Elderly Care in Hobe Sound FL
As a family caregiver you are not just responsible for helping your elderly loved one remain as healthy, safe, and comfortable as possible as they age in place and cope with the changes that come with their aging years. If you are a member of the sandwich generation you must also help your children to understand what your loved one is going through and your new role in their life. These changes can be confusing and even upsetting for your children, making them feel insecure and even fearful of their grandparent. Guiding them through these changes and helping them to understand them can relieve stress, improve your children’s outlook of your parent’s needs and your caregiver role, and even help to secure your care relationship with them. Use these tips to help your children understand changes in your senior’s behavior:• Ask questions. Your children are likely confused by what they are feeling and what is happening around them. You want to encourage them to express themselves as effectively as possible and feel free and open to discussing what they are going through. One way that you can help them do this is asking them questions. Saying things such as “how did it make you feel when Grandma did that?” or “have you noticed Grandpa acting differently?” This gives them the opportunity to tell you what they are feeling without it being uncomfortable.
• Give basic information. Your children have the right to know what is going on with your elderly parent, particularly when you are in the role of their family caregiver. This does not mean that you need to go into extreme detail or give them more information that they can process. Instead, choose age-appropriate explanations and provide information that is easy for them to process. Avoid using blanket statements like “they are sick”, as this might make your child feel like their grandparent is just experiencing something such as a cold and do not understand why it would change them so much.
• Use learning materials. Some children need concrete examples and information to really process changes in their life. Look for age-appropriate learning materials such as books or episodes of television programs that address the issues your parent is facing so that your children can witness how others experience and work through similar situations. This can make the situation more “real” to them. Starting elderly care for your aging parent is one of the most compassionate decisions that you can make for them as their family caregiver. In your care journey with your parent you will notice that they go through many changes, from their physical function to their mental and emotional health, and possibly their cognitive abilities as well. An elderly home care services provider can be in the home with your aging parent to address these specific issues in the way that is best for your elderly loved one. This means not just taking into consideration what they are coping with, but also their personality, goals, and lifestyle. When it comes to helping your parent understand changes in your senior’s behavior, this care provider can give you peace of mind that your child will see your loved one in good hands. Your children will feel comforted knowing that their grandparent has the support that they need to manage their changes as they come.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Hobe Sound, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.