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About 29% of the population of the United States cares for an elderly or disabled family member. On average, caregivers spend 20 hours per week and more than $5,000 dollars per year caring for their family members. While this can give an elderly family member a better quality of life, it can also be extremely taxing on the caregiver. Keep reading to learn more about elder care in Portland and how you can support your loved ones while still saving some time for yourself. Spend Time with Them Older family members are often lonely because their children have usually moved on and started families of their own. Spending 1-2 hours a week just talking with them can make a huge difference on their mood. If they’re healthy enough, you could also take them on outings to parks, restaurants, or other places where they can interact with more people and see more of the outside world. Learn More If you plan on caring for an elderly family member with a disease like cancer, Alzheimer’s, or diabetes, learn as much as you can about their condition. These conditions can be complicated, and some require special treatments. Talk things over with the doctor to make sure you know how to care for your family member. Your doctor can also tell you what to expect as the disease progresses. In the case of a serious medical condition, consider taking a first aid class so you’ll know what to do in an emergency. Encourage Independence Just because you’re caring for someone doesn’t mean you should do everything for them. Elderly people who sit on the couch or lay in bed often deteriorate more rapidly than those who can get up and perform even very simple tasks. Encourage your loved one to help with the dishes, go for a walk, or brush the dog to stay active every day. Come up with strategies to help your loved one stay as independent as possible. Get Support Caring for an elderly family is emotionally and physically draining. Many people experience guilt that they can’t do more, while others may feel angry, frustrated, or scared. It’s important to realize that these are all normal, healthy responses. The best way to work through them is often to talk to someone who has been there. Look for caregiver support groups online or in your community. Ask your family members to help you as well, so that you’re not the only one caring for your elderly family member. Know Your Limits In most cases, there will come a time when you won’t be able to care for your elderly family member on your own. Although it can be difficult to admit, it’s important that you seek help when you need it. Not only is it best for your loved one, it’s best for you. Many caregivers become burned out and aren’t able to care for themselves and their own families. It’s also a good idea to look for help if your elderly family member has a severe medical condition. Nurses or home aides have experience with these conditions and will be much more prepared to deal with medical complications that arise. In-Home Caregivers Many seniors benefit from in-home caregivers who help them with tasks ranging from basic hygiene to chores like laundry and preparing meals. These caregivers may stay with them most or all of the day, or they may just come over for a few hours when needed. Your in-home caregiver will also be a valuable source of company for your loved one, in addition to providing elder care in Portland.
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