Your dad needs your help, and you’re more than happy to step in as the family caregiver. Have you considered the traits that will help you excel at the responsibility you’re taking on? These are the traits you need to have, and if you need help you may want to consider home care providers.

Patience

As a family caregiver, you need to have a lot of patience. You can’t get easily frustrated or upset. Your dad may not want to cooperate with you. When he’s having a difficult day and not cooperating, you need to be patient.

Try to put yourself in his shoes. If you needed to rely on your child, would it be easy to accept the help or would you feel stressed and uncomfortable? That’s what your dad is expecting.

Understanding

Following along with patience, you need to make sure you’re an understanding person. Your dad’s going to have good days and bad days. When he’s having a bad day, you need to empathize. You need to understand why he’s frustrated and help him work through those feelings.

The ability to understand where he’s coming from will be tremendously helpful. It helps keep him from getting more frustrated, and it helps keep you from becoming pushy or snappy.

Stamina

Caring for an aging parent requires stamina. If your dad requires transfers, you need upper body strength and leg strength. You need a strong back.

More importantly, you need to keep going. You might be on your feet for hours cleaning up, doing the laundry, helping him get out of bed, get in and out of the shower, and cooking meals. If you lack the stamina to keep going for hours, you may need to consider the benefits of professional caregivers.

Emotional Strength

Sometimes, your dad’s resistance to having a caregiver can lead to insults and verbal abuse. You need to be able to hide any emotions from him and power through.

Emotional strength is important. You need to have the ability to withstand any verbal abuse and insults your dad throws at you and keep a positive attitude. You can’t let him see it get to you.

Determination

You need to be determined to see something through. Your dad may not want your help all of the time. He might push you away.

Even when he’s being particularly difficult, you need to be determined to finish the job. If he needs his heart medications, but he refuses to take them. You can’t let it slide. You have to keep pushing until he takes them.

It’s okay to admit you’re not the best choice as your dad’s caregiver. At this point, talk to others in the family to see if they can help your dad. If not, it’s time to consider home care.

Home care aides can help your dad with his daily care needs. He’s supported to ensure he maintains independence while aging at home. A home care specialist can help you get started.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in New Milford, CT, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers, LLC  today. (203) 628-7438

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Bernadette Applegreen

Owner at Elderly Caregivers, LLC.

Bernadette Applegreen, began her career in South Africa where she trained in nursing and began caring for the elderly right out of high school. When she came to United States in 1988, she was recertified as a licensed practical nurse and continued her work. Her 34 years of experience includes work in nursing homes, hospitals and patient’s private homes. Bernadette’s dedication and deep concern for her patients led to the creation of Elderly Caregivers. She saw how important it was for the aging population to live in their own homes for as long as possible. They functioned better, were happier and more assured in a familiar environment. In addition, Bernadette saw that home care could be less expensive than the nursing home option. Elderly Caregivers has been taking care of Seniors with an array of different diagnoses and needs. They are treated as individuals and are provided an individual care plan. It is encouraged that clients and family members participate in the process.

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