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.
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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.
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