As our parents age, we’re often forced to take on the role of caregiver. It’s not easy to watch them decline, but it’s even harder when they need more help than we can give. Caring for an aging parent can be overwhelming, and most adult children don’t know where to start. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Building a support team can help ease the burden and share the load of caring for an aging parent.
As we age, we often need more specialized care and attention. Taking care of aging parents can be challenging, both emotionally and physically. Without proper support, caregivers can easily shoulder the complete burden of their care, which can lead to burnout and a decline in the quality of care provided. Therefore, it is crucial to build a support team to assist in caregiving tasks.
In this post, we will discuss five tips for building an effective care team to provide your senior loved one with the best possible care. As our parents age, it can be difficult to watch them struggle with their health and well-being. While this can be a rewarding experience, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to shoulder the complete burden of care alone.
One of our clients, Mrs. D. developed Alzheimer’s Disease. When our services started as her advocate, she was aware of the changes and her memory lapses. Mr. and Mrs. D asked for our help. Mr. D had one request. “Keep my wife home with me, I do not want her to go into a nursing home.” This was going to be a potentially tall order, but we made it our mission to keep her home safe for as long as humanly possible.
Over several months things changed and became more challenging. We had to lock up all the cabinets removing access to anything that would be harmful if consumed. We had locks on the insides of the doors, windows, and utilized a baby monitor. As time passed behavior changes occurred and we needed 24-hour caregivers in the home. We were able to staff the hours with both agency caregivers and private caregivers. We implemented the Share the Care Program and leaned on family, friends and church family for support and care. The responsibility of the care fell on their grandchildren they had raised after their daughter passed away. We had two siblings early in their 20s that had to cope with this challenge. Uncles and cousins pitched in. The moral of this story is that there is always a way. It may not be easy or simple, but it is possible. Let’s jump into the five tips of this post.
1. Why is a care team important?
A care team can provide specialized support to your aging parents that you may not be able to provide on your own. For example, if your parent has dementia, a geriatric psychiatrist or neurologist may be able to provide specialized care that you may not be equipped to handle. Having caregivers experienced in Dementia Care or hiring a dementia specialist to work with you and your family would be a very good use of time and money. Additionally, a care team can help manage the care and logistics of your parent’s overall health, such as scheduling appointments and keeping track of medications. This can be especially helpful if you have other responsibilities, such as work or children, that require your attention. For more information on balancing work and caregiving, you are welcome to read our recent blog on this topic.
Building a support team can make caring for an aging parent much easier. It’s a way to share the responsibility and reduce the burden on any one individual. A care team can provide emotional support, physical care for the parents, and even help with tasks like running errands or preparing meals. This can be especially important for those adult children who don’t have the resources to hire a private caregiver. Often times certain tasks that someone could help with would not require a healthcare professional.
2. How do you go about putting a team together and making sure everyone is doing their part?
The first step in building a care team is identifying the areas where you may need additional support. This may include medical care, personal care, transportation, and emotional support for both you and your parent. You can then start to research and connect with professionals and organizations that can provide these services. It’s important to communicate clearly with all members of the care team about expectations and responsibilities, and to check in regularly to make sure everyone is doing their part. We have a mini course and free checklist available to help you determine what needs your parent may have while keeping them safe at home.
The next step in building a support team is identifying who can help. This can include family members, friends, neighbors, or even community organizations. Once you’ve identified potential team members, it’s important to communicate your needs clearly so that everyone understands their role. A care plan should be developed to ensure that everyone is on the same page about the type of care needed and when it’s needed.
Be specific about what kind of help you need and how often you need it. Everyone has their own zone of genius. Some with be comfortable with certain tasks and others won’t. With an open discussion, you can create a schedule that works for everyone. Remember that each person has their own schedule and commitments, so be flexible in your arrangements.
These areas can encompass everything from medical care to household management. Make a list of tasks that need to be done and assign them to specific people. For example, your sibling may be responsible for grocery shopping while a family friend can take your parent to doctor’s appointments.
