Whether you got thrust into caregiving literally overnight or you’ve sensed that caregiving was going to be in your future at some point, you probably don’t feel as prepared as you would like to be. That’s normal when you’re brand new to caregiving. Take a deep breath and try some of these ideas.
Get as Much Education as Possible about Caregiving
You might not have realized it before, but there is a lot of information out there for caregivers about caregiving. Much of it has been assembled by caregivers came before you. Part of your research also needs to include the health conditions that your senior is facing, too, so that you’re as prepared as you can be for those situations.
Set up a Support Network Now Rather than Later
You can wait to set up a support system for yourself, but that’s not the best option. If you’ve got support ready for you and for your senior now, that’s going to start paying dividends right away. Your support network won’t look exactly like anyone else’s. It’s going to be made up of friends, family members, and hopefully even senior care providers. Your support team might look different over time and that means that you’re adjusting to meet your needs.
Nip Stress in the Bud
You need to have a plan now for dealing with stress. There’s no way to completely eliminate stress, because it’s just a part of life. What you can do is assess how you deal with stress and what you can put in place now to help you to manage the stress that you’re definitely going to experience.
Line up Resources Now
Just like your support network, outside resources are something you’d do well to line up now. If you know your senior is likely to benefit from physical therapy, start looking for those resources now. Then, when it’s time for her to have that tool at her disposal, you already know where to go and what to do.
Make a Plan, but Keep it Flexible
As you’re gathering information, you can start to put a plan together. Where most caregivers go a little off track, however, is that they want that plan to be The One. Caregiving is going to throw you some curves. You need to have a plan because it will help you and it will give you a framework, but you also need to be flexible so that you can roll with the punches as they arrive.
You won’t know everything right out of the gate and that is okay. What you really need to do is have an idea what you should or could do when things do start to go pear-shaped. You’ll experience far less panic.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING SENIOR CARE IN LINCOLN PARK, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
Get as Much Education as Possible about Caregiving
You might not have realized it before, but there is a lot of information out there for caregivers about caregiving. Much of it has been assembled by caregivers came before you. Part of your research also needs to include the health conditions that your senior is facing, too, so that you’re as prepared as you can be for those situations.
Set up a Support Network Now Rather than Later
You can wait to set up a support system for yourself, but that’s not the best option. If you’ve got support ready for you and for your senior now, that’s going to start paying dividends right away. Your support network won’t look exactly like anyone else’s. It’s going to be made up of friends, family members, and hopefully even senior care providers. Your support team might look different over time and that means that you’re adjusting to meet your needs.
Nip Stress in the Bud
You need to have a plan now for dealing with stress. There’s no way to completely eliminate stress, because it’s just a part of life. What you can do is assess how you deal with stress and what you can put in place now to help you to manage the stress that you’re definitely going to experience.
Line up Resources Now
Just like your support network, outside resources are something you’d do well to line up now. If you know your senior is likely to benefit from physical therapy, start looking for those resources now. Then, when it’s time for her to have that tool at her disposal, you already know where to go and what to do.
Make a Plan, but Keep it Flexible
As you’re gathering information, you can start to put a plan together. Where most caregivers go a little off track, however, is that they want that plan to be The One. Caregiving is going to throw you some curves. You need to have a plan because it will help you and it will give you a framework, but you also need to be flexible so that you can roll with the punches as they arrive.
You won’t know everything right out of the gate and that is okay. What you really need to do is have an idea what you should or could do when things do start to go pear-shaped. You’ll experience far less panic.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING SENIOR CARE IN LINCOLN PARK, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.