Finding it stressful to care for senior parent or aging loved one? There’s real help.

Taking care of an elderly family member or friend can be stressful at times.

Of the many resources that being part of a global network provides to us, we at Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond often use a website called CareGiverStress.com, which helps family caregivers be aware of the ”stress signs” that taking care of a senior parent or elderly person may present, both short- and long-term.

CareGiverStress.com helps the family caregiver in many ways.  First, there are both physical and emotional warning signs which show that taking care of an aging parent or grandparent might be too much for one person to handle.  Second, there are many ways in which a caregiver can avoid stress in the process of caring for the elderly person by simply taking care of themselves first.   Our Home Instead Senior Care Advisory Board has put together eight (8) tips for avoiding and managing care giver stress and you can find them by clicking here. 

Whenever we travel, we’re always reminded of the flight attendant’s warnings — “if you’re traveling with small children,” they say, “put your own mask on first then help the child.” The same principle applies with senior care giving — you can’t help the other person through the difficult time if you’re struggling yourself and we’re here to help you in any way we can.

Along with the tips on the website, there’s a Caregiver Stress Assessment tool — a very simple, 20-question survey that only takes minutes to complete.   This assessment questionnaire shows caregivers where they are on the “stress” continuum and whether they need help with certain aspects once in a while or on an ongoing basis.  It also provides many resources that may be helpful to the caregiver in managing care for the senior parent or grandparent. 

If you or someone you know is taking care of a senior loved one, specifically in the Greater Richmond or Northern Neck areas, know that there are resources available to help you manage both the additional physical workload and the emotional demands too.  And if you’re wondering where to start, simply visit CareGiverStress.com or pick up the phone and call your Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond office at 804.527.1100.  We’ll help make your life — and theirs — a little easier to manage.  Right away.