The role of family caregiver can be lonely, frustrating, and frightening at times. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to support the family caregiver in your life.
Ask Direct Questions
It’s not uncommon for people to ask family caregivers if they need anything. While the intentions are well-meaning, it’s usually better to ask what you can do to help. Family caregivers appreciate direct questions. Instead of reassuring the caregiver you’re there to help, ask directly what he or she needs assistance with.
Ask the family caregiver in your life if he or she needs help from a professional caregiver. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated home care, Anchorage, AK, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Provide Financial Support
Caring for a senior loved one can be expensive. If one of your siblings is caring for your parent or other family member, offer financial help if you can. The family caregiver has bills of his or her own to pay and may also be responsible for paying your parent’s utility, grocery, medical, and home maintenance bills. Paying for a loved one’s bills may create a financial hardship for the caregiver, leading to stress, depression, and anxiety. If other family members don’t offer financial assistance, the caregiver may be unable to continue caring for the senior.
You can also help the family caregiver pay for home care services. When searching for reliable elderly care agencies, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more.
Show Appreciation
If you’re unable to pitch in physically or financially, you can at least show how much you appreciate the family caregiver. Sending flowers and ordering take-out food from a local restaurant are a few things you can do to make the caregiver’s day. The caregiver is sure to appreciate your gesture.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Taking care of a senior can be lonely. If you’re unable to be with the caregiver because you live far away, stay in touch by calling, emailing, and texting. Communicating and chatting shows you care, and it also allows the caregiver to discuss issues, frustrations, and triumphs related to caregiving.
Offer Respite Care
Family caregivers may experience burnout because of stress and financial hardships. Because caregiving can take up most of a caregiver’s time, other responsibilities may take a back seat. Offer to take on some responsibilities, such as driving your loved one to an appointment or providing help with caregiving, so the family caregiver can have some time to do other things or get some much-needed rest.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Anchorage 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 speak with one of our friendly and dedicated Care Managers, give us a call today at (907) 770-0907.