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Top Tips for Those Who Are Suddenly Caregivers

Elderly woman being helped up

 

For those with aging parents or loved ones who have recently suffered a life changing accident, you may be in the position of becoming a caregiver. When being thrown into a role that requires extreme diligence, looking to experts for guidance can lessen the overwhelming feelings of stress. The EverHome Columbia program was founded to reconstruct the idea of aging, and firmly reimagine the ability to age in place. First time caregivers are met with an ocean of questions and what ifs. We’ve compiled our top tips for new caregivers to start with.

 

It can be difficult, but a good first step in taking on the role of caregiver is to start the conversation with your loved on. It can be challenging for those who are in need of care to ask for help, starting the conversation with love and compassion, and reiterating that they are a part of the conversation and decision making may alleviate feelings of negativity. It’s also important to establish and define your loved ones wishes to ensure that all matters of health, finances, medical decisions, and more have been thoroughly discussed and decided. Having these conversations before a crisis takes place will benefit everyone.

 

Put a plan in place. Having a detailed care plan and an understanding of what to do will significantly reduce the amount of stress about the what ifs. The healthcare system is incredibly complex and creating a care plan that details all the necessary components of keeping your loved one safe, healthy, and at home is a top priority. Our team of Life Care Coordinators will set up a comprehensive in-home assessment and devise a care plan that is tailored to the needs of your loved one. Once the care plan is complete, you and your loved one will have the opportunity to review and decide what you want to implement. Our team will help walk through the management of care options, assist you in coping with health and age-related changes, explore insurance requirements and entitlements, navigate the legal, insurance and financial aspects of caregiving, and work to find caregiving resources for you in your community.

 

Remember that you are not alone! Our team at EverHome Columbia is with you every step of the way and is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. Being a caregiver can become incredibly isolating and lonely, not to mention the stress that comes with it. Our mission to is take on the role of the advocate to give you peace of mind.

 

Be organized. Staying organized is incredibly important while being a caregiver. The information you are required to have on hand for doctors’ appointments, insurance, medications, and more is plentiful. Having a solid organizational system to keep you on track will make the transition to caregiver, and life moving forward, easier to manage.

 

Our final tip for first time caregivers is to care for yourself and your loved one. Providing your loved one with appropriate care is a wonderful act of kindness. While taking on the role of a caregiver, it’s important to also take care of yourself. Be mindful of the toll that caregiving can take and be sure to make time for yourself. To provide the care that your loved one needs, you must feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. In an incredibly dynamic and at times inefficient healthcare system, you won’t know all the answers or even sometimes the right questions to ask. Our experts are there to ensure that you are making educated and informed decisions.

 

At EverHome Columbia, our mission is to change the landscape of the healthcare world for the elderly. Our team provides caregiving solutions, care planning services, and health care advocacy to those in need. Our Life Care Coordinators are licensed by NYS, members of the Aging Life Care Association® and are available 24/7. If you have found yourself in the position as caregiver to an elderly loved one or parent, it’s time to start taking the right steps to ensure their care is managed appropriately, effectively, and they are able to safely age at home.