The Benefits of Caregiving
Why Your Senior Loved One Will Thank You
Once you’ve decided to become a Family Caregiver for your senior loved one so they can continue living in the comfort of their home while still receiving the support and care they need, you may have questions about whether or not you’ve made the right decision. However, it’s important to remember the many benefits for seniors who choose to live independently. Those benefits increase when coupled with the support given by a Family Caregiver.
Benefits of Living Independently for Seniors
1. Assistance when they need it: As our loved ones age, many times their physical needs outweigh their emotional needs. When that happens, it is often times hard for you to offer the help they need, especially if they don’t believe they need assistance. As a Family Caregiver, your job allows you to give your loved one the best of both worlds. They can continue living in the comfort of their home but at the same time, they are able to be looked after and given assistance.
2. A safer way to live: Family Caregivers can assist their loved ones with everything from housekeeping to personal care, as well as transportation and certain health care needs. Your loved one will appreciate the fact that having a helping hand around the house enables them to maintain their sense of independence while staying safe at the same time.
3. Better chance at social interaction: Studies have shown that seniors who have adequate social interaction and healthy relationships are less likely to experience depression as they age. Your role as a Family Caregiver is not only important for their physical safety but their emotional and mental stability as well. Daily conversations are stimulating and can make your loved one feel special and loved. Also, your assistance in transportation to social events or family gatherings is a great way to ensure your loved one experiences social interaction with others.
4. A sense of purpose: As your loved one ages, there are many tasks and activities that they may no longer be able to do. Luckily, you can assist them in hobbies, chores and other activities that will help give your loved one a sense of purpose, even if other aspects of their lives aren’t possible. You should encourage your loved one to assist with grocery shopping or cooking meals. Be open minded about ways your loved one can take control, whether it is by asking their opinion about when to schedule doctor’s appointments or helping them choose social gatherings to attend. This helps your loved one feel accomplished and gives them a sense of control, even though they require assistance in other aspects of their life.
