As your elderly loved one’s health decreases, he or she may experience some negative changes. You may also encounter certain challenges when caregiving that aren’t directly related to your loved one’s health. Respond to these issues calmly and with a good plan of action. Here are some of the unexpected challenges you might face as a family caregiver.
1. Violent Outbursts
Caregivers don’t expect their elderly loved ones to attack them verbally or physically. However, incidents of violence can happen. Your loved one could lash out at you due to a reaction to medication or because his or her health condition has worsened. Regardless of why your loved one is violent with you, it’s important to calm the situation immediately. Don’t fight with your loved one or yell at him or her. Instead, speak with a calm and reassuring tone. If your loved one needs to be restrained, make sure you don’t hit him or her or incite violence, as this will only make the situation worse.
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 Assisting Hands Home Care for the help they need. We provide high-quality in-home care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care
2. Lack of Appreciation
When you sacrifice so much to become a family caregiver, you may expect your loved one to offer some type of praise. While some seniors show their family caregivers the appreciation they deserve, others don’t. Instead of being upset, resentful, and sad, applaud your own efforts. Self-praise can boost mental and emotional wellbeing and reduce the risk of depression.
3. Financial Issues
Caregivers never go into the role thinking their loved ones will have financial difficulties, especially if they have savings and a reliable source of income. However, with costly medical expenses, it’s possible for seniors to spend all of their savings and have difficulty paying their monthly bills. To overcome or prevent financial issues, look for resources that are available to your loved one. Sign your loved one up for a financial program, as it could save money in the long term and cover future medical costs.
4. Excessive Visits
Whether you’ve relocated to your parent’s house or moved him or her into your home, you probably didn’t anticipate extra houseguests or excessive visits. If you don’t voice your opinion about other siblings moving in or too many people going in and out of the home on a daily basis, the problem will never be solved. You need to develop rules pertaining to visits as well as who can occupy your loved one’s home. Explain to your loved one why excessive visits put a strain on your emotional wellbeing, and offer alternative visiting schedules.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to ensure your elderly relative receives regular social stimulation. For families living in Jasper, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Poor Relationships with Children & Spouse
Being a family caregiver can be rewarding, but it could also negatively impact your personal life. If you don’t receive additional help, you could alienate your children and spouse. Having a child who no longer wants to interact with you because of feeling neglected can be difficult. It may also be challenging to address marriage difficulties because of your role as a caregiver. To overcome these challenges, find a balance between your caregiving duties and your personal and professional commitments. Seek help from family members and friends, or consider hiring professional caregivers to come in and lighten your load.
Aging in place can lead to a number of unexpected challenges for seniors as well as their family caregivers. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional senior home care Jasper seniors can trust and rely on. Rely on the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate care for your loved one. Give us a call today to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.
