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| | Enlist the help of family members to help care for your elderly loved one.
The National Family Caregivers Association has reported that more than 50 million Americans are currently caring for a family member or friend who is ill, has a chronic illness or disability or is dealing with the frailties of old age.
Although being a caregiver can be a rewarding experience, it can also be an exhausting one, both physically and emotionally. Even if you are not providing the majority of care, just coping with an increase in care needs can be a lot to handle.
Denise Juday Barnett, St. Therese of New Hope administrator, provided the following tips to help you cope with the challenges of being a caregiver:
Learn as much as you can about your loved one’s health or illness and how to help provide care.
Ask for help. There are many respite resources available. Also, don’t be afraid to ask siblings or other family members to pitch in.
Make sure you take time for yourself. Don’t forget to care for yourself as well. Keep yourself well-rested and get proper nutrition and exercise.
Know your limits. Be realistic with yourself and others about how much of your time and yourself you can give. Set limits and communicate them to doctors, family members and others.
Let your loved one help make decisions. Losing independence and relying so much on others can also be stressful for the person being cared for. Whenever possible, keep them involved in decision making.
Plan ahead. No one wants to think about losing their loved one, but planning ahead for end-of-life care will make sure that everyone’s wishes are met. Catholic Senior Services of the archdiocese can help with this planning.
Accept your feelings and confide in others. Caregiving can trigger a host of difficult emotions. Talk to people about how you are feeling. Catholic Senior Service’s information and referral line can put you in touch with pastoral and nursing staff who will be glad to help.
The ratio of family caregivers to seniors is dropping dramatically, according to Dan Gannon, Catholic Senior Services chief executive officer.
“CSS is committed to stepping up education, support and services with parishes and CSS senior care providers to ensure seniors are cared for in body and soul,” he said. CSS is seeking help from family, friends and parish communities to support those who are caring for senior relatives.
For assistance, contact Catholic Senior Services at 1-877-420-6461 or visit www.catholicseniorservices.org.
Gretchen Scherer is editor of the newsletter for St. Therese of New Hope, a Catholic Senior Services affiliate.
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"If God had intended us to follow recipes, he wouldn't have given us grandmothers."
- Linda Henley
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