New Caregiver Tips
So, you have had a conversation with your parents. They don’t want to live alone, but you have a full house already. You have decided together that an assisted living space would be best for everyone. Where do you start? Here are a few caregiver tips to start with:
- Parents are used to their privacy and independence. Assisted living residential homes allow each resident their privacy and allow them to independently entertain themselves, but never be alone. Staff members are available to help with tasks which may tire out parents before they can complete them on their own. Choose an assisted living home which offers independent activities and group activities which will aid in the transition.
- Remember to include mom or dad in your activities at home still. Just because they agreed they can not live alone doesn’t mean they want to be left alone. Grandkids can visit the home or residents can be taken out for vacations and family gatherings. Including them in your continuing lives will decrease depression and aid with the morale of the entire house. Happiness is infectious!
- Take time for yourself before you become burnt out. The beauty of an assisted living home is your parents have someone watching them. You can breathe easier knowing you don’t have to worry if they have fallen inside their own home with no one to visit until morning. Staff members are there to assist with safety measures to ensure you can get some rest, too.
- Your quality of life is just as important as theirs. Both residents and family members need to be comfortable with the home before the transition occurs. Moving senior residents causes disruption in both family and resident’s lives. Having staff to assist with adjustments to community living is a bonus. Middle of the night calls from a scared parent will decrease with staff present to comfort residents. However, mom will still be able to call and talk to you for those hours you enjoy.
Choosing the perfect home for a parent isn’t easy. Mayberry Gardens gives your parent a whole complex of friends and the choice to live in a home with caregivers who care. Contact us today to set up a tour and find out if this could be the best fit you have been searching for.