Statistics suggest that over 50 million Americans provide unpaid care for older relatives. If you are looking after a parent or grandparent or an aunt or uncle, it can be difficult to balance commitments. Many of us want to be there for our families, but how do you juggle effectively? In this guide, we’ll share some helpful tips.
Determine needs and requirements
There are all kinds of scenarios that can unfold as people get older. Some people will maintain their independence and enjoy good health well into their 80s or 90s while others will require assistance at a younger age or more intensive care and support in their senior years. The first step to take when you assume caring responsibilities is to determine the needs of the individual. There’s a big difference between helping your parents out with household chores and errands like doing the grocery shopping or driving them to appointments or social gatherings and providing round-the-clock care. Speak to your relative openly and honestly and seek professional advice if your family member has health or mobility issues. It’s important to ensure that you are aware of what is required and that your loved one gets the level of support, care or help they need. There is a limit to what you can do if you don’t have medical or nursing training or access to specialist facilities or equipment.
Research assistance programs and schemes
One of the main worries for older people and their families is paying for care as they get older and they become increasingly dependent on others. Health and social care can be expensive and not everyone has the means to cover bills. It’s beneficial to research assistance programs and schemes that could help with healthcare costs. You may be able to access funding for home care visits or nursing services for your relative, or you could be eligible for schemes such as Freedomcare, which provide payments for designated caregivers, including children, siblings, grandchildren or friends. There may also be support available for seniors to help with other costs, which could free up more funds for healthcare. Research initiatives, check the eligibility criteria and seek advice from experts to make sure that your relative is benefiting from all the help available to them.
Ask for help
We all want to do the best for our loved ones, but sometimes, it’s not possible to spin multiple plates. If you have children, you work long hours, or you don’t live close to your family member, it can be difficult to be a caregiver. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other members of your family or to access support and assistance programs or services. There’s no shame in asking for help or admitting that you can’t be in two places at once. It’s important to look after your own health and well-being as well as caring for your loved ones. If you’re exhausted, you get sick easily and you’re stressed and anxious, you won’t be able to look after others. Take a break if you’re feeling overwhelmed and take advantage of schemes that will help with costs and accessing extra services and support.
Explore your options
Most of us don’t want to think about the days when our parents or grandparents become reliant on us or experience deteriorating health. Sadly, this is a reality that many of us have to face at some point. If you do find yourself in this situation, it’s beneficial to explore the options open to you. You could provide help around the house yourself, liaise with other family members, neighbors or close friends to help out, or look into services provided by external agencies or facilities. You may also be thinking about moving closer to your relative or even asking them to move in with you. Consider your circumstances in terms of your commitments and where you live and your relative’s requirements before you make a decision. Research different service providers, compare prices, find out more about support programs and funding, read reviews and get recommendations from people you trust.
Communicate openly
Communication is key when it comes to making decisions about caring for older relatives. Although many of us don’t want to broach the subject of care in old age with our parents or grandparents, it’s helpful to have this conversation at a time when your family members are in good health. It’s beneficial to know what their preferences and wishes are. Communicate openly, discuss the matter as a family unit and be honest. Keep talking to each other as the situation evolves. You want your relatives to be involved in decision-making processes and to have a say.
Champion health and well-being
Helping people at home is not just about ensuring that your loved ones take their medication on time or doing the cleaning and helping them to get washed and dressed. It’s also about trying to champion physical and mental health and well-being. Try to encourage healthy habits, such as regular exercise, eating a balanced, nutritious diet and socializing. If you don’t have the time or the means to cook meals or provide lifts to community groups or activities, look for volunteer services or programs in the area, ask friends and other family members for help, and make use of technology. You could order grocery deliveries to your relative’s door or sign up for a healthy food subscription, for example.
Once your loved ones start attending community groups, it’s a great idea to network and liaise with other families and caregivers. You may find that other people will be more than happy to help out with providing transport, for example. Helping older relatives to use technology to connect with others is also helpful. Being able to make video calls or keep in touch with friends on social media can help to lower the risk of isolation and loneliness.
Many of us will find ourselves in a situation where we’re helping to provide care for older relatives. If your parents or grandparents need help around the house, or their health is deteriorating, take these tips on board. Determine their needs, seek expert advice, liaise with other members of the family and research support and assistance programs and schemes. Communicate openly, don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t forget to look after yourself.
