Marriage is more than just the promise of love and commitment to one person. Often, it also includes a commitment to your spouse’s family. While this can be a source of joy when you share happy occasions, such as holidays, birthdays, and other family celebrations, it can also include life’s challenges. As your in-laws age, your spouse may take on new caregiving responsibilities to ensure the safety and comfort of his or her elderly parents.
In many instances, helping a parent or loved one a few days a week is only a short-term solution. As your in-laws encounter other challenges with activities of daily living, your spouse will have to take on more responsibility, which can be overwhelming and could lead to physical, emotional, and financial stress. While you may not be able to alleviate all of your spouse’s concerns, the following tips can help you become a resource and support system for your spouse during this difficult time.
Do Your Own Research
Caregiving can be extremely difficult on a marriage. However, it can also bring out the best in you when you show your spouse how much you care by helping with the unexpected burdens. If your spouse’s elderly parent is living with an age-related disease or illness, you can help your spouse learn as much as possible by utilizing the internet, where you can find a wealth of information that pertains to treatments, medications, symptoms, drug side effects, and how to properly provide care.
Caring for an elderly loved one is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. When researching agencies that provide senior home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care.
Enlist the Help of a Caregiver
If your spouse is consumed with work while trying to care for a senior loved one, you can enlist the help of a professional caregiver. A home caregiver can deliver care to the aging parent in the familiar and comforting surroundings of home. From assisting with personal hygiene needs and grooming to making sure the senior is eating right and taking medications on schedule, a caregiver can relieve your spouse of the added stress and guilt he or she may be experiencing.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Columbia Home Care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help.
Step Up to the Plate
Supporting a spouse can also mean stepping up to the plate and taking care of the daily tasks and household chores he or she may normally be responsible for. This allows your spouse the freedom to physically and emotionally handle the responsibilities that come with an elderly loved one’s care.
You can also be a rock for your spouse by being a good listener and offering your shoulder to lean on. Encourage your spouse to maintain as much of his or her normal routine as possible, and if you notice serious changes in mood or behavior, suggest a checkup with the doctor. Caregiving can lead to serious health complications for the caregiver, making early detection of the utmost importance.
For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Columbia, MD, Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (443) 233-1245 today.
