One of the most difficult aspects of taking care of an aging loved one is knowing that no matter how hard you try their condition is going to get worse. Feelings of guilt, anger and frustration are common, all of which can exacerbate caregiver stress. Staying positive while caring for an elderly adult requires adjusting caregiving expectations as their health continues to decline. Using these tips should make the process go more smoothly. 

Informal Caregiver Statistics Tell the Story 

Here are some quicks facts about informal caregivers from the Caregiver Action Network:

  • In a typical year, over 60 million adult Americans provide care to a chronically ill, disabled or aging family member or friend.
  • The average informal caregiver spends 20+ hours per week caring for a loved one.
  • Roughly two-thirds of all family caregivers are women.
  • Most informal caregivers are married and hold down at least a part-time job.
  • Approximately 13% of all caregivers provide care for 40+ hours every week.

Although being a caregiver is highly rewarding, it can also be a thankless and emotionally draining job. For most, watching a loved one’s health deteriorate right before their eyes is a very frustrating and helpless feeling.

How to Adjust Caregiving Expectations 

Setting more realistic expectations as a caregiver will improve the quality of life for both you and your care recipient. Here’s how:

Understand what you’re up against

Whether it’s cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease or another health condition, learn as much as you can about it. Research the stages of progression, along with the symptoms that go with each stage. The more you know, the better prepared you will be.

Speak to your loved one’s doctor about what to expect and join a caregiver support group with members who are also taking care of someone with the same disease or illness.

Set realistic goals

Based on what you’ve learned, establish new goals that realistically reflect what you can and cannot do. If your loved one doesn’t show an interest in an activity that you have planned, don’t take it personally. They are experiencing various emotions too, especially if their condition is causing them a lot of pain and anxiety.

You’re only human, so concentrate on assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) that will make your loved one more comfortable without burning you out.

It’s okay to say “no” 

Saying “no” can be even harder when you’re a caregiver. However, there may be times when your loved one asks you to do something that’s unsafe or unreasonable. In those situations, don’t be afraid to speak up.

Use a caregiver journal to keep track of requests that your loved one has made that aren’t in their best interests. Then, write down next to each one the reasons why. Think about how to say “no” calmly and respectfully during your next visit.

Schedule some “me time”

To stay refreshed block off some “me time” in your calendar every day. Be sure to spend that time doing something that you enjoy, like reading a book, practicing Yoga or going out to lunch with friends. Whatever you do, don’t spend that personal time on household chores.

Call in the “caregiving cavalry” 

One of the worst things a caregiver can do is to try and tackle the job alone. As your loved one’s health continues to decline don’t hesitate to call in the “caregiving cavalry”. Possible sources of outside support include:

  • A geriatric care manager
  • Senior transportation service
  • Meal delivery service
  • Trusted family members, neighbors and friends
  • Community volunteers that work with the aging
  • A licensed home care agency 

Your Trusted Senior Home Care Source in Alabama

Although it’s highly rewarding, caring for a loved one who’s in declining health can be overwhelming at times. When you need a hand contact Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed home care agency our compassionate caregivers can step in and provide your senior with the nurturing that’s needed as they continue aging comfortably in place right where they want to be. At SPH, our focus is providing the care you want- when and where you need it- while lifting the spirits of those we serve.

Our full menu of in-home services includes respite care, personal care, companionship care, dementia care, household duties and even live-in and 24-hour care. To learn more about our flexible rates and hours, or to schedule a FREE initial consultation for a senior in Huntsville or Tuscaloosa, AL, today, please visit Seniors Prefer Homecare at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com!