Providing care to a loved one is a role that can be both rewarding and challenging. Studies show that caregivers are significantly more at risk for depression, obesity, anxiety, and many other conditions than their non-caregiving counterparts. Getting adequate support can increase the well-being of both you and your loved one. Fortunately, there is now a wide range of in-home health services available all over New York, including Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx.
Make a Support Plan That Works for Your Family
Every family situation is unique, with each caregiver and each recipient requiring a different level of support. In-home health services make it possible for your loved one to remain at home in their preferred environment while receiving support in the areas where it is necessary. It is important to assess your loved one’s needs and find the services that will enable him or her to continue to age safely and with dignity.
Home health care can be as simple as providing your loved one with a companion during the day or as comprehensive as helping an individual go through their end-of-life journey. At a mid-level, home health aides can provide nursing services and assist in areas where independence has declined, such as dressing or mobility.
Take Some of the Burden Off Yourself
While your first thoughts might be for the recipient of your care, you should always remember that the attention you give yourself makes you a stronger, more able caregiver. Many people push themselves beyond their limits in their effort to care for a loved one, meet their job responsibilities, run errands, and provide for other family members. While you are creating a support plan for your loved one, you should also check out the resources that are available for you:
Caregiver Support Groups
There are a number of caregiver support groups that can provide peer support and educational resources. Here are several groups that are free of cost:
Information on Tax Credits
Many caregivers are surprised at the amount of their own money they need to spend on caregiving when they start providing for a loved one. Since many caregivers provide unpaid care, it is especially important to take advantage of the tax credits that are now available to cover dependent adults. The IRS provides information on who qualifies for this credit and how to file for it on your tax return.
Meditation and Spiritual Practices
Caregiving can take an emotional toll, at times involving anxiety, anger, guilt, and stress. Seeing a loved one decline can also cause feelings of grief and constant worry. Studies have shown that meditation, yoga, and faith-based practices can improve the mental health of caregivers who are struggling with these issues.
It is important to take the time you need to engage in these methods of self-care. Many spiritual organizations offer services in-person and online. Yoga and meditation classes are available at many community centers and local studios. If you prefer to practice at home, you can check out Five Parks Yoga or try these meditation prompts.
Make In-Home Health Services in New York Part of Your Loved One’s Support Plan
Whether your loved one is fully independent or at a high level of need, the right home care service can improve your day-to-day life while providing the attention and compassion your family deserves. Here are some of the services that are available in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx:
Companion Care
Companion care is a service that can relieve loneliness and increase your loved one’s quality of life by bringing a sense of connection and fun into the day. The care can include compassionate listening and leisure activities, such as jigsaw puzzles or walks in the park. Elderly adults who benefit from this service can also receive transportation to and from appointments, medication reminders, and help with weekly errands.
Home Health Aide
Having a home health aide takes your loved one’s level of care to the next level by providing a higher degree of support. Home health aides can take on the full-time job of providing a safe environment for a disabled individual or one who is at a more advanced stage of aging. Their services can include:
- Help with daily hygiene routines
- Choosing clothes and dressing
- Medication management
- Help with mobility around the house
- Meal preparation
- Household chores
- Laundry
- Grocery shopping
- Transportation to appointments
- Fall prevention measures
Hospice Care
The end of life is a journey that many adults prefer to go through in their own homes. At-home hospice care can help make that possible by attending to your loved one’s comfort and spiritual needs. Hospice care is recommended for people with a prognosis of 6 months or less, however, it is also available at earlier stages of an illness according to the individual’s best interest. Hospice care teams typically consist of nurses, social workers, chaplains, and home health aides.
Elder Care Planning Services
Statistics show that many caregivers take on their role with little or no preparation. If you are in that situation, you might feel overwhelmed by the pressure of making sure all of your loved one’s needs are met.
Home health services often offer a planning component to streamline all of the recipient’s care. The service involves coordinating the care with doctors, other family members, and specialists. Using a planning service can also help you determine if your loved one needs any specialized equipment at home. If any is required, your support team will find out how to obtain and install it.
The Benefits of Home Health Care
Your Loved One Can Stay at Home With Dignity
For most people, home is the center of memories and cherished routines. When your loved one can no longer live alone safely, home health care can provide an alternative to long-term care facilities. Many older adults can use the extra attention even if they are already being attended to by a family member. By paying special attention to your loved one’s preferences and needs, home health care providers can establish a loving presence in your family.
Less Burden on Your Routine
Your needs as a caregiver are very important. Unfortunately, caregiving can quickly become a full-time job as an individual’s independence declines. When you have exhausted your own resources and are having trouble balancing all of your obligations and getting the respite you deserve, home health care can relieve some of the pressure.
Expanding the Caregiving Team
Much of the stress of caregiving comes from the fact that there is simply not enough time to accommodate everything the job requires. Rather than sacrificing your own mental health by overscheduling yourself, you can add compassionate home health care providers to your loved one’s support team. The result is more attention for your loved one and less pressure on you.
Find Compassionate Home Health Care in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx
When it comes to caregiving, quality and compassion matter. As a caregiver, you do everything you can for your loved one, often sacrificing your own needs and well-being. Expanding your loved one’s support team with home health care can benefit everyone, making the golden years more enjoyable. For more information on heartfelt, in-home health services in New York, contact Parent Care Home Care.
