When your spouse is no longer able to take care of him or herself, you may want to step in as the primary caregiver. Taking care of an aging loved one can become even more difficult when the individual is your spouse. Use the following tips to make your job as a spousal caregiver a little easier for both you and your partner.
1. Talk to Your Lawyers
Many seniors believe they’ll automatically be able to take care of their spouse’s legal and financial matters. However, being married doesn’t always give you access to your spouse’s legal, financial, and medical affairs. It may be wise to obtain official guardianship if your spouse is no longer capable of taking care of him or herself.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need a break from your caregiving duties to sort out your loved one’s legal and financial matters. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Edmonton respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
2. Help Your Spouse Maintain Dignity
Many seniors resist having their spouses help them with things like bathing or using the restroom because they’re embarrassed. Try to be sensitive to your partner’s dignity, and offer reassurance that helping with these tasks won’t make you think any less of him or her. If your spouse cannot get over the embarrassment in these types of situations, it might be helpful to hire a caregiver to take over these tasks.
Families looking for top-rated home care service providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
3. Check Local Programs
It may be possible to get a little extra assistance if you’re caring for your spouse. Many types of insurance and government programs allow seniors to receive funds that pay for their spousal caregivers. Even if you’re not eligible for these programs, it’s still a good idea to be aware of the senior assistance plans available in your area.
4. Join a Support Group
Being a caregiver for a spouse can cause great physical and mental strain. Many spouses report they feel isolated and underappreciated because people naturally assume a spouse ought to be taking care of his or her partner. It can be helpful to talk to others who understand the situation you’re going through. A spousal caregiver support group can provide much-needed emotional support and advice on how to care for your spouse.
5. Take Time to Interact as Spouses
It can be easy to get distracted by all the minutiae of caregiving, but don’t forget your most important role is that of a spouse, not a caregiver. Take time to interact with your partner outside of caregiving duties. You can spend quality time together by participating in hobbies, going on dates, or just sitting and holding hands. Some spouses find it helpful to hire respite caregivers who can give them a break from their caregiving duties.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Edmonton senior home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (780) 490-7337 today.