Use technology: There are many apps and services available that can help caregivers manage the care of their loved ones. For example, apps like CareZone can help you keep track of medications, appointments, and important dates. Similarly, online caregiving platforms like CaringBridge connect caregivers with volunteers and donations.
3. What if you don’t have a lot of money to hire a private caregiver? What are some other options?
If you don’t have the financial resources to hire a private caregiver, there are still options available. For example, many communities have volunteer organizations that provide assistance to seniors, such as driving them to appointments or running errands. You may also be able to find assistance through government programs or nonprofit organizations. In addition, you can look into respite care options, which provide temporary relief for caregivers so they can take a break and recharge. Always check with your county Aging Resource Center for options to see if your parents may qualify for reduces cost services.
If you don’t have a lot of money to hire a private caregiver, there are other options available. Many communities have resources like senior centers, meal delivery programs, and transportation services. You can also look into government programs like Medicare or Medicaid that might cover some of the costs of care. It’s important to do your research and find out what options are available in your area.
For some of our clients with limited financial resources, we have helped them implement a program called “Share the Care” it is a program that brings family, friends, church members, neighbors, and other people in the community to put together a care team for support. It is a lot of work but well worth it as these team members are all volunteers.
4. Where can you find support to help put a care team together?
There are a variety of resources available to help you build a care team for your aging parents. Some organizations, such as AARP, provide information and resources specifically for caregivers. You can also connect with local support groups or online forums to connect with other caregivers and find support.
You can start by talking to your parent’s doctor or a nurse advocate who can help you develop a care plan and identify potential team members. There are also support groups for adult children caring for aging parents, both in-person and online. Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and help you feel less alone in your journey. Again, your county department of aging is the best place to start to see what services your parents may qualify for.
Turn to nurse advocates: If you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, consider reaching out to a nurse advocate. Nurse advocates can help you develop a caregiving plan and connect you with the resources you need to build a support team. They can also be a valuable source of emotional support for you during this challenging time. A nurse advocate can help you identify resources, interview and hire caregivers, develop the care team with you and use the model Share the Care if appropriate. A nurse advocate can come along side you and support you and your parents for the duration of healthcare needs. Advocates can also help you manage the team and keep things on track.
Utilize Home Care Services: Consider at-home care services like visiting nurses, aides and homemakers that can provide senior adults with physical, mental, and emotional support throughout the day in the comfort of their own home setting.
hirer hiring a professional caregiver: If your parents have complex medical needs or require round-the-clock care, it may be necessary to hire a professional caregiver. There are many options available, from in-home care to assisted living facilities. If you do not have the financial resources to hire a private caregiver, check with your local government or community organizations for assistance programs. We have a free checklist available to help you hire a private caregiver. We also have a blog post on this subject with more in depth information.
5. The importance of self-care for caregivers
While it’s important to provide the best care possible for your aging parents, it’s also important to prioritize your own well-being. Caregiving can be emotionally and physically exhausting, and taking care of yourself is essential for your own health and happiness. Make sure to take time for yourself, connect with others, and ask for help when you need it. Respite care is available. This is a private pay service that some hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities provide to give you a break for a few days or a week if you are planning a vacation or other getaway. We have included the link here for more information on Respite Care.
Conclusion:
Providing care for aging parents can be a daunting and overwhelming responsibility, but building a care team can make a big difference. Remember that you don’t have to do it alone, and that there are resources and professionals available to help you provide the best care possible for your parents. By taking care of yourself and building a support network, you can provide your parents with the love and care they deserve while also protecting your own well-being. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
It’s not always easy to ask for help, but it’s critical to recognize your limits and reach out for support when you need it. With careful planning and communication, you can build a team that provides exceptional care for your loved ones. Remember to prioritize self-care as well to ensure that you have the energy and resilience necessary to take care of your aging parents.
Thanks for stopping by and spending a few minutes with us. We will see you back here soon.
Take care,
Pam and Linda
Your Nurse Advocates
Resources.
Your Nurse Advocate Consulting
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-share-caregiving-responsibilities-family-members
