How to provide seniors with the best possible care at home
People frequently utter the phrase, “I promised her I’d never put her in a nursing home.” Alternatively, “Dad told me he never wanted to live in one of those places.”

Caregivers may decide to care for their elderly loved one at home for a variety of reasons.

Keeping elderly parents at home is a lovely idea, provided that it is safe for everyone concerned.

However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that providing care for elderly people is among the hardest and most demanding tasks you’ll ever have. This explains why caregivers are so susceptible to burnout and major health issues.

So it’s crucial to pace yourself if you’re looking after an elderly relative at home.

You cannot, therefore, exert yourself at 110% every day. We are only humans, so that cannot last in the long run.
By taking it slow and asking for help, you can maintain your health and continue to give excellent care.

We give 5 recommendations for keeping elderly parents at home as long as feasible by minimizing the burden of caregiving and lowering stress in order to support you long-term.

1. Recognize the level of care required
Many of us experience the “can’t see the forest for the trees” syndrome while providing care.

When you have a long list of caregiving responsibilities piling up, it might be difficult to see the big picture because you are so focused on the individual tasks.

Finding out how much care your elderly relative actually requires is the first step.

You can determine how much assistance is required throughout the day, at night, and on weekends by making a list of the daily, weekly, and monthly care duties.
You’ll become aware of how much supervision is required and when during the day.
Set a notepad out and write quick notes each time you or someone you know does anything to create a full list.

2. Have a realistic view of the amount of care you can give without endangering your own health.
Now that you are aware of the care requirements for your elderly relative, you can decide whether you are capable of meeting those needs on your own.
Or perhaps reading over the list makes it clear that you unquestionably require assistance with a number of jobs.
While making your assessment, consider carefully how much care you can reasonably provide without endangering your own health.
Remember that if you take on too much, you will eventually burn out or get sick, which will make it impossible for you to care for others.
Instead, take charge of your situation and look for ways to acquire the assistance you require to maintain your health.

3. Obtain caregiver assistance
Finding caregiving assistance may seem to require an excessive amount of time and work, but keep in mind that it is an investment that will pay off in the long run.
Finding assistance requires persistence, hard work, and creative problem-solving, but it will be worthwhile once you can lessen your workload, lower your stress levels, and take frequent breaks.
You can find more opportunities to receive assistance if you keep an open mind and are adaptable.
Use the list of requirements you made to help you remember the kinds of assistance you require.

Here are a few examples;

Enroll your senior in an adult day program for their socializing and care, as well as for you to get some much-needed rest.
Employ domestic caregivers to assist you receive regular breaks.
Look for a local volunteer senior companion program.
To take a longer break, utilize a respite care provider.
Reduce the number of meals you need to prepare by enrolling in a food delivery service or Meals on Wheels.
To assist with errands, light housework, or food preparation, enlist the assistance of relatives or close friends.
Buy caregiving and housekeeping goods in large quantities, or even better, order online for delivery to your home. Basically, to save time and energy, try to cut out as many errands as you can.

4. Distribute the burden of providing care.
It’s possible that you are providing for your elderly relative so admirably that no one believes you require assistance.

Therefore, even if you feel that you shouldn’t have to, ask siblings or other close family members to take on some of the burden so that you can take some much-needed breaks.
Every situation will call for a different response from the family.For one person, it might mean having mom spend a year at the sister’s place.
It’s possible for someone else and their sibling to alternate living with dad for two months at a time.
In other situations, it can entail having your sister spend a week at your place once every two months so you can take a vacation.

5. Lessen financial strain

The cost of caring for an elderly person might be very high for your family.
It is beneficial to cut care expenses as much as possible to relieve stress and financial strain.

These things have helped me during my years taking care of my mother at home. It can be overwhelming at times, but it was so worth it, and I would give anything to have her here still with us! You have to use the resources that are out there! Not many have been in this situation before in life and are not aware of the amount of help there is! Do not be afraid to ask for help; it can be a true blessing!