By Charlene Rack
It will happen to most families. At some point, the elders in your family will become frail, experience a fall, or receive a diagnosis of dementia. However it begins, you and your family will need to face those difficult decisions regarding their care while preparing yourselves for the important task of caregiving. You will have to assess your loved ones’ health needs, determine how much help they require, and decide if they are able to function alone in their own home.
I have published previous articles in Celebrate Life Magazine, encouraging families to keep their loved ones in their own homes for as long as possible. Though this can be difficult, it can also be an immense blessing. We know that many caregivers face burnout and anxiety over the monumental task of caring for a loved one, so I want to offer suggestions to make this time in your life easier for you and for your ailing family member.
Don’t fear asking for help
Never feel ashamed of asking for help when caring for a loved one. There are many ways others can give small blessings that offer a caregiver immense relief. Church members may be willing to start a meal train for daily dinners. You can pay a trusted friend a small amount to sit with your loved one a few times a week. You can even put out feelers for a good caregiver to come in for several hours each day. (All of my clients come to me by word of mouth from Catholic friends!)
If your loved one’s health issues become more concerning, you might consider moving him in with family members, encouraging the whole family to share in the care. I have witnessed the declining conditions in many nursing facilities, and there are good reasons to promote in-home care, if possible, with family members taking the lead.
Caring for another person is not something to do alone. Through my years of various caregiving settings, I have learned that it’s not reasonable to “fly solo.” We must humble ourselves by reaching out for the help we need, not being afraid to ask friends, extended family members, or even trained caregivers for help. It is a tiring, often stressful job, and it can sometimes stretch out for years. You will need help.
To read the remainder of this article, visit the Celebrate Life Magazine site at clmagazine.org/topic/end-of-life/arming-yourself-against-burnout-when-caring-for-the-elderly.
To read additional pro-life articles that will inspire and educate, visit clmagazine.org.