Elderly Care in St. Paul MN

 

Taking care of an elderly loved one is no joke. If you can keep your sense of humor and avoid being so stressed out that you can’t function, then both you and your loved one will find the entire experience to be much more positive. If you can make some of these decisions before you’re caring for your loved one, then you can prepare. No matter when you start putting these tips into motion, though, you and your loved one both benefit.

Put Boundaries in Place

Knowing your own boundaries is essential because you have to know what your limits are. You must be honest with yourself, otherwise you’ll start to resent caregiving and everyone involved in the experience. You have to remember that no one can read your mind, so the more specific you can be about your boundaries, the better. For example, you know that you can help your loved one with small household tasks, but personal care tasks are something you just can’t help with. Once you’re aware of that, you can hire elderly care providers to handle the things that are outside of your boundaries.

Receive Help Gracefully

If you’re lucky enough to have other family members who do offer to help, even if it’s with something small in the grand scheme of things, do your best to receive that help gracefully. Other people’s boundaries are different from the ones that you set for yourself, so it’s important to respect those boundaries. It’s also important that you allow someone to provide whatever help they’re willing and able to offer.

Make Time for Yourself

One of the first things that family caregivers give up is time for themselves. It feels selfish and there are often way too many things on the “to do” list to justify taking time to recharge. Make the time every day to do something that helps you to feel centered and happy. That could be spending time reading or meditating, just enjoying that first cup of coffee, or even getting in some exercise. Whatever it is that you decide to do, you have to make the commitment to yourself and then follow through with it.

Caring for your elderly loved one can be extremely stressful, but you don’t have to let that stress overwhelm you.

Source
http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-caregiver-stress-burnout.asp

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in St. Paul, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.