When your elderly loved one tells you they want to age in place, the first thing that may cross your mind is a concern. How do you know they will be taken care of? How can you spend more time with them? How will you have fun with your loved one when you try to take over the caregiver role?
First, take a breath. Aging in place is becoming more common, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will need to take care of your senior 24-7. In fact, there are home care agencies that can help your senior with meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, companionship and more. With home care assistance, it’s easier than ever to age in place.
Of course, even with the right help coming to your senior home, you will still want to help out your senior mom or dad; that’s totally natural. But how can you have fun with your loved ones when you are so worried about their health? The idea of “fun” may be completely out of your mind if you are a family caregiver for an elderly relative. Caregiving for someone you love who is growing more reliant on you may be emotionally and physically draining.
There are ways you can have fun even if you plan on caring for your mom, but having home care assistance also gives you a much-needed break that can help clear your mind. The more help you have, the more you can focus on the quality of life and having real fun. Here are some tips when you are taking care of your loved one and looking to have fun.
Keep Focusing on the Positive
Some things really come down to the mindset you carry. It’s time for you to go out and find the things that make you and your seniors laugh. Everyone of any age enjoys a good chuckle. Watch a hilarious movie or a funny TV program with a senior loved one you care about. Discuss a book written by a comic you both like. Stress hormones are reduced by the endorphins released during laughter.
You’ll feel better about yourself if you take a few minutes out of your day to have some fun and unwind. Go for a brief stroll if you have the time. Enjoy the pleasant air while sitting on the terrace. Distract yourself from all of the responsibilities you have. You may also discover that your partner enjoys some of these times. Being at ease with one another increases the likelihood of having a more pleasurable discussion. In addition, there are a variety of activities that you and your elderly loved one may engage in together.
Get Rid of Negativity
Depression, frustration, and feeling frayed are no fun, which is why you want methods for overcoming them. If you start out feeling like caring for your senior is a burden, then you won’t be able to have fun or laugh more.
Never be harsh on yourself. You’re trying your best, and you’ll make errors from time to time. But don’t dwell on your perceived flaws. Make a list of the things you’ve done well for your elderly relative and the things you enjoy about yourself. The cycle of negativity never ends. Get out of the rut.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Eagan, MN please contact the caring staff at Great Oak Senior Care, Inc. today. (952) 767-4925
- Monitoring Blood Pressure With Home Care - August 15, 2023
- Four Ways Post-Hospital Care Can Help Your Loved One - August 1, 2023
- Good Diet and Optimum Health With In-Home Care - July 11, 2023
