As your parents and senior family members age, the roles that you both originally played will be reversed: the adult child is now responsible for the care of their aging loved one.
If you’re approaching the period of your life when you will become a senior caregiver, you may be wondering what’s in store for you. What are your responsibilities? How can you help your parent or senior family member live independently longer – and more safely and securely?
Below, we discuss some of the key responsibilities of senior caregivers to help you gain a deeper understanding of how you can best help your aging-in-place loved ones.
Planning and Organizing
First and foremost, your chief responsibilities will involve a great deal of planning and organizing. Not only will you need to help your aging loved ones keep track of their medical appointments and monitor their medications, you’ll also need to help them prepare a care plan that outlines their specific care needs and establishes health goals.
In addition to these medical- and health-based needs, you’ll also need to assist with organizing and tracking your loved one’s income and expenses and monitoring their eating habits (to ensure that they’re adhering to their physician recommended healthy diet plan).
Assisting with Mobility and Transportation
As they age, your senior family member may experience decreased mobility. Seniors who experience mobility issues are often at greater risk of falls and injury. As a caregiver, you may be required to help your aging loved ones with such things as getting in and out of bed, climbing stairs, or walking for an extended distance and/or duration.
When seniors experience mobility difficulties and vision impairment, they may have to surrender their driver’s license. If this situation arises, you will have to provide transportation. Whether you transport them yourself or make arrangements with another family member or trusted friend, your services will be required to maintain their safety and ensure that they make all of their necessary appointments.
Being a Companion
Above all else, senior caregivers must also be a companion to their aging parents and family members. Besides assuming the responsibilities listed above, your companionship and kindness will help your aging loved ones feel less lonely and help them fight off depression, anxiety and isolation. Being a good listener and good company will go a long way toward helping your loved ones age in place for longer.
These are just a few of the many responsibilities you’ll assume as a senior caregiver. If these responsibilities seem overwhelming, please know that there is help for you and your loved ones. The expert team at Keen Home Care can help you provide first-rate in-home care for your aging-in-place family members. We’re committed to helping seniors continue to live their best lives and assisting Long Beach-area senior caregivers like you.
Contact us today to learn more about our home care service options for seniors in the Long Beach community.
