How to Have Peace of Mind When Caring for an Aging Relative

While you may be more than willing to take on the responsibility of caring for an elderly relative, there's no denying that this can be incredibly stressful. As such, it is important to find as many ways as possible to give yourself greater peace of mind during this time. Otherwise, you may soon find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, and, by extension, unable to provide them with the care and support they need. With that in mind, here are some top tips you can follow to help you navigate this responsibility with greater ease and confidence!

Stay as Informed as Possible

According to a recent study, 79% of those who are considering caring for or supporting an older parent in the future worry that they wouldn't know how to support them. However, you can work to combat this by staying as informed as possible when it comes to their health and well-being. For example, you could accompany them to any health-related appointments so you can discuss their well-being with the relevant professionals and seek further advice when necessary. You should also thoroughly research any health challenges they are facing to better understand the situation and take appropriate action. Be sure that your information comes from reputable resources—Google may offer insights, but it's not a substitute for professional advice. Staying as informed as possible will provide you with much greater peace of mind, knowing that you are doing everything you can to care for your loved one.

Invest in the Right Technology

If your loved one is insistent on living independently for as long as possible, investing in technology such as an emergency call button is a great way to provide both of you with greater peace of mind. After all, if they trip or fall, they can press the button, and help will be on the way within seconds. You can also ensure that you receive a notification, so you can respond accordingly and show up for your loved one when they need you the most.

Help Gauge Medication Dosages

As we get older, healthcare needs often become more complex, and the number of medications required can increase. However, this is something that many elderly individuals find challenging, especially if they are expected to take different medications at various times. Putting together a medication schedule or using medication management boxes with the days of the week written on them can prove to be incredibly useful during this time. You may also want to send them a reminder text to help them stay on track!

Build a Reliable Support Network

While you may be willing to take on the bulk of the responsibilities associated with caring for your loved one, you should not have to do everything on your own. After all, you have other needs and responsibilities to attend to, and your own well-being should not take a backseat. As such, you should help your loved one build a reliable support network so they always have someone to turn to for help. For example, you may want to discuss care responsibilities with other relatives to see who is willing to chip in and when. Since the elderly population is more likely to experience social isolation, you should also encourage your loved one to maintain strong relationships with their friends, such as by calling them a few times a week or meeting in person as often as they can. Similarly, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. No one will think any less of you for admitting that you are struggling, especially if you are caring for someone with complex health needs.

Take Care of Yourself, Too

You will be unable to care for your loved one effectively if you are totally burned out. After all, exhaustion can make you less attentive and compassionate, which benefits no one. As such, you can provide yourself with greater peace of mind by ensuring that you're taking care of yourself, too. This way, you can give your loved one the best care possible. Fortunately, there are many ways you can prioritize your own well-being, such as by developing a self-care routine, making time for your hobbies, or simply ensuring you get enough sleep each night. If necessary, you may also want to consider reaching out to a therapist, especially given the emotional toll of caregiving. This can be particularly helpful if you find it difficult to express yourself or talk about your feelings with those around you. A therapist can provide a supportive and confidential space to work through your emotions.

Have Open and Honest Conversations

Having open, honest, and realistic conversations with your loved one can provide you with greater peace of mind during this time. For example, while they may want to continue living independently, it's important that you feel comfortable voicing your opinion when this should no longer be an option—especially if it could jeopardize their health. This way, you won't be putting unnecessary strain on yourself or compromising their well-being out of fear of upsetting them.

Having these types of conversations early on can also be comforting, as you'll know that their wishes are being respected moving forward—especially if you later need to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. As such, don't shy away from difficult discussions about the future. Though it may be challenging to initiate these conversations, addressing them early will help ensure that everyone's needs and preferences are considered in the long run.