Caring for an elderly loved one can be a very rewarding experience. For centuries, families have cared for the elderly at home, without any advanced senior care trainings necessary beyond the ability to use common sense, understanding and high levels of respect. In many situations, the hardest hurdle to master as a family caregiver for seniors is the idea that the ailing elderly is not a child who needs help.
While it is true that some senior memory problems like Alzheimer’s Disease may leave the senior in a child-like state of mind, all homebound seniors must be treated with the same respect and dignity that they have been accustomed to before their bodies or minds started to falter. Every change in the lifestyle of an elderly can cause innumerable troubles for the caretaker. Tone of voice is always very important when caring for an elderly loved one, as seniors tend to be more sensitive.
First time caregivers often find it helpful to structure an hour-by-hour routine on paper that will guide them through their caregiving days. Strict scheduling helps to ease some of the caregiving stress that is involved with being a full-time caregiver. As new issues or additional duties become necessary in the daily caregiving routine, always be realistic and arrange for help whenever it is needed. Caregivers should always monitor their health closely and should remember to take occasional breaks to avoid caregiver burnout.
There are many different types of caregiver duties, and each situation is unique. There are very active seniors without memories and bedridden seniors who remember details from every day of their lives. In all situations, it is important to remember that happiness is a key ingredient to life. People react badly when bored, frustrated, in pain or unhappy. It is very important to find a way to create a happy environment for all aging seniors.
Happiness in later life is often directed by the senses. Pleasant smells, good tastes, calm environments that do not include new electronics and fun things to touch can go a very long way in some homecare settings. Caregivers are entertaining seniors in their world or fantasy world; modern attractions are often confusing and upsetting to people who are used to living without our modern big screens or talking computerized HD gadgets.
It has never been easier to be a primary caregiver for seniors or aging family members. In the past, caregivers were often isolated away from others who were going through the same situations. Today, modern at-home caregivers keep a laptop computer handy to use for communications with others who understand their daily caregiving dilemmas. Online caregiver groups and discussion forums for caregivers can easily be found through the Internet. These caregiver groups and caregiver forums provide guidance and support to fellow caregivers who are experiencing the same caregiving issues. Other types of support groups can also be found through local Senior Citizen organizations, church groups and health organizations.
Copyright © 2020 SeniorCareHomes.com. All Rights Reserved.
Other Articles Related To Caregiving:
Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.
One of the Leading Operators of Senior Living Communities in the U.S. (Click…
My elderly father is now 90 years old, and my mother is just three years…
The "Next Level" Medical Alert System FACT: The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states…
Alzheimer's Disease Frequently Asked Questions with Dr. Fortanasce, Neurologist / Alzheimer's Expert Why is Alzheimer’s such a huge…
Assisted living costs are getting more and more expensive. In fact, the average annual…
Residential Care Home vs Assisted Living Community Being in the Senior Care Industry for…