By Peter Mangiola  March 10, 2012

Providing care for the elderly is an essential issue being confronted by the baby-boomer generation, who are now around 45-65 years old.

Those who provide care for the elderly know that not only it is a multi-faceted job, but it can also be emotionally difficult. It requires that the caregiver, especially if it’s a family member, should always be willing to forgive and forget old hurts. When providing care for the elderly, family members should consider the following matters:

-Provide a home

-Deal with medical issues associated with aging such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc.

-Arrange for in home senior care

-Help with their financial obligations

-Meet their needs for socialization

-Offer legal help and support

-Help the seniors in making decisions, especially involving those matters related to dying, such as living wills, powers of attorney, etc.

All this shows that providing care for your senior parents involves so many factors. Indeed, it is such an enormous responsibility. Often this consists of helping your senior loved one deal with his aging and failing health issues while preserving his dignity and maintaining your respect for him.

Perhaps you’re wondering how you’re going to face the challenges of providing care for the elderly member of your family. But take heart knowing that you’re not alone and you have such a wonderful commission.

Understanding all the Issues Involved in Care for the Elderly

Caring for a senior parent is a draining task that usually requires you to exercise much love and patience. Caring for seniors involves a lot of work. Some of this work you may know already. Some you may have never even thought about. Knowing all the issues involved in providing care for the elderly is very important. Here are some of them.

1. Caring for a senior loved one is a full time job. An elderly person is much like a little child, he is in danger when left alone. Good thing there are plenty of resources to help you better cope with your situation. You can ask another family member or someone outside the family to “baby-sit” your senior loved one while you go out to shop or enjoy some free time with your friends. This might also help your elderly loved one feels much better knowing that there are others who want to see them. Other options include adult day care centers, home health care providers, and respite care.

2. When you decide to hire a home care provider on your own, make sure you are comfortable both in providing the training he needs and dismissing him if necessary. If the one you hired to provide care for the elderly is doing his job well, make sure you tell him. Giving him a well-deserved praise and a smile can make a big difference. After all, none of us wants to feel that what we are doing is not appreciated.

3. Caring for the elderly is often a dirty job. You will have to face diapers, showers, cleanings, and other hygiene issues. When making arrangements, consider how, when, how, and how often you should do these things.

4. Involve other members of the family. Especially if you have your own family to manage, caring for the elderly can take its toll on you. This is why it is important that you let other members of your family participate in senior care. Having other shoulders to bear the burden with you can help you as well your elderly person.

Things to Remember when Providing Care for the Elderly

Caring for our senior parent is a very important responsibility and it should be filled with pride and dignity. Plenty of resources are available to help those who care for the elderly, the best, however, is to bear in mind these simple advices.

1. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s impossible to take care of an elderly or any other person for that matter without first taking care of yourself. You should do your best to get enough sleep, eat properly, and take time to meet your own needs. Take a break anytime you need it.

2. Remember that you are paying back an honest debt. Your parents loved you, cared for you, and provided you when you were young. They deserve to receive the same favor.

3. Never ever say or do anything to anyone, whether an elderly person or a child, that you wouldn’t want others to do or say to you. This is a golden rule that you should never forget.

Peter Mangiola is founder of Senior Helpers in home care Lavalette NJ. Our Lavalette NJ personal care services will provide you with as much care necessary for your loved ones to enjoy living independently at home.

sooperarticles.com