It is natural for a person to feel overwhelmed and stressed by the responsibilities of caregiving. An increased amount of time and energy is used to navigate the healthcare system, find resources or figure out how to meet someone else's personal and medical needs. Don't burn out; it is essential to ask for help and support.
Asking for help is important to the well-being of both the family caregiver and the person receiving care. When you share the responsibility, you will have more time and energy for a normal relationship with your family member, and to take care of yourself as well. You are less likely to be angry and resentful. Having the opportunity to interact with more people will also enrich the care recipient's experience.
Despite the fact that family caregivers may be overtaxed with responsibility, they often do not ask for help or reject help when it is offered. Asking for help can be difficult when we don't know what we need, we don't want to be a bother, or we feel guilty that we can't do it all ourselves. Beliefs such as "no one can do this as well as I can" can also be an obstacle to asking for help. It's true. No one will do it the same as you, but that does not mean that they cannot be helpful in their own way.
Recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It means you are acknowledging the challenges of the situation and are being proactive in resolving problems and preventing stress. It is a sign of strength because it requires putting your pride aside and acting in the best interest of your family member and yourself.
First, you need to admit that some help will make a difference to the care recipient's quality of life and, therefore, yours. You need to identify what help you need: tasks that are easiest to ask others to do; what you want to do yourself; and if you can afford to pay for assistance.
Discuss your needs with family members and friends who might be willing to help. They may want to contribute but don't know how. Create a list of tasks. Then focus on each individual's strength. Some people may be better at personal care while others may be better able to help around the house or run errands.
Contact your local health authority to see what services are available to assist you, such as home support and respite. There are many businesses, community and volunteer agencies that offer services to reduce your load. People may not realize you need help if you don't ask for it. Remember, you have the right to ask for help. Everyone will benefit from sharing in the caregiving.
Next month: Coping with Loss
SEPTEMBER 2011 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND
SEPTEMBER 2011 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
Berwick Retirement Communities has made a very clear statement about how this small, family-owned BC company intended to elevate the quality of life for its residents..jpg)
Know what your options are when it comes to End of Life decision making. Listen to our audio interview with funeral director, Susan K Veale as she tells her story and her recommendations surrounding cremation and funeral planning.
Showing 1 to 1 of 1 comments.
I myself have worked in retirement living residences and there are many people living in these beautiful residences and have no family or the family that they do have are very busy or live out of town and don't have as much time as they would like to visit or call. So, I decide to help out and I started my own business Senior Caring Calls to try and help out. I charge a very low fee and have great response.
Sometimes we forget that a little phone call just to say means the world to a Senior. Some seniors who are living on their own need that consistent friendly call to cheer them up or to remind them of appointments and meds they might have to take.
Every little bit helps.
Seniors deserve our love and respect, whether we are related to them or not.
check out our website
www.flatteringpeople.com/senior-caring-calls.html
keep up the good work
Posted by Maryanne Garden | September 1, 2011 Report Violation