Caregiving Basics For Family Caregivers

February 17, 2023 0 Comment Category: Senior Health

Statistics show that many US citizens coping with illnesses, disabilities, and chronic conditions depend
on family members, neighbors, or friends to get by. Caregiving is an important part of our lives and a
recent study reveals that an estimated thirty-four million people have served as unpaid caregivers in the
last year.
Among many other things, family caregivers should learn to manage medications, talk to healthcare
providers on their behalf, help them bathe or get dressed and take care of household tasks, meal
preparation, finances, and more. As a senior care facility, we share a guide to help you prepare for
managing the daily activities of a senior who is unable to care for himself or herself.

Professional Vs. Family Care

When faced with the duty of caring for someone else, your initial thought can be, “I’ll handle it myself.”
However, going the DIY route has a number of personal sacrifices and financial dangers, like missed
payments if you completely leave the workforce as well as reduced pension and Social Security benefits.
But, you might not be in a situation to opt for professional caregiving as it can be extremely expensive.

Are You Prepared To Provide Care?

Nobody will blame you if you’re not ready to be a caretaker since the majority of Americans aren’t.
Many people are unpreparedly put into this duty, which leaves them feeling overwhelmed.

It pays to consider your alternatives for providing care and make plans for possible scenarios. If you are
thinking about working as a caretaker, ask these five questions to yourself:

Do You Have The Capabilities And Energy?

Consider your own availability, endurance, personality, and skill set. Can you act as the primary
caregiver for your loved one, helping them with activities like dressing and bathing, meal preparation,
medication administration, and transportation to doctor’s appointments? Can you manage someone
else’s finances, such as dealing with Medicare and insurance issues?

Are You Able To Care For Your Loved One On Your Own?

Although the impulse may be admirable, you will almost definitely need assistance from other family
members, professional caretakers, or both if your loved one requires extensive or continual attention.

Are You Financially Prepared?

According to studies, household items, food and meals, transportation fees, medical co-pays, and
prescription medications were among carers’ most frequent expenditures. Are you able to cover these
expenses for a loved one? Will other relatives provide financial support? Will your siblings be able to help you financially, for instance, by paying for occasional trips to an adult daycare center or part-time
aid from in-home carers?

Could Providing Care Put Your Livelihood In Danger?

Make sure that taking on caring obligations won’t put you at risk of jeopardizing your work if it is your
primary source of income. Are your working hours flexible? Are there policies in place at your employer
that support caregivers? In either case, discuss the reasons for your expected schedule modification
with your supervisors. If they are aware of your circumstance beforehand, they will probably be more
understanding.

Will You Need Support To Take On Caregiving?

Your physical, mental, and emotional health may suffer if you are a full-time caretaker. Look for the
resources and social support you’ll need, including relying on other family members to help and
providing you with regular breaks from caregiving responsibilities.

The demands of caring for a senior loved one can be very much challenging. Many studies show that
family caregivers without proper help and support put their own health at risk and senior care
professionals put forward strategies like respite care to help family caregivers. Also, finding groups that
can provide emotional, physical, and psychological support to family caregivers can help you as a
caregiver.