Orlando Home CareCaring For Elderly Parents: Top 10 Concerns
Source: aolhealth.com
Parents care for their children, to strengthen body and mind, and nurture them forward to independence. Siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and even friends and neighbors often join in the family circle, helping to care for the kids. Such is what caregiving is all about, a nurturing, supportive commitment by family and extended family members. Many of us have the opportunity to return that same level of commitment and support to Mom, Dad or both as they age.
It is time to return the favor, not just individually, but as a family, to provide support where necessary and preserve your parents’ ability and independence as long as possible. What are the 10 most important family concerns in caregiving for a parent? Consider:
1. Rally the Troops
Deborah Halpern, Communications Director for the non-profit National Family Caregiver’s Association, urges that caregiving your parent is not a one-person job or burden. Instead, you should have a family team that includes friends and neighbors, each with a role and responsibility in the caregiving process.
There must be a ringleader, according to Halpern, who contacts each family member with the invitation or challenge to “step up to the plate and help.”
Consider the team concept as akin to hiring for different jobs in a company. Everyone is good at something, while he or she may be inept or less than qualified in another task or field. When several family members are involved, even for just a few hours each week, the burden on the primary caregiver is reduced significantly. Sharing responsibilities also brings more family members into active contact, sharing, support, monitoring, understanding and visiting with Mom or Dad.
2. Talk with Your Parent
Discuss freely with your elderly parent his or her current needs, limitations and concerns, stating your positive belief and commitment to providing the services and assistance to maintain independence and activity while also fulfilling medical and other needs.
3. Consult with Medical Practitioners
Meet with physicians and other medical providers to learn their concerns and suggestions.
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Home care counselors at Partners in Healthcare are available to talk with you about yourin-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Orlando.
