When caring for a senior loved one, it’s vital to stay organized. Without some sort of system in place, you run the risk of making mistakes that could negatively impact your loved one’s health. Many family caregivers find it helpful to keep a journal because it gives them a concrete way to help their loved ones remain healthy, happy, and comfortable at home, and these are just a few reasons why.
Track Key Details,
Most live-in and part-time caregivers in Anchorage are going to have quite a bit on their minds, and it doesn’t take much to lose track of the key pieces of information your loved one’s doctor should know about. Taking a few moments to jot down your loved one’s daily habits allows you to track triggers and patterns in his or her health. You can then share this information with the doctor so he or she will have a much better grasp of the situation.
Keep Important Data in One Place
The first few pages of a caregiving journal should contain any information you might need in an emergency. This includes the medications your loved one is taking, contact information for other family members, recent procedures, allergies, and a full list of his or her medical conditions. After you have collected and organized this information, you can then make copies for anyone else involved in your loved one’s Anchorage in-home elder care.
Efficiently Delegate Tasks
Caregiving can be overwhelming at times, but delegating errands to friends and family members can become confusing without proper organization. A few pages in your journal should be reserved for any important tasks you might need help with. When someone offers to lend a hand, you will have an ongoing list of chores this friend or family member can assist you with. You will be able to keep track of exactly who is helping with certain meals or taking your loved one to his or her next appointment.
Use as Therapy
Keeping a journal isn’t just good for managing your loved one’s care. According to the American Psychological Association, expressive writing is one of the most effective ways to manage and overcome high levels of stress. A portion of your journal can be set aside to express your own concerns, thoughts, and emotions so you do not succumb to issues like anxiety, apathy, and depression.
Even the most organized and dedicated family caregivers sometimes need respite and relief. If you need help meeting your loved one’s individual care needs, turn to Home Care Assistance. Our live-in and respite caregivers can assist with a wide array of daily tasks, and we also offer comprehensive Parkinson’s, post-stroke, and dementia home care Anchorage families can rely on. For more information and to schedule a free in-home consultation, please call (907) 770-0907 today.