If you are responsible for the day to day care of a friend or family member you know what a challenge it can be. Seeking help with caregiving is not a sign of weakness. It means you care enough to put together the best care for your loved one.
At some point, everyone needs help, one of the best things you do as a caregiver is to get some help.
Many caregivers have a hard time doing this. They feel that getting help means they are not living up to their duties or responsibilities or even promises made.
As you struggle with these thoughts, it can be helpful to talk about your feelings with other caregivers in a support group or with a counselor. The other issue which makes seeking outside help difficult is knowing what kind of help you need, where to locate reliable, trustworthy help and how to best use these resources.
The caregiving journey can be tough and a care team can help.
Your care team may consist of other family members, medical professionals, professional caregivers, church members and volunteers, neighbors and more.
Here are some of the common questions (or concerns) we hear from caregivers about bringing professional caregivers into the home or even to visit loved ones in an assisted living facility when we cannot be there.
How will my loved one adjust to having a stranger coming into their home?
Every individual reacts differently, but time and time again, we find family members are surprised by how well their loved one adjusts and benefits in ways they didn’t anticipate. For example, a new face means new conversations and experiences for them to enjoy!
I worry that no one can provide the care I do. I feel it might be more work to deal with problems, it is easier to do it myself.
No one can
provide the care you do, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be a successful solution for both you and your loved one. Ask any home care agency you are considering how they work with you to select appropriate home caregivers and how they prepare the caregivers to help your loved one. Interview and get to know all potential caregivers so YOU are comfortable.
Things feel almost out of control for me as a caregiver when something unanticipated happens, I get a crisis call, or have to deal with sudden issues in the middle of work or other plans.
The unanticipated can be the most stressful part of caregiving. A care team does not solve this problem but can provide you some support to ease things. Having a relationship with a relief caregiver means that when you have emergencies or responsibilities that arise, you have someone to call. Care team partners can be your backup and help you with conflicts. A professional caregiver, family members, or community members can help with errands, taking a shift with your loved one at the hospital or visit them in their assisted living or nursing home when you cannot.
Contact the professionals at Assisted Living Made Simple for more resources or more information on assisted living and other senior resources.
