. Discussing with her options directly but calmly when she looks unsure would work. As after all, you dislike being told what to do and so your mom would be feeling the same which should call for respect of her ability to make decisions.
True, patience and empathy could go long however with a parent suffering from dementia and some kind of serious illness their ability to make rational decisions can be affected which also causes an alteration on their personalities. Try your best not to take their anger and yelling personally though it may be hard. Yes, the caregiver deserves better than to be abused however your parent being so sick, scared and confused could no longer take hold of their emotions and bodies. When you find your parent becoming abusive, losing the desire to eat, bathe or refusing to any care, call for professional help. You can try to contact your parent's physician or any eldercare support group and seek advice about improving the circumstances.
At some point, your parent's medical needs or the stress of taking on the responsibilities of care can simply be more than you can handle. While finding a suitable facility for eldercare can be difficult, there are services such as Care Placement that can help you find a quality board and care facility, an assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility or even in-home caregivers. The will help match a level of care that suits the needs of your parent and also fits your budget. Knowing that your parent is safe and being well cared for can be a great relief.
About the Author:
Rue Nichols enjoys reading home health care blogs. To get more info regarding the different type of eldercare options such as an assisted living La Mesa facility or to find more about board and care Aliso Viejo homes for an aging parent, please go to the Care Placement site today.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar