Family caregivers are nothing short of superheroes. From cooking, cleaning, managing medications, and juggling every other aspect of life, they typically find a way to handle any task thrown their way.
Caring for a loved one in assisted living can be an enriching and rewarding experience, but there’s no question that it can also be exhausting. As the demand for daily tasks increases, family members dedicated to senior care might find that they need a break.
Manage Stress and Senior Care
There are resources available to caregivers that help alleviate the stress that comes with caring for a senior family member. You can arrange with a hospice for respite care if you need to take a brief break from your duties. There are also online resources that give you access to specific information and personal support you may need.
Medicare
Medical decisions are an inevitable part of life. This is particularly true for seniors. Any caregiver responsible for making a choice about their patient’s health, or offering assistance in doing so, should get familiar with Medicare.
The official Medicare website will help you decide on a provider based on state survey reports, review insurance options, and get a firm grasp on what you need to know about prescription drug coverage. It is a must-have for all caregivers and a fantastic source of information.
Support Groups
You give support, so you must also seek support. You can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s especially true when your tank is empty. Joining a support group gives caregivers a community of people that understand the rollercoaster of emotions that come with senior care.
There are likely plenty of groups in your community, but you can connect online as well. When you’re part of a virtual community, you have a shoulder to lean on at any time, right from the comfort of your own home.
Caring for Yourself Helps You Care for Others
The best way to support your loved ones is to show up as the best version of you. You’ve got to care for yourself while you care for others, or else your efforts will exhaust you. From agencies dedicated to caring for a senior to disease-specific organizations, there are plenty of resources available to help you care for ones you love.
Don’t think that you have to shoulder the burden of senior care on your own. It’s a community effort, with plenty of people out there willing to lend a hand. Never hesitate to ask for help.
