Mom’s Meals Insights: How to Be an Effective Caregiver
Des Moines, IA (PRWEB) July 15, 2013 -- According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 65.7 million caregivers make up 29% of the U.S. adult population providing care to someone who is ill, disabled or aged. That’s a whole lot of us!
With unpaid, or informal, caregiving providing as much as 90% of the long-term care, it is important to recognize that most senior care is offered by family members, friends, and neighbors, most of whom are untrained and putting their own needs, emotions, and family responsibilities on hold.
When placed in the role of caregiver, often unexpectedly, it is important to remember a few basic rules, maximizing the care you give and the care you take.
Mom’s Meals offers these suggestions.
Prepare for the role
If you are in a position to plan for the role as caregiver, do not ignore or deny potential obstacles that you will face in this new position. Take time while family, parents, and senior loved ones are in good health to plan for the contingencies. Assess the status of disability insurance, power of attorney, health directives, wills, and trusts, to ensure they are up to date and reflect the current wishes of the senior. Make things legal, and get instructions for potential long-term care scenarios while the individual is still healthy and mentally capable of legally doing so.
Have a support system in place
Caregiving takes a toll; mentally, physically, and emotionally. Having a support system in place is important to effective caregiving.
Ordering home delivered meals can lighten the load, and according to Mom’s Meals, was a primary reason the company began over a decade ago.
“As our own parents began to age, we needed a way to ensure ourselves they were getting the nutrition they needed,” said Rick Anderson, president of Mom’s Meals. “We developed our rotating menu, made sure the food could be made fresh and stay fresh, and without a doubt, it had to taste good, just like our moms ensured for us.”
Caregivers need to focus on their own health. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 53% of caregivers said their health has suffered due to caregiving, as they do not put their needs first. Caregivers have been known to suffer from depression, and having an outlet, whether it be a psychologist or a good friend, can make all the difference.
Get the right tools
Caregiving is far easier with a few tools in place. For example, seniors are much more independent and require far less daily care if simple adjustments are made, from grab bars in bathrooms and showers to larger buttons, and easier to use appliances. Velcro on shoes and clothing with less buttons and zippers can also provide relief from everyday challenges.
Know when to take a break
To be an effective caregiver, the caregiver needs to know when to take a break. Have a sibling who hasn’t stepped up to the plate? Try direct communication – without getting angry. Need an outsider to step in and relieve you one day or evening per week? Go for it; it’s worth it.
Remember the relationship, not just the responsibility.
Too often caregivers get into the “taking care of mom or dad” mode, and forget to enjoy the relationship with them. When the going gets tough, remember all they did for you over the years.
Mom’s Meals strives to be the leading expert and provider of senior and patient nutrition to help support health and recuperation and nourish independence at home for higher quality living. The company is dedicated to providing fresh-made, nutritious, home-delivered meals to customers nationwide and has specialized in senior and patient care for over 13 years. Mom’s Meals are available for customers on specific diets including heart-healthy meals that are both low sodium and low fat, diabetic-friendly meals with 60 carbs or less,renal meals, and vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Mom’s Meals prepares, packages, and delivers ready-to-heat and eat meals directly to a customer’s door anywhere in the United States.
Debbie Albert, Mom's Meals, http://www.momsmeals.com, 215-283-6006, [email protected]
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