Age takes a toll on everyone and if we have parents or grandparents who are unable to fend for themselves due to a disease, then it becomes an obligation to be a caregiver.
However, caring for the elderly is no easy feat: there are a lot of problems that can arise such as shortage of time due to work commitments, emotional turmoil etc.
Thankfully, you can tackle the problems and be a responsible caregiver through the following measures:
Respect the situation
Tolerance and affection are two primary characteristics that caregivers need to possess. This applies to seniors who are Parkinson’s patients.
Communicating with them can be troublesome and nerve wracking. You must understand that their plight is uncalled for and they deserve respect, and that’s the only way in which we can be sensitive to their situation.
But do talk to them about the ways they can use to conserve energy, such as through reading books, placing things where they belong and participating in group activities.
Provide emotional support
Caring for seniors at home isn’t only limited to providing them with medicinal care. The most important aspect is emotional support.
Engaging them in family activities such as board games, drawing room discussions and family dinners will help them regain their self-esteem.
It will make them realize that despite their medical condition they are considered to be an integral part of the household and aren’t regarded as a burden.
Seek home care services
Essentially, the average American needs to find a balance. Just like one would hire a babysitter when they aren’t available to take care of their child, home care services can also be sought.
The elderly suffering from Parkinson’s disease, for instance need constant care. They must be fed and accompanied for bathroom trips.
In that case they cannot be left unattended and therefore in-home care companies become a blessing in disguise. You can upfront talk to the service providers about the kind of care your loved one(s) would need and how often these services would be required.
Provide independent care at home
Always remember that dumping the elderly into a senior citizen home may not be the answer. It can not only leave you feeling guilty and miserable, but can also lead to an increase in the severity of their condition as well.
Research has indicated the seniors who receive medical care at home and receive respect and attention from their loved ones are more likely to recover from cancer, as compared to those who are sent of elderly homes because caring for them is not possible.
And there is always the in-home care service option if you can’t find time… at least your loved ones get to stay in familiar surroundings.
Caregiving at home was never easy, and will always take a toll on you. However, any loving relationship comprises of a give and take concept. The more you care about your ill senior family members, the more the degree of self-fulfillment that you will experience.
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