Caring for the elderly
A call to compassion and understanding for all of those caring for the elderly. Have faith, take heart that you are not alone and your mission is a wonderful undertaking.
Caring for our elderly is an exhausting task requiring much patience and love. As I write this I am in my room, the door open wide, lights off. The lights are dim to help my 3 year old sleep. The door is open so I can listen for grandma. These are changes you may need to consider.
There is a lot of work involved in caring for those advanced in age. Some you may know about, some you may have never considered. It is important to understand all of the issues involved.
1. A full time job
Caring for the elderly is a full time job. An elderly person is not safe left alone, much like a small child. This means when you want or need to go somewhere, they go with you. This can be very frustrating if you are used to an active lifestyle. Some ideas to better cope with this is adult day care centers (check your local listings), home health providers (people who will come into your home for a few hours so that you can have some 'breathing room' (This option is usually expensive, but Medicaid can help). The last option is to call on outside family to 'baby-sit' while you shop or see a movie. This will allow them to contribute, you get free time, and the elderly person feels good that others want to visit with them. This is the best option.
2. It's a dirty job...but....
Things will get messy when you are caring for an elderly person. There are diapers, cleanings, and showers, and other hygiene issues. If they can't...you must. Think about how, when, who and how often when making your arrangements.
3. Add grandma and stir into family
If you are working on the triple generation situation, you have your work cut out for you. Dealing with kids, parents, grandparents and spouses, not to mention other family, co-workers, boss', etc, you will have a big mess in no time. It doesn't have to be that way. Add your elderly person in gradually, without changing everyone's life. Don't stop sending your child to soccer practice, find someone to take them, or make arrangements for 'care' for your elderly family member. Also, don't try to keep kids away from their elderly relatives. It causes anger in the
kids and confusion in the elderly person. They just might enjoy little arms around their necks.
Caring for our elderly is such an important responsibility, filled with dignity and pride. There are many resources available to help you with this heavy burden, your local social security office is a fine place to start.
The Center for Aging in your local State Information Office is also a wonderful resource for those who care for the elderly.
The best advice, however, is to remember these three simple things:
1. You cannot take care of another until you at first properly take care of yourself. Get sleep, eat well, take time for your needs and wants. Give yourself permission to take a break.
2. You are repaying an honest debt. Your parents and grandparents have cared for you, loved you, provided for you and hoped for you. They deserve for the favor to be returned.
3. Never do or say anything to another person, especially a child or an elderly person, that you would not want said or done to you. The golden rule is a good rule.
GOD Bless you as you begin a voyage in love and compassion. Take care of yourself and take care of your family. The hardships and work are far less than the rewards and the love.
article from assortment.com
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