Taking care of an aging parent can be a satisfying, experience, as well as stressful one.
It helps to remember mixed feelings are normal. Caregiving at a time of life when we thought we would have more free time. Instead, we end up with more liability. Additionally, old problems with an aging parent may arise, and she will never bury the hatchet.
Several techniques for caretaking can make sure that it goes well.
First, having a right attitude helps. Viewing caregiving as a chance for personal growth helps the process. Further, it contributes to viewing care as a natural transition between you and your parent. This point of view makes sure of your maturity. It also builds in respect for the elder. The traditional role reversal in which the mother becomes the child and you become the parent is a hard pill to swallow.
It is also supportive to view caregiving as a way to give back.
If sadly, your will your parents was characterized by bad parenting it will be vital to evaluate how much you can take. Your individual vulnerabilities, as well as possible repercussions to yourself, must be considered.
Another important strategy for caregiving is to understand what your parent is experiencing.
She may have depression, unfocused anger, and anxiety related to her increased dependency or many losses. Another is to plan ahead with your parent. Additional, it is important to divide the caretaking responsibilities into roles that involve other family members.
For example, someone in the family communicates with doctors. Someone else may handle financial matters. And someone may manage care services at home.
Another vital area is remembering to express feelings of affection, in particular through touching. Try to find activities, such as looking at a photo album, or creating a tape of the family history. Another activity could be listing to music.
Other activities could be listing to a much-loved radio, or TV show together, looking at mail order catalogs, attending musical events, or going for a drive.
Caring for an aging parent and learning to take care of yourself.
Learn to sets limits, and save your energy and time. Not permitting yourself to become too tired is important. Take some time for yourself in activities that have therapeutic value, such as visiting a museum, or spending time gardening. These are great techniques for recharging. It is also a time when you may want to deepen your spiritual or religious connections and beliefs.