Have you carefully evaluated your giving situation? How much care does your love one require? How much of that care are you able or willing to provide? Is it time for you to take more time for yourself? Is your love one no longer able to live at home alone? These are some of the questions that caregivers often ask themselves and their family members. These questions demand thought, and carefully thought out plans for the future of everyone involved. I remember being the dominant caregiver for my aunt who lived alone in another state. Initially, I started making daily phone calls. Those calls soon increased to several times per day. She was pleased I was checking in on her. I also enlisted neighbors to personally check in. This worked for a while. The next step was providing in-home- support services. I felt better knowing someone would be there with her several hours each day. We chatted each night before her bedtime. She assured me all entrances were safely locked and secured. After several falls, hospital visits and summoning a neighbor to enter with a spare key, it was time for another step. This was the most challenging decision. My aunt who had lived alone for more than 2 decades after the loss of her husband, could no longer live in her home alone and care for herself. It was not financially feasible to hire 24 hour assistance. She would have to be admitted to a long-term care facility. Perhaps you are making decisions about moving a loved one into your home, or you have contemplated moving into the home with your loved one. Take the time to carefully process your thoughts. We often know the answers. “Tell me about the thought processes to reach a major caregiving decision.
Remember, “Caregivers Need Care Too”.
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