Whether you’re a new family caregiver or an experienced one, you may end up making a few mistakes every now and then. If you approach situations with an open mind, you can dodge some obvious pitfalls. When caring for an aging parent, here are five common mistakes you should try to avoid.
1. Not Doing Enough Research
If your senior loved one needs part-time or around-the-clock care, his or her health could be at stake. Find out much as you can about your parent’s health condition. Once armed with knowledge, you may find the caregiving process much easier to navigate. If you fail to do your own research, you could face difficulty caring for your parent. As you begin your caregiving journey, try to soak up as much information as you can from doctors, books, pamphlets, and online resources.
To successfully age in place, some seniors require the help of a professional caregiver. Families rely on Home Care Assistance Edmonton to provide caregivers who are expertly trained in various aspects of senior home care, including our holistic Balanced Care Method, an evidence-based program focused on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental and social stimulation, and calmness and purpose.
2. Managing Everything on Your Own
Many caregivers don’t want to burden anyone else with their caregiving responsibilities, so they try to do everything on their own. If you’re a new caregiver, get comfortable with asking for help. On busy days, having friends who are willing to lend a hand can be a lifesaver.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Edmonton, AB, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
3. Forgetting to Make a Long-Term Plan
If you don’t have a plan in place, you may face difficulty managing your caregiving duties. Be proactive rather than reactive, and create a caregiving plan as early as possible. If you’re not sure what to do, get help from family members, other caregivers, and professionals. Your loved one should also be given the opportunity to voice an opinion. When you have a solid plan in place, you can prevent healthcare emergencies and react appropriately when unexpected events occur.
4. Making Promises You Can’t Keep
For new caregivers, it’s tempting to make promises. You want to provide your loved one with the best possible care and do everything in your power to keep him or her happy and healthy. However, the future is unpredictable, and you shouldn’t make promises you might not be able to keep. If you have to break your promises due to unforeseen circumstances, it could breed guilt, resentment, and other negative feelings.
5. Failing to Take Care of Yourself
Caregiving comes with many responsibilities, and it can leave caregivers feeling depressed, anxious, and tired. To prevent caregiver burnout, make sure to take care of your own needs. You have to be emotionally, physically, and mentally healthy to provide effective care to your loved one.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality elder care, Edmonton Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your aging parent, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.