3 Things To Do When Your Loved One Needs Paid Caregiving
As a family caregiver for a parent or spouse, it’s important to remember to keep your physical and mental health a priority. This is not only a tough time for your loved one, but also a difficult time of transition for you. When the time comes to seek professional care-giving services for your loved one, keep these three tips in mind to make the process go a little smoother:
Scope out your options
Before you make any decisions, it’s important that you fully assess your loved one’s needs to determine the best fit for them. Making a snap decision could cause future stress on you and others involved. Questions to consider before choosing a paid caregiver are:
- Does your loved one need physical therapy and/or medication management?
- Will day-to-day services — like dressing, bathing and meal preparation — be needed?
- Will they need house cleaning, shopping and home maintenance?
After considering these needs, sit down with your loved one and slowly go through the list so you can begin this journey with a clear mind.
Make your emotional care a priority
While your loved one’s needs may seem like the only priority at the moment, remember to take time for you! Talk to others who have gone through the same process and ask them what they did right, and what they wish they would have done differently. Make it a point to find personal time to take care of your own needs so you feel emotionally cared for.
Don’t try to do it all
Handing over independence can be taxing not only on your loved one, but on you, too. Know that most people ask for help during these situations, and it’s ok to wave a white flag and seek consultation from an outside source.
