Caregivers in West Palm Beach FL
How would you feel about a job offer for a position that requires you to put in long hours, be available 24 hours a day when there were needs beyond those hours, constantly change what you need to do within your position, likely require that you also maintain another job, and not receive any pay or benefits package? The truth is that you really do not even have to think about it. You know that if this was something that was offered as a career path you would not even consider it. If you are a family caregiver for your elderly parent, however, that may be what you are committing yourself to do.
When you take on the role of being a family caregiver for your aging parent you are dedicating yourself to making sure that their needs are handled in the right way for them. Especially if you are caring for a senior who has a progressive or aggressive condition, their needs will likely change frequently, which means that what you do for them will need to change along with them. If you are like many caregivers, you are likely to devote yourself to your parent to an increasing degree the longer that you care for them, meaning you may eventually find yourself feeling like you are always “on call” for whatever they may need. While this may seem like an important part of giving your loved one the care and nurturing that they need, it can put a tremendous amount of stress on you and on your other relationships.
Even if you are the primary caregiver for your aging parent, taking occasional breaks is essential for your own health and wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of your caregiver relationship.
Taking these breaks enables you to manage your stress, protecting your health and keeping you as strong, healthy, and effective as possible. They also enable you to remain connected with your partner, children, friends, and even yourself for a life that is well-rounded and satisfying.
Let these ideas help you feel more confident about taking those much-needed breaks from your caregiver routine:
- Reach out to family and friends. If your family and friends are aware that you are taking care of your aging parent it is extremely like that you have had them ask you how they can help. Often caregivers brush off these offers and say that they are “fine” or that they are handling everything on their own. The next time that you get one of these offers, do not do that. Instead, take them up on it. Do not feel as though you have to handle everything completely yourself or that you are being lazy if you ask for or accept help. They want to support you and to feel as though they are doing something for your loved one as well.
- Start a care relationship. A home care provider can enable you to take the time off that you need while also ensuring that your parent gets consistent care, support, and encouragement. This is also a fantastic way to ensure that sensitive tasks that may be difficult for you to handle are fulfilled successfully, easing your stress and making your care journey feel less overwhelming.
- Respite care. You do not have to hire an in home senior care services provider on a full time basis to take advantage of the benefits of a professional care provider. Respite care is about being able to take a break when you need it and have a care provider come to fill in that care gap. This can be for just a few hours, several days, or even once a month for more consistent breaks.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Professional Caregivers West Palm Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff at Assisting Hands Home Care at 561-829-3080 Today.
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