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Family Caregiving
Potential Disclaimer: The following information is brought to you by ARCHANGELS. This article is for informational purposes only, is not a substitute for medical advice, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. To learn more about Walmart’s partnership with ARCHANGELS, please click here.
Q: Am I a caregiver?
A: You are a caregiver if you are one of the 44 million people in the United States who is caring for an aging parent, spouse, or loved one. Whether you help with health tasks, activities of daily living, emotional support or all of the above, you are a caregiver.
Q: What do I do when caregiving becomes too much?
A: The most important thing to know is that you are not alone. You can find caregiver support in your community, online, by asking for help from caregivers around you. Being specific in your search for helpful resources can help you quickly find a list of resources that may be of help.
Q: How do I care for a parent with dementia?
A: Experts recommend that the most important thing to do when caring for a parent with dementia is to be aware of, and accepting of, your own needs and emotions. Caring for a parent as their health and memory declines can bring up many emotions, including anger and resentment. You are not alone in these feelings. Talking with others who are caring for loved ones with dementia can help you find resources that can help you with specific needs.
Q: What does caregiving mean?
A: Caregiving means caring for an aging parent, spouse, or loved one. There are 44 million caregivers in the United States so you never have to feel alone. Caregiving is hard and it is also one of the most important roles most of us will ever take on.
Q: How can I care for my spouse?
A: Caring for a spouse can bring up complex emotions as many spouses feel that unconditional caregiving is expected. Psychologists recommend seeking out social and emotional support from others who have had similar experiences. Local support groups through disease specific organizations are often a very good place to start.
Q: How do I find caregiving help?
A: The most important thing to know is that you are not alone. You can find caregiver support in your community, online, by asking for help from caregivers around you. Being specific in your search for helpful resources can help you quickly find a list of resources that may be of help. Finding support to help you get the sleep, nutrition, and health care you need is sometimes the hardest thing to prioritize, but it is often the most important.
Q: Is my home safe for aging parents?
A: There are professionals that may assist in the process of aging in place. Readying the home for aging in place can involve an assessment of the living space by a Certified Aging in Place Specialist who will make recommendations for providing the safest home possible. Search online for a Certified Aging in Place Specialist near you.
Q: How do I help manage medications?
A: Pharmacists recommend that you start by making a list of all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins and herbal supplements being taken by the person for whom you are caring. Taking this list to your loved one’s pharmacist is a great place to start. He or she will look for any drug interactions and drug duplication. Bring the list and the recommendations from the pharmacist to your loved one’s primary care physician or geriatrician and ask for a review and helpful strategies for streamlining medication management.
Q: How do I get my family to help with caregiving?
A: All family dynamics are different and what works for one family may not work for another. When caregiving needs of a family member start to require significant coordination, experts recommend that you call a family meeting and openly discuss how to balance the tasks of caregiving. If you find that coming to decisions that work for everyone is difficult, you can find help through mediation by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging.
Q: How can caregiving be easier?
A: The most important thing to know is that you are not alone. You can find caregiver support in your community, online, by asking for help from caregivers around you. Being specific in your search for helpful resources can help you quickly find a list of resources that may be of help. Finding support to help you get the sleep, nutrition, and health care you need is sometimes the hardest thing to prioritize, but it is often the most important.