How to Ease the Burden on Your Loved Ones When You Need Care
Whether you have a chronic illness or are entering your golden years, you may find that you need more help with daily tasks than you did in the past. Having a support network can make things easier for you, since it can positively impact your well-being and support. However, you likely don’t want to be a burden to others, so there are a few ways to make it easier on your caregivers.
End of Life Planning
Even if you are still relatively healthy, the best time to do end of life planning is when you are still able to make decisions for yourself. It is never a comfortable topic to discuss, but having your wishes made now can give caregivers the peace of mind that they are making the right decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. There is plenty that goes into the process, so it’s a good idea to review an end of life planning checklist to learn more about the process.
Asking Close Friends and Family
The burden of your care should not fall on one person alone. Everyone needs a break, so even if one person, like a grown child, has primary responsibility, you should have other friends and loved ones to help when the primary caregiver needs some time off. Friends and family might not know what they can do or where to begin, even though they may want to offer support. There are also some available social services for senior citizens that you can look to for help with some of the organizational aspects of navigating this phase of life. If things seem to be going smoothly from the outside, friends and family might assume you don’t need or want extra assistance. Have one-on-one conversations with each person and ask them to do things they are good at, such as repairs around the home, errands, and housekeeping. Dividing up the work can reduce the burden any one person needs to carry.
Hiring In-Home Help
You may consider hiring outside help when your needs increase. If you need help with simple things like how to properly wash your face and body, dressing, eating, or even just getting around, you may find you benefit from someone who provides around-the-clock assistance. If you are not sleeping that well, it is even more beneficial to have sone to help you during the night. Even just getting part-time help can help ease the burden on your loved ones.
Take Part in Adult Daycare
An adult daycare program is a space where you can go during daytime hours to get meals, spend time with other people, and get basic care. It is a great way to reduce the burden on your primary caregiver, especially if they work during the day. They will have peace of mind that you will not be alone so they can focus on their job. Taking part in one of these programs can also prevent your caregivers from experiencing burnout. You will benefit as well since it’s good to get out and spend time with others. Do some research on these programs or ask someone to help you look into them. Many even offer transportation services from your home to the location