written by Shirley Kalisky |  

As I was recently leaving a basketball game with my son, I overheard a group of older people talking about the fact that a relative had quit her job to care for a senior family member. One of the ladies remarked how great it was, and that she was so sweet to do that for her family. Well, it is sweet, and great that families can and do step up to assist with the care of aging parents or relatives. My Home Care agency supplements family assistance all the time. It often relieves me of worry, for instance during the series of snow storms, knowing that family can be a backup plan if the caregiver is late or unable to navigate the snow.

With that being said, I also see the other side of this coin. At the risk of being unpopular, I have seen clients that although the family member is doing their best, they can make some situations worse. Up to a certain point, families can handle the care and stimulation that most seniors need. However, there is a point where the family is in over their heads, and often on the edge of burning out. Either way, it’s a bad situation, and it takes a professional Caregiver to come in and get things back on track.

My advice to those family members that are taking on the role of caregiving is to take care of themselves, and take some time off. A professional Caregiver can fill in a few hours as needed to provide some relief for family members. Sometimes my Caregivers are able to make changes in the home to make it safer.

Sometimes my Caregivers identify potential problems with everyday medications, and alert the family. It’s all about the Senior and providing the best care possible. This is where we all agree. The good news about Caregiving is that families can assist their loved ones. The great news is that families are not alone, and professional Caregivers are able to provide much needed and deserved time off.

You may respond to Shirley below or email her at skalisky@boomer-living.com ...

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