Photo by youssef naddam on Unsplash
In times of need, we rely on our loved ones to look after us. We all get old, and eventually, we may find it difficult to look after our own health and wellbeing. If you have loved ones that need help, then it’s important to carefully assess what needs they have, consider whether you can offer them or if it’s better placed in someone else’s hands. Looking after your loved ones is a unique situation for everyone with it's own challenges, so use these tips to help.
Assess What They Need From You
A good start point is to figure out what it is that they actually need from you. It might be that they simply require some help with the grocery shopping each week to living with them on a casual basis. There’s going to be plenty of questions like this that you’re going to want to ask as you assess what’s needed. The last thing you want to do is make promises that you can’t keep and then feel guilty because of it. Look at what you think your responsibilities will be and then go from there. It’s worth looking at their state of coherence and ability to move around of their own free will. Some may find it too difficult to do the most basic things to look after their body, whilst others might just need the company of their loved ones every so often. There’s a lot that is possibly needed, but then there could be very little. Observe and ask the tough questions in order to fully assess what it is that you can provide reasonably and without too much strain on your own life.
Consider Hiring A Caregiver
For those scenarios where you can’t provide the care and attention that a loved one needs, it’s important to find someone who can. There are plenty of websites and companies like careasone.com, for example, where you can find and hire a caregiver to look after the needs of your parent. Caregivers can range in price, and there might also be some options that you can look at where the state pays for the help of a caregiver. You should do your research and look at which options are best for what your loved one or yourself can afford and what level of help is needed.
Communicate With Your Loved One
Unless your loved one can’t make decisions for themselves or isn’t able to communicate properly, then it’s worth speaking to them directly. Retaining a person’s independence is the most important part because it helps them with their own health and wellbeing. The longer they can live by their own means, the better. Speak to your loved one and ask them what they’d like from you and if they’ve expressed any particular wishes about what would happen beyond that.
Look After Yourself
And finally, be sure to look after yourself. You won't be good for anyone else if you don’t take the time to focus on your own health and wellbeing.
This is a contributed post.
3 comments
Communication is key, isn't it?
Taking care of a loved one can be draining; physically, emotionally and mentally. You sometime start to feel the same pain as the person you are taking care off. It strange sometimes. It's hard seeing someone you love go through such pain.
Communication is definitely key.
It is draining, but worth it.
xxx
https://ooomaye.com
It so true to communicate and have empathy for the person you taking care of but keeping in mind not to lose yourself and take care of yourself as well. In order to help others we need to be strong and prepared.
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