Caring for a senior loved one with Parkinson’s can be a stressful experience. At times, you may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities, unsure of the future, and anxious about the level of care you can adequately provide. There are simple steps any family caregiver can take to relieve stress and maintain a positive attitude when caregiving.
Get Enough Sleep
Make sure you schedule sufficient time to rest each and every night. Most people need at least six uninterrupted hours of sleep, preferably eight, to function well. Attending to your loved one’s needs throughout the night can make this a difficult task without help, but adequate rest is essential for maintaining your health and a positive attitude.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Reston families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
Get Organized
Trying to track medications, doctors’ appointments, and therapy sessions can be difficult enough. If you’re also trying to assist your loved one with managing his or her finances and daily life, it can all get very confusing. Put everything that can be automated on auto-pay/refill, and get a good organizing calendar or check out some of the available caregiving apps to help with the rest.
Schedule Mini-Breaks
Ask for help from relatives or people in the community to allow you free time away from caregiving for at least an hour or two several times a week. Professional caregivers can also be scheduled on an as-needed basis to help with errands, daily chores, personal care activities, transportation to medical appointments, and so much more.
Senior care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Join a Support Group
The National Parkinson’s Foundation offers local in-person support groups across the nation to help caregivers. If you’re unsure about meeting with others face-to-face, there are also many online forums and groups that offer the same level of support, allowing you to exchange stories, experiences, and caregiving tips with others in similar situations.
Don’t Give Up Hobbies
It’s essential to maintain your own life. Continue to participate in hobbies and activities that have always given you joy. Oftentimes, these activities can be therapeutic and allow you to rest and recharge.
Try to Have Fun
With the help of your loved one, plan fun activities you can enjoy together. Arranging for joint social activities, such as attending book clubs or art classes both of you enjoy, can enhance the caregiving bond. Even a casual picnic or a daily walk together can boost spirits and reduce tension.
Hiring a professional caregiver is a good way to take a break from your caregiving duties to let go of negative emotions. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Home Care Reston. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Assisting Hands Home Care team at (703) 783-5758 today.
