In-home care is becoming more popular as studies reveal how much aging in place can increase a senior’s quality of life and longevity. Today’s seniors are also living longer and higher-quality lives than those in previous generations due to modern technology and medicines. What this can mean for many families is the need to provide in-home care for more than one aging loved one simultaneously. Luckily, there are some ways to make this challenging task a little easier.
Enlist Help
Waiting to ask for help until you actually need it means you’re likely to become burned out. While it’s natural to feel a bit awkward about turning to others for help with caring for your loved ones, doing so can help both you and your loved ones stay happy and healthy. Set up a caregiving schedule where you get regular breaks, and think outside the box for options to get help with each loved one. Consider churches, senior centers, friends, and volunteer organizations.
In addition to looking for help, make sure you’re nurturing yourself. Enlisting help can also allow time for you to rest and relax and take care of personal tasks. You can take time for yourself to participate in activities such as a new sport, a favorite hobby, or going out with friends. Look into support groups for family caregivers who can relate to your experiences. Also, consider respite care to allow you to relax for a longer time than you might normally have away from your caregiving duties.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Highland Park, TX, 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 ones to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Get Organized
Without proper organization, providing home care can be a challenge. This can be especially difficult when caring for more than one senior. Schedule a meeting involving everyone who provides care for either of your loved ones so everyone is on the same page. After the meeting, ensure everyone in the group has a way to communicate. Modern technology such as email and Facebook can make group communication simpler. Make a schedule considering the needs of all involved and post it in a clear place where everyone can see it.
Optimize care routines as well to make daily caregiving easier. For instance, place a basket by the door containing everything your loved ones need when leaving the house, such as coats, shoes, and wallets. Then make sure these items get put back in the basket upon returning so you won’t have difficulty finding them the next time.
Caring for senior loved ones 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 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.
Combine the Care
If your aging loved ones get along and both are willing, consider either moving them into a single home together or bringing one to the other’s home when you’re providing care. This can be socially and emotionally beneficial for both seniors because they’ll be able to regularly enjoy each other’s company.
Taking care of two seniors in the same home instead of across town from each other can be simpler and more time-efficient. You can prepare one meal at a time for your loved ones to share, and you won’t be ferrying back and forth between two homes multiple times a day.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved ones need assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Highland Park elderly home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (214) 363-3400 to schedule a free consultation.