Caring for the Aging Adult's Caregiver

You may be surprised to know that when your love ones age, and can no longer take care of all their needs, MORE than 80% of their care is provided by unpaid family members.

Often the caregiver's needs are secondary to the aged one in need of care. Failing to care for one's own needs can lead to stress, depression and physical problems.

Caregivers need to find a strategies to balance work, caregiving and family demands. They need to look for others who can help share the responsibility for caregiving - and ask for help.

Adult Day Care, if they are fortunate enough to have one in their community, is a good option. Often transportation can be arranged to get their loved one there and back. Many Adult Day Care Centers also offer hygiene assistance or bathing as well as meals and snacks, social activities, exercise and friendships - and offer full or half-day options.

Non-medical home care is another option, if even for a few hours, so caregivers can run errands, get a haircut and do the weekly grocery shopping or just take an afternoon off to have lunch with a friend or go to church.

Another option is out-patient therapy - physical therapy can help them get stronger and be more mobile and occupational therapy can help them learn new ways to help themselves, if they are able.

Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio provides all these services and more.
To talk to an expert in aging, call 937-547-7600.