Between shuttling kids, keeping up with work and finding that tiny window of desperately needed alone time, life is relatively under control. And then it happens. Your mom or dad or other aging loved one suffers a setback in their health that suddenly requires visits to various doctors, increased supervision and the need for you to be on call all the time.
A recent study examined Canadians' feelings about, and plans for, caring for aging loved ones and found that the majority of Canadians won't be ready to take on the responsibility. Rather, they expect to feel overwhelmed if and when the time comes as they also try to meet the demands of their own lives.
There are currently seven million Canadians who are taking on the responsibility of tending to a friend or family member in need.
There are many simple and preventive ways to slow down the progression of chronic health conditions, allowing seniors to lead more independent lives, thus leaning less on caregivers.
Getting Involved
Help your loved one remember how good it feels to help others by getting them involved in the community. This helps to keep their minds sharp and induces confidence that, in turn, reduces stress.
Getting Happy
It's no surprise that those afflicted with a chronic condition can experience feelings of anxiety, loneliness and depression. You can help them combat these feelings by encouraging them to stay socially active and to talk about their feelings.
Getting Active
If possible, get them walking, stretching or doing simple exercises. Staying active not only helps lessen the current symptoms of chronic pain, but can help generate additional energy and stave off other illnesses.
Getting Familiar
Ensure your loved ones are familiar with their medications and know how to recognize any side effects; never be shy to inquire with their doctor about test results indicating the effectiveness of their medication or to ask questions about their medication, its dosage or how best to administer it.
Getting Help
Learn to identify new symptoms and act on them immediately by talking to their doctor, a telehealth line, a provincial home care agency or a private home health care provider.
To help relieve the responsibility on families, We Care Home Health Services has published a free guide designed to help both caregivers and those living with chronic conditions. The Get Going to Keep Going Guide provides tips and advice for aging loved ones on how to maintain vital, active lives. For a free copy of the Get Going to Keep Going Guide, visit www.wecare.ca/GetGoing.
This article is brought to you by our friends at We Care Home Health Services. We Care believes that, no matter our age, we all have the power to slow down the progression of health conditions by taking charge of our health.
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