Caring for your elderly parents requires unwavering patience and emotional stability, and it can prove to be one of the most life-changing and challenging experiences ever. When taking care of the elderly, there is no shortage of duties one must fulfill. You may need to feed them, help them get dressed, and even change their diapers if need be. Your parents may get angry or frustrated, however, it is important to understand how they must feel due to their illness. If you have taken up the responsibility of caring for your sick parent, this article will hopefully help prepare you in some way, for the task at hand.
Hire Live-In Care
Taking care of a chronically ill or aged family member is a round-the-clock task. If you and other family members have full-time jobs and cannot cater to your elderly patient 24/7, you should consider hiring live-in care.
Hiring a trained live-in care professional who’s well equipped to look after your parent’s medical needs is a smart choice. A care professional will live at your house for most hours of the week, and has the expertise needed to facilitate your parents while making sure they are comfortable.
Rather than sending your parents away to a nursing home, a health care provider can assist them in the comfort of their own surroundings.
Equip Your House Accordingly
If you have taken the decision to move your elderly parent under your own supervision, your home should be well equipped for all possible upcoming challenges. Make necessary adjustments to your house which will help your parent feel at home. Installing equipment with uncomplicated remote controls, and rails for support while walking will help ease their frustration.
Depending on the condition and intensity of the sickness, you can also opt for the installation of a hospital bed and electronic stair lifts to help your patient move up and down, instead of being confined to their room.
Don’t Order Them Around
Illness and old age can truly bring out the worst in people. Due to the restrictions they now face, elderly people can sometimes behave irrationally, from refusing to take their medicines to lashing out unnecessarily. Keep in mind that this is not who they are but what their condition induces. You must remain calm and poised and treat them with respect.
Ask for their advice on matters related to their health and well-being, and include them in their treatment. Try not to behave authoritatively and keep your tone conversational.
Maintain Your Sanity
Taking care of an ill and elderly person can take a serious mental toll on most. The patience, perseverance, and effort that is continuously needed is enough to drive anyone to the edge. However, chances of you burning out are higher if you stop taking care of yourself while looking after them. It is imperative for those taking care of the sick to spend time indulging in activities that alleviate moodiness and help de-stress you. Go for a walk in the park, or spend time with people your age.
Conclusion
Providing care to your sick and elderly parents will leave you emotionally drained and exhausted. However, in our fast-paced lives we often forget to value the little things, such as spending time with those who love and care for us unconditionally.
Taking care of your parents provides the best opportunity to bond with them and see them as people rather than those who have raised you. Your parents need your support in old age, and it is your duty to give them your undivided love and attention while making sure they are comfortable.
joycemathers says
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