Building a strong support network should be on every new caregiver’s to-do list, but too many caregivers try to do everything on their own. Here are a few ways to find the resources and people you’ll need to become a successful caregiver.
Know Exactly What You Need
Before you ask friends and family members for help, determine what kind of assistance you need. When it comes to caregiving, many requests for help are undermined by lack of specificity. Caregivers who don’t mention the specific tasks they need help with are less likely to get the assistance they need. To determine the activities you can’t manage alone, prepare a list of your standard caregiving tasks. The list should include everything you can think of, ranging from picking up prescriptions at the pharmacy to cooking dinner.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Anchorage Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Ask Family Members and Friends for Assistance
Once you’ve compiled your list of caregiving duties, circle the tasks you can delegate to others. For example, if your loved one is diabetic, your friends may be able to cook a few diabetic-friendly meals every week. When you’re ready to ask friends and family members for assistance, make the process easier for both of you. Ask them during a one-on-one conversation, rather than in a group setting. You can also tailor the request to suit the abilities of your friends and family members. For instance, if your brother is tech-savvy, ask him to keep track of your parent’s medical expenses.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Anchorage, AK, 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.
Use Other Resources
Friends and family members can be an invaluable resource in stressful situations. However, there are many other resources caregivers can use when they need help, and it’s a good idea to have backup. Some local organizations may offer senior assistance programs that include help with meal prep. If your loved one has a condition such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, you may qualify for assistance from a local or national organization.
Join a Support Group
It’s important to remember your loved one isn’t the only person who needs support. You also need to take care of your own physical, emotional, and mental health. Caregiver support groups can give you the opportunity to vent your frustrations and learn from experienced caregivers.
Hire Professional Home Care
One of the most important things new caregivers should bear in mind is that they can’t do everything on their own. If you need some extra help, don’t hesitate to hire an in-home caregiver. A caregiver can provide expert care and give you a chance to run errands, go to the gym, catch up on your social life, or get some much-deserved rest.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality elder care, Anchorage Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your aging parent, give us a call at (907) 770-0907 today.