Adjusting to Life as a “Sudden” Senior Caregiver

Life is full of unpredictable changes, and no one knows exactly what’s coming next, especially when it comes to aging. As a result, there may come a time when you have to step into the role of senior caregiver for an older parent or family member. 

Becoming a caregiver is a lot of work, and when you suddenly find yourself taking on this responsibility without preparation, it can feel overwhelming and challenging. 

Astral at Franklin, an assisted living community in Franklin, Indiana, is here to help you adjust to this new role. In this article, we share some tips to keep in mind as you transition into the role of senior caregiver. 

Embrace Your Role

There’s no way to go back in time, and dwelling on the past or the uncertainties of your loved one’s wellness can impact your ability to move forward confidently and become the best caregiver you can be. 

It’s no secret that being a caregiver is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a lot of hard work – emotionally and mentally. Caregiving was likely not an experience you had factored into your future, and it can be disorienting when you suddenly step into this role. Embracing your role as a senior caregiver is essential in order to bring acceptance and peace into this journey rather than creating feelings of resentment, anger or even guilt.

Think of your role as an empowering opportunity to help your parent or family member reach a higher level of wellness and receive the care and compassion they need and deserve. As long as you remain patient and flexible, you can create a new dynamic between yourself and your loved one that allows you both to grow together and cherish your relationship. 

Educate Yourself

There’s no set manual for caregiving, and every individual has their own needs, preferences and goals. Because of this, it’s important to create a care plan that fits your loved one’s needs and abilities. Doing this will require education on your part so that you can evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few key points to keep in mind as you get organized and start to focus on how you can create the best care plan:

• How can I balance my daily routine and schedule with my loved one’s needs?
• Who can I rely on as part of my loved one’s care team? 
• What are my limits when it comes to providing care, and what will I be unable to provide for my loved one? What areas of caregiving can I excel in?

Prioritize Your Self-Care

When you begin to take action on your care plan and regularly step into your role, prioritizing your self-care can help you keep a sense of balance and normalcy and separate yourself and your needs from your caregiving duties. 

Caregiver burnout is a common result when a person becomes swept up in their responsibilities and neglects their own needs. It can lead to health issues, communication problems and even resentment toward your loved one. 

It’s also worth noting that you might discover after a while that your loved one is going to require more care than you’re able or qualified to provide. If this situation occurs, you must be honest with yourself. Understand that by truthfully recognizing your limitations and inabilities to provide for your loved one, you’re allowing them to find the support they need, and you can rest assured they will be in good hands.

This is where assisted living can help. Assisted living communities provide the peace of mind that your loved one will receive the helping hand they need to maintain their independence and enjoy their retirement lifestyle in a comforting environment that feels like home. 

Astral at Franklin is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our residents, who spend their days connecting with their passions in a community with heart and compassion. 

If you’re caring for a parent or family member and are ready to consider additional care options, we invite you to discover assisted living in Franklin and schedule your tour of Astral at Franklin today.