One-on-One Caregiver Assistance: How to Get the Most Care for Your Loved Ones

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When it comes to caring for an aging loved one, it’s easy to get stressed. There are so many things to think about, from their healthcare and homecare needs to keeping track of medications and doctor appointments. It can feel like there is not enough time in the day. This stress is only amplified when you add another person into the mix—your loved one! Whether they live with you or elsewhere, adding a second caregiver increases your responsibilities and stress levels. However, this does not mean you cannot give your loved one the care they deserve. Instead of adding stressors, this can be a great opportunity to strengthen your relationship as well as positively impact their lives in a meaningful way. The key is knowing how to best give them the support they need while also accommodating your other responsibilities. Here’s what you should know about getting one-on-one care for your loved ones:

Research Caregivers and Assisted Living Facilities There are two main types of caregivers you will likely come across: in-home care providers and assisted living facilities. If you have a loved one who lives with you, then you may be able to forgo hiring an outside caregiver. However, if your loved one lives somewhere else (such as with them or with a family member), you will likely need to hire a professional caregiver. In both instances, you will want to thoroughly research potential candidates. Start by talking to people who have used these providers in the past, such as your loved one’s doctor, friends, and family members. Ask about their experiences and whether or not they would recommend them for your situation. While online reviews can be helpful, you should always be mindful of how thorough they are. You want to make sure these reviews are genuine. Ensure Health And Wellness Is The Top Priority Health and wellness is the most important thing you need to focus on when it comes to caring for an aging loved one. If they are healthy and happy, everything else will fall into place. You will want to take your loved one to their doctor for regular checkups and assessments. If they are living with you, find out what health screenings they have been prescribed and make time for them in your schedule. A lot of health screenings are simple tests that do not take long to complete, but you should make sure you choose the ones that are essential for your loved one’s age. Once your loved one’s health and wellness is under control, you can then turn your focus to wellness in general. For example, your loved one will likely have trouble remembering to take their medications. Simple tasks such as meal preparation, managing finances, and house cleaning can also become difficult as they age.

Have A Caregiving Schedule When you first start caring for your loved one, determine how often you will need to see them and for how long. Be mindful of not over-scheduling yourself and always make time for breaks. While you will want to spend as much time with your loved one as possible, it is important not to over-commit. This can lead to stress and burnout, as well as negatively impact your loved one’s health and wellness. Once you have a general outline for your schedule, you should then work to create a more detailed caregiver calendar. This calendar should include all appointments, tasks, and times for everything you do for your loved one. You will want to keep this calendar on your phone and computer so that it is always nearby.

Create A Caregiver Calendar Your caregiver calendar should include every appointment, task, and event you have on your schedule for your loved one. This will allow you to easily see what needs to be done and when. You can either type this information into a computer or use a calendar app on your phone to keep track of it all. With everything laid out in front of you, you will be able to easily manage your loved one’s care and your own responsibilities. This will help curb stress and make sure that everything gets done. Your calendar should also include times for breaks and rest. This will allow you to pace yourself and avoid fatigue.

Monitor This Care Calendar Weekly Once you have your caregiver calendar set up, review it on a weekly basis. This will allow you to catch any changes in your schedule and work on time. While you do not want to become too rigid with this calendar, you should always make time for emergencies. Be mindful of any appointments that are coming up for your loved one and make sure you are prepared for them. If your loved one is receiving care from you, you should also keep your calendar up to date. This way, you will always know what needs to be done and when. You can also use this calendar to jot down any ideas or concerns you may have. This will allow you to address these issues without losing focus on what you are currently doing.

Take Shorter Breaks During Caregiver Burnout Periods There may be times when caring for your loved one feels like an impossible task. You may feel like you have hit a wall and do not see an end in sight. At these times, you need to take a step back and take care of yourself. You can do this by taking shorter breaks during these periods of stress. When you are feeling overwhelmed, use a break timer to help keep you on track. This timer will allow you to take a break from your responsibilities for a set amount of time. You can then return to your tasks refreshed and relaxed. Find ways to relax and de-stress during these periods of time. This can be anything from reading a book to watching a movie. It is also important to eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep during these times.

Conclusion When it comes to caring for an aging loved one, it’s easy to get stressed. There are so many things to think about, from their healthcare and homecare needs to keeping track of medications and doctor appointments. It can feel like there is not enough time in the day. This stress is only amplified when you add another person into the mix—your loved one! Whether they live with you or elsewhere, adding a second caregiver increases your responsibilities and stress levels. However, this does not mean you cannot give your loved one the care they deserve. Instead of adding stressors, this can be a great opportunity to strengthen your relationship as well as positively impact their lives in a meaningful way. The key is knowing how to best give them the support they need while also accommodating your other responsibilities.