Do Your Research To Find Out What Is Recommended
Caring for anyone is a big responsibility that can be very rewarding but comes with certain challenges, so it’s important that you understand exactly what home care is likely to entail. There are numerous elderly care websites which contain great information about caring for elderly people, people with dementia, and people living with disabilities and other medical conditions. Some aspects of providing good care at home come down to simple common sense, but you may have questions about things such as how to make home adaptations, what sort of meals you should be preparing, and where you might be able to go for a day trip.
You should also research your eligibility for financial aid as a caregiver. If you work 35 hours a week or more, you may qualify for Carer’s Allowance which equates to £67.60 per week and is usually paid every four weeks. Additionally, caregivers working 20 hours a week or more might be eligible for National Insurance credits, and there are numerous other means-tested benefits available which are worth investigating.
Establish A Routine
Routines are great because they help both you and your parents establish an expected way in which things will be done. This will result in you making much better use of your time and energy, and will ensure all parties know exactly what to expect when each day starts. You might want to set times in the day for things like getting up and going to bed, meals, administering medication and so on, as well as agreeing that certain tasks and routines are done on particular days of the week.
When establishing routines, important to make sure that your loved one doesn’t feel like you’re running their life for them, but rather that they control over what they want to do and when they want to do it. However, you should also make suggestions and voice concerns whenever necessary, as you alone know your own capabilities and your limitations.
Seek Medical Advice
If your parent(s) is living with a specific medical condition or age-related frailty and you’re planning to be their caregiver, you should ensure you’re aware of all the health risks they face and all the correct procedures for helping them to manage their condition. Arrange a chat with their GP to find out how their care needs are affected by their condition, and use information available on the NHS website to help steer your care decisions.
Make Time For Your Own Health
It’s easy to spend so much time and energy looking after the people you love that you forget to focus on your own welfare. Ensuring you stay physically and mentally healthy is important for a number of reasons, not least because you’re not going to be able to look after others properly if you yourself are experiencing health problems. Every single flight attendant in the world will tell you that you should always make sure your own well-being is secure before turning your attention to those around you, and that same principle applies to health and social care.
A key part of maintaining your physical and mental health is not overdoing it. There are loads of options available for those times when you find yourself needing a break from caregiving. Helping Hands are able to offer a wide range of elderly care services to complement the support you provide, including short-term respite care and 24/7 assistance from a live-in carer. Having a professional carer step in to cover your responsibilities can make a world of difference, both to you and the person you’re looking after, and gives you the opportunity to come back refreshed and reinvigorated.
