Caregivers are never alone with what they face. By simply asking - and continually asking - questions, you can find a number of choices and options available to you to make your work more manageable. Whether your parent remains at-home or has been placed into long-term care, you will face new challenges ... here are essential tools and issues which you will need to be aware of:
1) Knowledge. Learn about your parent's disease, condition, treatments and support programs which may be available. Don't limit yourself. Seek information from many sources and remain persistent until you know what you need to know.
2) Stress. Caregiving brings with it many emotional triggers which can easily increase individual stress. While it is impossible to totally eliminate stress, you can reduce and/or manage it. The best way to handle stress is by taking respite ... temporarily escape from your caregiving by reading a book, meeting a friend for coffee or playing with the kids. Try not to rely on medication to manage stress.
3) Communication with medical professionals. Question your parent's doctor with regard to your parent's condition. Request suggestions as to what you can do to help your mother or father. Keep those lines of communication open as well ... you will need to further discuss other issues in the months ahead.
4) Community Resources. There can be many caregiving services available to you and your family. Call disease associations, faith communities (your church) and social service agencies. Once you have some names available to you, remember to delegate work to others.
5) Financial/Legal Planning. While it is impossible to anticipate the exact costs of future care, know that this can become very expensive. You may have to purchase a wheelchair for Mom or Dad or have to cover the skyrocketing costs of remaining in a hospital. Budget effectively. Keep your banker and/or financial advisor informed as well.
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