Time to Help Your Elder or Take a Step Back with Elder Care

There are times when a person must decide if they should help their elderly loved one or take a step back. Many family caregivers, at one time or another, have to make this kind of decision. It can be one of the most difficult decisions a person has to make when caring for their elderly loved one. If you are facing this situation right now, keep reading to find out what to do and how elder care services can help.

Have Patience

Elder Care Eastman GA - Time to Help Your Elder or Take a Step Back with Elder Care
Elder Care Eastman GA – Time to Help Your Elder or Take a Step Back with Elder Care

One of the first things you need to do is to schedule enough time in the day for your elderly loved one to work on that task. Many people have a tendency to step in and take over when their elderly loved one isn’t getting something done – due to lack of time. So, making sure enough time is scheduled for a task can allow your elderly loved one a chance to successfully complete it. Allowing them to get the job done can help boost their self-esteem and increase their self-confidence. If you can’t stay there to wait for the task to be done, you can hire elder care providers to stay with your loved one.

Focus on the Positives

There might be some tasks that have become too difficult for your elderly loved one to achieve on their own. If this happens, try finding a way to include your elderly loved one in some part of the task. For instance, if your loved one is having trouble putting their clothes in the washer and dryer, you might want to step in to help them with the task. You might encourage them to fold the clothes once you take them out of the dryer.

Encourage Their Input

It is also wise to sit down and talk with your elderly loved one. You should make sure to be open and honest with your elderly loved one. You can express all your concerns regarding them doing certain tasks. Some of the things you might want to discuss include the following:

  • What things is your elderly loved one struggling with in their daily life?
  • What kind of tasks are they having trouble doing by themselves?
  • Is it becoming hard for them to bathe or shower on their own?
  • How about meals? Can they still cook them?

The most important thing to remember during this conversation is to be supportive. You should also have patience and be kind. Do your best not to suggest that you just want to take over. Let them have a say in how tasks will get handled in the future.

Time to Consider Elder Care Services

It can be difficult making the decision to take over or step back when your elderly loved one is trying to complete their daily tasks. However, it can be easier if you have a conversation with your elderly loved one before you make the decision.

Sources:

  • https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place-growing-older-home
  • https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-signs-aging-parent-needs-help

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elder Care Services in Eastman GA please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.

Zandrea Durham