When one spouse takes on a caregiving role for his or her aging parent, it can affect the entire family. Although providing home care for a senior family member demonstrates compassion and devotion, it can take a toll on a caregiver’s health as well as his or her relationships. If you have concerns about how your spouse’s caregiving responsibilities are affecting his or her wellbeing, here’s how to broach the subject in a way that shows empathy yet addresses your concerns.
Acknowledge Your Spouse’s Devotion
When talking to your spouse about your concerns that he or she is overburdened, make it clear that you’re not being selfish. Tell your spouse you appreciate how devoted he or she is to caring for his or her parent, and let your spouse know it’s also important to take time out for him or herself. If you’re met with resistance, don’t push the issue. Instead, plan to revisit the conversation periodically when your spouse is less stressed and receptive to hearing new ideas.
Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Focus on Your Spouse’s Health
A spouse who is dedicated to caring for his or her parent may deny he or she is feeling overburdened. However, many people will admit they have not prioritized their own medical appointments or may not be eating a healthy diet. Talk to your spouse about the importance of staying physically strong so he or she can continue to be there for his or her parent. Then offer to schedule your spouse’s doctor appointments or bring over meals during times when he or she is providing care.
Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of support for family members caring for aging loved ones. When researching agencies that provide elderly home care, Edmonton, AB, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether they need respite care to take a break from their caregiving duties or their senior loved ones need around-the-clock assistance at home, families can rely on Home Care Assistance.
Suggest Solutions for Support
New caregivers are frequently unaware of the many types of support that are available, or they may not know it’s normal to need assistance. As your spouse begins to accept the idea of having help, suggest solutions such as respite care that can offer your spouse a few hours away from his or her responsibilities so he or she can recharge.
Your spouse may also respond to joining a support group where he or she can meet other caregivers and learn how they handle their multiple responsibilities. By showing your spouse you support what he or she is doing, you can encourage him or her to practise self-care while still providing high-quality care for his or her loved one.
Whether your spouse needs respite from his or her caregiving duties or your family’s aging loved one needs live-in care, Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (780) 490-7337 to schedule a free consultation.