Caregiving for an elderly family member can be a challenging but rewarding experience. This month we're talking about Caregiver Support and the importance of remembering that you are not alone and many resources are available to help you.
Caregiver Support
Being a caregiver in any capacity is often a tricky, challenging role that we may not have any experience navigating.
Family caregivers often fall into this role naturally, sometimes without a choice or time to devote to this duty. Having support, a trusted advisor and helpful resources can make this journey a positive experience.
Here at the Portland Elder Care Council, we are available to hear your individual-specific story and help point you in the right direction with trusted local referrals.
Whether you would benefit from support groups, checklists, or helpful educational resources- know that you are not alone, and there are many ways to find support for you and your loved one.
Here are some tips for caregiving for an elderly family member:
Start by assessing your loved one's needs. What kind of care do they need? Are they able to live independently, or do they need help with daily tasks? Once you have a good understanding of their needs, you can start to develop a care plan.
Get organized. Caregiving can be overwhelming, so it is important to get organized. Create a schedule for yourself and your loved one, and make sure to stick to it as much as possible. This will help you stay on top of things and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Caregiving can be a lot of work, so don't be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or professional caregivers. Many organizations offer support and resources for caregivers, so don't hesitate to reach out for help.
Take care of yourself. It is important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally while you are caregiving. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. It is also important to find time for yourself to relax and de-stress.
Remember that you are not alone. Caregiving can be a lonely experience, but you are not alone. There are many other caregivers out there who are going through the same thing. Many resources are available to help you, so don't hesitate to reach out for help.
Book Recommendation
There are numerous websites, books, self-help guides, and conferences out there to help you along your caregiving path. The choices can be somewhat overwhelming. We have chosen one to highlight for you below.
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the National Conference for Aging Life Care Association® in San Diego.
One of the keynote speakers was Dr. Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH. She was quite impressive, and we all left with her latest book, When Your Aging Parent Needs Help: A Geriatrician's Step-by-Step Guide to Memory Loss, Resistance, Safety Worries, & More.
I just finished reading the book and feel it's a very good tool for anyone in a caregiver role helping make tough decisions.
Visit Dr. Kernisan's website HERE for blogs, podcasts, courses, and articles with helpful information on making your caregiving journey smoother.
Contributed by Melissa of Passionate Healthcare Advocacy & Wellness, LLC
Community Events
End-of-Life Choices Oregon with Sue Porter
Thursday, June 1, 4 pm-5 pm | ZOOM
End-of-life care encompasses medical and non-medical care provided to people nearing the end of their lives. It can include palliative care, hospice care, and other types of support. Our FREE webinar will provide education and resources to help you make informed decisions for you and your family.
Rose Elder Law Events & Free Seminars
May Events | Online & In-Person
We offer seminars throughout the Portland Metropolitan area and, on special request, throughout Oregon. Topics we discuss include: Planning for Incapacity, Protecting Your Family in 2023, Estate Planning 101, You Can Afford Long-Term Care, and more. Click the link below for the full calendar and events.
Thanks for Reading
Let us know if you have any questions or suggestions on topics you would like to see! We would love to hear from you. Don't forget to check out our events page for our next webinar or in-person event.