What To Do When You’re Suddenly The Primary Caregiver For A Parent
Did you know that over 40% of U.S. adults act as a caregiver to a family member with a medical condition or disability? If you have suddenly found yourself in this position, keep reading to learn more about how to be a caretaker for a family member.
What’s The First Thing You Should Do After Becoming A Primary Caregiver?
The first step after becoming a caregiver to an aging parent or family member is to ensure that their new environment is safe by doing the following:
Assess Overall Safety
Ensuring that your loved one has everything they need in their new environment is the first step for peace of mind.
Consider the following:
- Have all their prescriptions been refilled?
- Do they have access to all their medical equipment and supplies?
- Does the new living situation include grab bars in the bathroom(s)/showers and handrails on any staircases?
- Are the common areas free of falling hazards? (Clutter, rugs, pets underfoot, etc.)
- Is the furniture arranged in such a way that they can easily get around with walking aids?
- Is there a dedicated comfortable space for them to relax, rest, and sleep?
- Are they being provided with nutritious meals?
- Have you provided them with something to keep them occupied? (Television, puzzles, crafts, company, etc.)
Become Familiar With Their Medical Team And Develop A Care Plan
Having a close relationship with your loved one’s care team makes asking all your questions more comfortable and helps you better assess the types of assistance they will need in the following areas:
- Medical needs (Medication administration, assistance with medical monitoring or at-home procedures, etc.)
- Mobility assistance
- Hygiene assistance
- Bathroom assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Household chores assistance
- Whether 24/7 monitoring is becoming necessary
Bonus tip: The CDC recommends developing a care plan to help keep yourself organized regarding your loved one’s health condition(s).
Gather And Ensure All Paperwork Is Up To Date
The National Institute on Aging recommends making sure that the following documents are all up-to-date and in order (in your personal records and with your loved one’s lawyer/medical team), such as:
- Check that your loved one has named someone as power of attorney for medical decisions and that their living will is up to date with any changes in their medical history and final wishes.
- Make sure your loved one has chosen a power of attorney for financial decisions.
Additionally, you should:
- Put all the important legal, medical, and financial papers in one place that is safe.
- Tell someone you trust where important documents are.
When Should Skilled Nursing Care Be Considered?
Depending on the situation, you should consider dipping your toe in gradually by having your loved one attend services provided at a skilled nursing facility. Or you could ask additional family members to help out.
For example, if your loved one requires physical therapy services, you could ask a family member to assist with transportation. Another option is to investigate programs at your local senior center to give you a break.
However, there may come a time when caregiving at home is no longer enough.
What Are Signs That Caregiving At Home May No Longer Be Enough?
Signs that professional assistance and/or a long-term care solution at a skilled nursing facility may be necessary can include:
- Frequent falls and/or increased mobility issues.
- Worsening memory issues.
- Suddenly requiring 24/7 observation for safety.
- You are struggling to keep up with housework, personal hygiene, and meals for everyone.
- Your loved one’s medical condition is becoming worse and/or more difficult to manage at home.
- The situation is causing a lot of family caregiver stress.
How Can Caregivers Manage Work, Family, And Caregiving Responsibilities?
Becoming a caregiver to a parent or family member can be very rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming and time-consuming. As a new primary caregiver, it’s important to develop healthy habits to help you manage your responsibilities, take care of your own health, and manage stress.
How Can Monument Health Assist Families During This Transition?
Monument Health offers a wide range of personalized services that can help patients and caregivers in Utah with the transition of caregiving.
Whether it’s for a short-term post-hospital stay, outpatient services, such as physical therapy, or you’re looking for a long-term care solution, we have comprehensive options that can help.
What Are The Advantages Of Working With Monument Health?
The following are some benefits of working with Monument Health:
- Coordinated care between doctors, healthcare providers, social workers, and your family.
- Dedication to compassion and the latest evidence-backed research in healthcare.
- Specialized clinic programs.
- On-site rehabilitation services.
- Long-term care options if/when necessary.
Navigating how to be a caretaker for a family member can be a challenge. Getting help through a quality skilled nursing facility, such as Monument Health, can make it easier.
