Caregivers are known for giving their all to those who depend upon their care, and it’s rare they’ll ask for anything in return. This makes it especially important for a caregiver’s friends to stay alert for signs the caregiver could use some help. If you would like to show support for a special caregiver in your life, here are a few simple ways to be a good friend to someone who dedicates his or her time to caring for others.
Prepare a Meal
When they’re juggling caregiving and other responsibilities, caregivers may be tempted to skip meals or grab unhealthy fast-food meals on the run. Yet having a few precooked meals in the freezer can be a lifesaver on a busy day. Casseroles, hearty soups, and pasta dishes all freeze well and can easily be tailored to your friend’s preferences.
For some families, caring for senior loved ones can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Reston, VA, Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
Offer to Babysit
Many caregivers are also trying to raise children in addition to providing care for their aging loved ones. Offer to pick the kids up from school or watch them on a weekend afternoon so your friend can have a break from some of his or her duties.
Run an Errand
Sometimes even stopping to pick up groceries can be overwhelming when a person is caring for someone else. If you’ll be running to the grocery store, offer to pick up a few items for your friend while you’re there. This simple gesture can feel as though a huge weight has been lifted for a caregiver.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted at-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help.
Be Available to Listen
A good friend should always be willing to listen without judgment. Make sure your friend has someone who can take over the caregiving duties for an hour or two, and take him or her out to lunch. Then let your friend vent his or her frustrations or talk about something else for a while. Simply being there is one of the best ways to let your friend know you care. If your friend is having difficulty caring for an elderly parent, suggest hiring a professional caregiver. The type of home care Reston seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. To learn about our premier in-home care options, give us a call today.
