Pitfalls of Family Caregiving
Responsibilities
Should you opt for family caregiving instead of hiring a caregiver that provides home care services Victoria BC? Weigh your options. Learn about family caregiving so you can make a well-informed decision.
Caregiving is a collective effort. Everyone in the family should be able to have input when it comes to taking care of the elderly in your home. This way, it would be easier for everyone in the family. Sadly, taking care of an agingfamily member is challenging. It comes with tons of difficulties that must beironed out. What are the common pitfalls that family caregiving that you must avoid?
Delaying the Conversation
The first mistake that family members do is that they delay the conversation about caregiving responsibilities as if it is something taboo or unacceptable. This hesitation to talk is pretty understandable since caregiving is a sensitive issue to tackle, particularly when your loved one is battling a serious health condition.
You can avoid this by taking the time to discuss caregiving responsibilities as soon as your loved one starts showing the need for senior care. Talk about the options you have. Who would take turns caring for your loved one? Would they require a senior home caregiver who would provide palliative care?
Limited or Too Much Input from Family Members
Problems in family caregiving occur when there are too few or too many family members discussing the responsibilities in providing care for seniors at home. The challenge here often stems from not knowing who should be included in the discussion. Some may choose to talk to only those who belong in the immediate family. Others also include extended family members like uncles, aunts, and even close family friends. To avoid this pitfall, you may start talking as an immediate family first, including the spouse and your siblings. Discuss who will serve as the primary caregiver. If no one can take the responsibility of caring for their sick relative, you should start considering home care services Victoria BC.
Absence of a Back-Up Plan
Say the eldest son acts as the primary caregiver. What happens if he gets sick as well while caring for your loved one? Who will take responsibility? Problems can occur if there is no anticipation of such circumstances. When unexpected situations arise, family members must be quick to adjust. They must have a system in place to help things easier for everyone. In this case, you should have a plan B. Say, the second eldest sibling could take over, or they can also seek help from a home care agency that offers respite care so you can have someone to take care of the elderly until the primary caregiver recovers.
Family caregiving is a huge responsibility. Everyone in the family must understand that they have a role to play – big or small – it doesn’t matter. What matters is that they all take part in the caregiving process. If they realize that things may not work out as expected, they can make an inquiry about home care services Victoria BC. For a more affordable option, you can check out our Live-in Caregiver Program or the Home Support Worker Pilot.
