ElderCare Transitions

Let’s talk about…being a Caregiver.

To most people, a “caregiver” is someone that is hired to provide services for an individual in need.  Or some people think of a caregiver as someone who works in the facility where mom/dad/aunt/uncle is living.  One of the surprising aspects of being a caregiver is that some people don’t realize that they have become a caregiver.

It may start out very simply –

• You notice your neighbor isn’t bringing his paper in or picking up his mail as early or as regularly as he does.  So you offer to bring in the mail/paper…and running to the store is no big deal.
• You may go visit to mom and notice the laundry is piling up or the house isn’t quite as clean as it has been in the past. So you do a few loads and run the sweeper while you visit…and doing a little cooking while you're there is not a problem.
• Dad may say he’s low on groceries – so you pick up a few things for him the next time you go to the store…and clean out the refrigerator of food that’s spoiled.

Frequently, what we view as the simple chores of maintaining a home – including cooking, cleaning, paying bills, doing laundry – aren’t so simple anymore.  Whether it is physically or cognitively – the planning and energy necessary to execute these tasks becomes diminished…and you are providing the care necessary to keep your loved one going.  You are on the road to becoming a caregiver.

As the care you provide increases, challenges will arise.  Providing care and oversight for another individual requires time, effort, patience, understanding – the list goes on.

This is scratching the surface of a very complex subject.  Recognizing your role as a caregiver, assessing the need for a caregiver, identifying a capable caregiver – these are conversations family members should be having with each other.   Those discussions are critical to insure the safety of your elder loved one.

If you need help starting the conversation, let’s talk!