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How Can You Prepare to Help Your Senior More as Her Health Worsens?

May 17, 2018
Lenora Alabi
As your senior's health worsens, there may be some ways to help her that don't create friction between the two of you. The last thing that you want to do as her caregiver is cause her to pull away from your assistance.

Talk to Her, but Don't Issue Edicts

One of the biggest mistakes that family caregivers can make is to try to issue a command to their aging adult. You might be worried that your senior can't live on her own any longer and so you mention that she should pack up and move in with you. But that doesn't take into account her strong desire to age in place. Trying to force decisions on your elderly family member is more likely to backfire than it is to actually solve anything.

Let Her Know You Support Her

It's important to let your senior family member know that you're there for her and that you love her, even if her decisions are different than the ones you would make for her. Your job as her caregiver is to help her in any way that you can, even if that means that you don't always completely agree with how things are going. Understanding her needs and her wants can help with this.

Do Some Research on Your Own

None of this means that you have to go through any of this blind. It helps for you to do your own research about what your senior is facing and the options available to her. By doing research of your own, you can share with your elderly family member what you've learned and help her to come to better decisions.

Make Some Observations and Find Solutions

Odds are that you've made some suggestions to your aging family member because you've observed situations that concerned you. For instance, your aging family member may be having a tough time keeping up with light housekeeping. This might be something that you can help her with, or it might be time to talk about hiring senior care providers who can come in and lend a hand as well as friendly conversation. Look for opportunities to offer solutions rather than trying to force solutions.

Talk to your elderly family member's doctor about what you can expect and how you can help her in the ways that she needs you to help her. This can help you to put the right resources in place and develop a solid plan.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING IN-HOME CARE IN GOLD COAST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.