Change is inevitable - but that doesn’t mean it's easy. As our loved ones age and become less mobile, family walks in the park become movie nights and annual trips together become flipping through photo albums. As beautiful as the new traditions you are creating with your family are, having a support system in place can help make the transition during life changes more manageable. In this blog, we discuss how in-home senior caretakers can help smooth the transition during life changes and help your family make new memories together at this stage in life.
Provide Socialization
Human beings need connection and community to feel a sense of belonging, improve mental health, boost self-confidence, increase cognitive function, and lower stress levels. 1 in 4 senior adults feel lonely or isolated as they age, which can have a negative impact on mental health, physical well-being, and quality of life. A professional caretaker will help to strengthen your loved one’s support system and ensure that companionship is part of their daily routine through stimulating conversations, engaging activities, and fun games.
Eliminate Stress
Caring for an aging loved one can feel like a full-time job, and navigating any major life transition can be exhausting both mentally and emotionally. If you are neglecting your own health to care for your aging loved one, it’s a sign to seek professional help. Caregiver burnout is a state of exhaustion that occurs in family caregivers taking care of others. Professional caregivers offer respite care and personalized care plans to give you the time you need to care for yourself. Respite care plans can be based on the frequency and unique service needs of your family.
Promote Safety
Older adults are at an increased risk of falling, making it difficult for them to live independently. Having a professional caregiver in your family’s home to remove tripping hazards and help in case your loved one falls can make it possible for them to age in the comfort of their own home. Non-medical, in-home caregivers can help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as cooking nutritious meals, deep cleaning, tidying up, eating, transportation, grooming, and getting dressed.
Give Dignity
As your loved one ages, it’s normal for your relationship with them to shift over time as you both enter new seasons of life. This transition can be particularly difficult for adult children as their aging parents reach an age where they can no longer take care of themselves, Professional caregivers can help your loved one age with dignity and grace as they navigate the current season of their life by assisting with bathing, toileting, grooming, and maintaining personal hygiene.
It’s difficult to know the challenges of being a family caregiver until you are responsible for taking care of your loved one as they age. It’s normal to feel stress when navigating a new life change, and it’s important to remember that professional in-home caretakers can help ease the transition. At HomeSpark, we know that bringing a caregiver into your home is a big decision. Contact us to learn more about our non-medical, in-home care services.