“You can make it, but it’s easier if you don’t have to do it alone.” – Betty Ford
We know that no man (or woman) is an island, something that especially rings true when caring for someone with dementia. Yet many family caregivers falter when it comes to asking for or accepting the help they need. As a result, stress is exacerbated as there’s little if any time for self-care – a crucial component for anyone in a caregiving role. The best piece of advice for caregivers? Through self-care you can provide better care for your loved one.
Why are we often so determined to tackle such an incredible undertaking independently? Here are several common reasons and why we should rethink them:
- No one else could care for Mom like I do. While you are certainly not replaceable, the goal of enlisting help is not replacement, but respite. A senior with dementia can benefit from the socialization provided by someone other than yourself, while you gain the benefit of a much-needed break – ultimately allowing you to provide better care to the senior when you return.
- Mom would never want someone else taking care of her. Most of us would balk if we were told that someone was coming over to give us a bath. But having someone come and help with housework and meals is a great way to introduce a new caregiver, working your way up to additional necessary services once the caregiver is known and accepted. The wording you use can make all the difference as well. Having a “salon day” sounds much more inviting, for instance.
- I’m doing just fine on my own; I don’t need a break. Simply put, science disagrees! A study shared in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry revealed that a particular stress hormone was depleted in caregivers whose stress was chronic and prolonged – such as in providing dementia care independently – while those who engaged in just two days per week of respite realized an increase in the hormone as well as a brighter outlook and elevated mood.
- It’s too hard to try to find a caregiver I can trust. At Independence-4-Seniors Home Care, we background check and fully train all of our caregivers, verifying key character traits such as reliability, kindness, flexibility, and more. Independence-4-Seniors Home Care is bonded and insured, for your additional peace of mind. We also carefully match each senior with the ideal caregiver who will be most compatible. Finally, if a senior’s primary caregiver is sick or on vacation, we will provide an equally qualified replacement caregiver.
If you’d like to explore in-home respite care for someone you love with dementia, contact Independence-4-Seniors Home Care. Our fully trained, experienced, creative, and compassionate caregivers are here to help you reduce stress, improve life for the senior you love, and provide you with the opportunity for self-care. Contact us at (630) 323-4665 to get started!