The decision to become a caregiver to your loved one is not an easy decision. Once made, you may not know quite where to begin. It can be a very difficult and challenging task, especially if the individual is handicapped. You may also be concerned that you will not be up to the task, and that you will make too many mistakes. However, there are many things you can do to ensure your success. The following guidelines will ensure that you are the best caregiver you can possibly be to your loved one.
Independence
Make sure that your loved one is not being too lazy, getting no privacy, or is feeling overly assisted. While you are there to help them, you want them to be able to do as much on their own as possible. This will cut down on feelings of resentment toward you for having to take them in, which generally occur with elderly that are used to their own homes. It will also cut down on the chance and occurrence of depression symptoms, as those who can do more for themselves feel better about themselves naturally.
Additionally, privacy is a big issue, and should be given whenever possible. It is helpful if you set up your home to allow for as much privacy as possible. Make the door to their room easy to close and open, and give them their own telephone with large buttons that they can use themselves. You should also make sure that they have their own bathroom, or that you alter your bathroom to allow for their use. This may mean anything from adding grab bars to installing a shower seat. This way they can do private things in private and on their own, causing less strain on your relationship.
Care for Yourself
Don't forget to care for yourself and take time out for doing your own thing. You need your independence and privacy also. If you don't get it, you can come to resent your charge and wind up forgetting why you are doing this in the first place, leading to putting your loved one in a home that you were trying to avoid in the first place. Take time out to go out with friends, keep up with a hobby, or just go read a book at the park. Whatever you need to do to relax and get away, just do it. If your loved one needs constant attention there are caregiver agencies that will happily send over a nurse to sit with your charge for certain times of certain days as needed for a nominal fee.
Be Knowledgeable
Don't think that you know everything about your loved one's condition just because you sat in on a doctor's appointment. Find out exactly what condition your loved one has and what stage they are in. Learn the symptoms of the condition worsening, and find out what symptoms should lead to a call to the doctor or a call to the ambulance. Sometimes symptoms that don't seem important can be to a particular condition. It is important to understand all of these factors. You should also find out what side effects are possible from treatment sessions or medications so that you know what to expect, and what to be concerned about.
Be Companionable
Remember why you are doing this in the first place. You love your family member and do not want to see them in the care of strangers where they might be neglected. Neglect doesn't just mean not getting proper physical care, but mental and emotional care as well. Spend time with your loved one when you are not caring for them by playing a card game or board game, or just sitting around talking about old times. You might be surprised at what you can learn about times gone by, and your charge will feel much more comfortable and happy.
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