Caring for Aging Relatives

If you are responsible for the care of an aging family member—perhaps a parent, perhaps a grandparent—you are probably stressed at the thought of the future. With careful planning and a clear idea of what is best for your family, you can make this time worthwhile.

Know What They Want

This period of uncertainty will be easier to handle if you know what your relative’s preferences are. If they cannot live independently, do they mind staying in a nursing home, or would they prefer an adult foster care service Massachusetts? Do they object to certain kinds of care? Talk to your relative or other family members familiar with the situation, if possible, so that you can feel confident that your decisions are the ones your relative would make, too.

Photo by Matthias Zomer from Pexels

Plan Ahead

You cannot control most parts of the aging process, especially if your loved one has an illness, but you can control your level of preparedness. Make sure the person you are responsible for has a will. You should make one as well, detailing what will happen to your relative if you become unable to care for him or her. Speak to your relative’s doctors about any diagnoses and keep track of appointments and dates when prescriptions need refilling.

Take Care of Yourself

Caregivers often become so stressed that they feel like they cannot keep on caring for their charge. You do not have to experience this emotion. Ask other family members or friends for help before you feel overwhelmed. Part of your plan for your loved one’s care should include breaks for you to work out or visit friends. Do not feel guilty about setting aside time for yourself; it will better enable you to take care of your relative.

Watching someone you love age is not easy. Make the process as painless as possible by taking care of the details and yourself before the situation gets out of hand.