Step back and observe
It’s instinctive to want to address every one of your older adult’s needs, especially if you’re a new family caregiver, but first taking a step back and understanding three key areas can help you work smarter, not harder.
If you take on too much and burn out physically or emotionally, you can’t help your older adult or yourself.
1. Assess your older adult’s needs
Family caregivers can take on many different roles based on your older adult’s physical and mental capabilities. The first step is getting a full picture of how much help your older adult needs with activities of daily living (ADLs). This will help you decide if their current living situation is safe and what level of daily help is needed – for them and for you.
Try this 8-question online quiz. It isn’t a professional assessment, but it does help you think about the safety of your older adult’s current living situation.
2. Be realistic about your own capacity
While you want to do as much as you can for your older adult, you still have your own life to manage. Be realistic and understand what you can take on without burning yourself out.
For example, if you live an hour away and have existing work and family commitments, it’s not practical to commit to making your older adult’s dinner every day.
3. Get the help you need
Make a list of areas where you’re going to need help. As an example, getting help with cooking or cleaning for your older adult, or even yourself, saves a ton of time and energy. Investing in hired help or adult day programs can help you balance your older adult’s needs and your own time and energy.
When people ask how they can help, check your list for an answer before you default to “It’s ok. I’m fine. I can manage.”
Bottom line
Taking a step back and understanding the overall caregiving situation will give you much-needed perspective. Be realistic and plan how much you can do yourself versus how much extra help will be needed.
Remember, caregiving is a long-term commitment so you need to pace yourself.
Next Step Take this 8-question online quiz to help you decide if your older adult can live independently
By DailyCaring Editorial Staff Image: Tourism Currents
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