Every caregiver deserves to be surrounded by a great support system. However, other family members may not understand the daily difficulties of caregiving. Here are 5 ways you can get more caregiving help from your family.
1. Always Stay Polite
You should never be afraid to ask your family for caregiving assistance. If the help is not readily offered, the conversation could get awkward. By remaining civil and polite, you can make sure the conversation goes smoothly.
If you find it difficult to ask your family members for caregiving help, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Anchorage, Alaska, home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Talk to Family Members One-on-One
If you ask the whole family at once, the request for assistance might get lost in the conversational shuffle. It’s better to ask for help on a one-by-one basis, as it’s easier to guide the conversation. Speaking to one family member at a time allows you to appeal to an individual’s skills and interests. For example, if your nephew loves playing cards, invite him to play a round with his grandfather while you go grocery shopping. If your brother is a football fan, invite him to spend Sunday afternoons with dad. During these one-on-one conversations, inform your family members about the areas where you and your loved one need the most help.
3. Be Specific
Asking your family members to spend a few afternoons with your loved one can be a great help. If you need a specific type of assistance, let your family know. Maybe you need someone to drive your mom to her bi-weekly eye appointment, or perhaps you need someone to research fun activities for seniors with dementia. Giving people specific tasks is one of the best ways to ensure they follow through. Simply asking for general assistance may not produce the results you’re looking for.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Anchorage, Alaska, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
4. Keep Your Family Informed
Some family members may not understand how much effort goes into the caregiving process. Keep them informed by giving them access to your loved one’s daily routine, medical information, prescription regimen, and upcoming appointments. Many caregivers create online groups, which lets them share calendars and medical updates with the whole family. By giving family members vital information, you can make them feel included in the caregiving process.
5. Create a Running Task List
Caregivers often have an endless to-do list filled with tasks ranging from prescription pickups to grocery shopping. If you upload your to-do list to your family’s online group, you may be able to outsource some of your errands and household tasks. Your brother may be able to swing by the pharmacy on his way home from work, and your sister-in-law may be able to do the week’s meal prep. Staying organized is an ideal way to attract a regular support system. By giving your family specific tasks and providing them with easy access to your loved one’s needs, you’re sure to develop a wide web of people willing to help.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Anchorage, Alaska, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our premier in-home care plans, give us a call at (907) 770-0907 today.