You Need Help, But from Where?
You might think that caregiving is all about wrangling everything on your own, but that’s not how it works. In reality, the more help you can get the better the entire experience will be for both you and your aging adult.
Elder Care in Wilmette IL: Help for Caregivers
Other Family Members and Neighbors
Remember that there may be family members, friends, and neighbors who would love to help you but they aren’t sure what to do. All those nitpicky little tasks that take up so much of your time and energy, like picking up that one item at the grocery store or pharmacy, are things that other people can do for you. Keep a running list of these little tasks and when someone asks you if they can help, pull out your list. Jot down who is doing what so you know later.
Community Volunteers
There are likely agencies in your area that do all sorts of work helping the elderly in your area. While some might charge a fee, you might be surprised to find that most are volunteer-driven. If you’re having a difficult time finding agencies in your area, a good source of information can be your county health department. They can get you started and often if one agency can’t help you, they may be able to direct you to another who can.
Home Care Providers
Home care providers can likely do the majority of what you and your senior need done. They can offer companionship, take over personal care tasks, and so much more. They can help you in ways that allow you to take time away just for yourself so that when you come back, you’re better able to be a caregiver again.
Caregiver Support Groups
You might feel as if you need help just knowing what to do and what your senior needs from you. This is why joining a caregiver support group can be so beneficial. Other caregivers can give you insights into what worked for them and what they wished they had tried instead. You can avoid some of the same mistakes they made when they were learning the ins and outs of caregiving.
It’s not always easy to ask for help. You might need to practice asking for help in ways that actually gets you what you and your senior family member need. It’s worth taking the time to keep trying until you get the help that you both need. If you don’t, you’re going to wind up overtaxing yourself.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care in Wilmette, IL, call the caring staff at LifeCare Home Health & In-Home Services. Call (888) 606-4199 LifeCare serves all of the Chicago Metro Area.
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