People are fragile beings. They can fall ill because of internal or external causes, grow old through time, or become disabled due to various reasons. And when this happens, it can be hard to ask for help even though they really need it because it makes them appear weak or dependent on others.
That can be a hard obstacle to overcome, but it’s necessary so that you can get back a certain quality of life that you have been accustomed to before you were limited by circumstance. There are plenty of senior home care providers that can help you deal with everyday situations.
There’s no harm in asking for help. In fact, not asking for help when you need it can be more hazardous in the process because you are pushing yourself to your limits. Receiving assistance from caregivers is not something to be ashamed of, especially because there are different kinds of care that you can get, such as:
For Companionship
You can find people who are willing to spend their time with you during your day-to-day life, sort of like a friend and a guardian rolled into one. Your caregiver can be there to join you as you enjoy recreational activities or your hobbies while providing conversation as you get busy with the craft.
Their assistance can be arranged depending on your needs. It can be as seldom as once-a-week visits or as long as 24-hour care, which you or your loved one can negotiate with your service provider. Having a caregiver to give you company when the days feel too long can be a great way to pass the time.
Being alone for a long duration can have an adverse effect on the emotional and mental health of a person, especially when you have no other means to socialize. But when you have someone there to chat about random things with, your home would feel less lonely when your family’s not there.
For Errands and Chores
Your caregiver can also provide you with assistance in out-of-home errands and minor chores, which can offer you a semblance of independence combined with support. This can include preparing well-balanced and nutritious meals to improve your health or joining you for weekly grocery shopping.
Their assistance can also be in the form of providing you with companionship during your monthly trips to get a haircut or to pick up your prescriptions at the drug store. If needed, they can also accompany you to your doctor appointments.
A caregiver can also help you in your daily house chores so that you won’t have to struggle to do it alone. Chores such as doing the laundry, mopping the floors, vacuuming the house, or washing the dishes can prove to be arduous tasks if the doer is an aging, ill, or disabled person.
For Personal Care
One of the most common reasons why people hire caregivers is to provide them assistance with personal care. This can include anything from changing clothes, washing the body, using the toilet, or eating. Walking and personal mobility can also be areas where you might need some help with.
When old age, illness, or disability leaves you unable to do these things on your own, a caregiver can prove to be an effective way to cope. They will be there to provide you with assistance while doing these tasks, while still giving you enough freedom to exercise your independence.
For Complete Assistance
When your loved one is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, paralysis, quadriplegia, and the like, it can be impossible for them to do daily tasks on their own. They will need a caregiver who can provide them with 24-hour care, or at the very least, daily visits to assure that they are properly taken care of.
For instance, individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s will need a targeted care plan that can help stimulate their memories. This plan can be created through the partnership of their loved ones and their assigned caregiver so that cues from the patient’s history can be incorporated into the plan.
Not all caregivers can provide the assistance you’ll need in dealing with such medical cases, so it will be best to look for those who are expertly trained. This way, you’ll be confident in leaving your loved one in the care of these health aides while you’re unavailable.
When you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that your capabilities can falter in some aspects and that you need other people’s help to face the challenges of day-to-day life.
