In-Home Care Services vs. Nursing Home Care

Post author By Abigail Figueroa
Post date July 1, 2019

If an elderly loved one in your life needs advanced care, you may be wondering about the differences between in-home care services and nursing home care. In this article, we’ll look at these two options and help you determine which care plan is right for your loved one.

Nursing home care and in-home care services both have their pros and cons, but most seniors will prefer to be in the comfort of their own home while receiving advanced care. Let’s look at what in-home health services include so you can understand if it may be a good option for the senior loved one in your life.

What is Included with In-Home Care Services?
In-home healthcare is a wonderful and invaluable option for seniors who want to age in place. Aging seniors will often prefer to stay home but may have difficulty performing basic daily tasks without help. This is known as ADLs, which stands for Activities of Daily Living. Here are some examples of common ADLs:

Bathing and/or showering.
Personal hygiene and grooming. This may include tasks such as shaving, putting on makeup, brushing teeth, and shampooing hair.
Dressing. Home healthcare aides can help with dressing and undressing.
Toileting. Assistance would include getting to and from the toilet and appropriate cleaning afterward.
Food. Home aids can assist with meal prep/cleanup as well as eating.
Mobility. Assistance would include help walking or staying mobile as well as learning to properly use walkers, canes, and getting in and out of wheelchairs.

How Does In-Home Care Differ from Nursing Homes?
Nursing home care is always an option, however, most seniors today wish to stay in their homes and age in place for as long as possible. In this way, they can receive professional assistance when needed without having to leave the familiar environment of the home.

Nursing home care allows quick access to advanced medical care should the need arise. This is a very good option if the senior has a medical condition that requires around-the-clock care, rather than mild assistance. However, seniors who can stay in their homes safely would be better suited to just have assistance from in-home healthcare aids.

This does not mean that your loved one would not have appropriate and adequate medical care. Home healthcare agencies today offer palliative care as well as services such as occupational or physical therapy. Most seniors prefer home healthcare service because they can remain where they have happy thoughts, as well as familiar surroundings, while nursing homes usually limit the personal items the patient can bring with them.

Cost
One of the biggest factors in choosing the type of care is the cost factor. Nursing homes will get expensive fairly quickly. Since home health aids charge most by the hour, they are generally lower in cost, while in-patient care will be a loftier financial commitment. Naturally, the expense incurred will be higher when round-the-clock care is needed;

Why Many Families Opt for In-Home Care Services
In-home healthcare services are an appropriate choice when family members live far away from senior loved one. It is also a very good option when family members can’t be there to assist on a daily basis. It gives peace of mind to know that loved ones are receiving the care they need. Professional home health agencies provide assistance with good nutrition and diet, medication management, as well as companionship.

For more information on choosing the appropriate healthcare option for your elderly loved one, please contact us today. We are here to help!

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Special Father’s Day Ideas for Seniors

Post author By Abigail Figueroa
Post date June 1, 2019

If you’re fortunate enough to have your own father in your life as a senior or are a caregiver for a senior dad, there are lots of ways to make their Father’s Day fun and special! Let’s look at some great ideas…

Try Bowling. Bowling is fun, no matter how old you are! It’s an activity that every family member can enjoy together, from tots all the way to seniors! Get Dad out there and help him have some fun at the bowling alley!
Take Him to a Ballgame. What guy doesn’t love a good ballgame? Not only is it an American classic pastime, but it’s a super fun way to forget your troubles and go root for your team!
Fishing. Dad’s love to fish, no matter how old they are! Seniors often enjoyed fishing in years past and really love to pass the time with someone who will do it with them. Maybe they are not safe to go out on their own, but would love to do it again if someone would go enjoy it along with them!
Try Having a Game Night or Card Game. Ask Dad which board games he enjoyed in the past and then pull one out and play it together. Perhaps you have favorites from your childhood that are still popular and easy to play. It may even be a great idea to invite some old friends and make a night of it!
Get Dad to Tell Some Stories. Seniors love it when they are asked to reflect and tell stories from earlier days. Even if they have dementia or other memory decline, they often have no troubles with long-term memory, so they can recall events and stories from years back. Learn something new by asking them to share a story, and record it for future generations!
Go Golfing. A game of golf is something that can be enjoyed together no matter how old you are, or how skilled you might be! Get out on a favorite golf course and just see what the day brings!
Show Him Something New. The internet has become much more friendly to seniors. Try teaching Dad a way to enjoy social media, or use Skype so they can enjoy talking to loved ones. Not only does it stimulate their mental health, but it will do wonders for their quality of life. A simple tablet or small computer is all that is needed. If they have a smartphone, perhaps you could teach them new tricks to enjoy with it!

Don’t miss the opportunity this Father’s Day to enjoy the senior dad in your life! As you can see, it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money to make a lot of special memories! For more info on how to make holidays special for seniors, contact us today!

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Tips for Managing Caregiver Stress

Post author By Abigail Figueroa
Post date June 1, 2019

If you are a caregiver for a senior loved one, you know how tough it can be, both mentally and physically. It can be overwhelming, especially if it becomes a full-time job! You need to expect some adjustments and know that even if it’s hard to manage the stress, there are ways to do it that will help you. We’ve put together several coping skills so you can deal with the tough times that always come from being a caregiver around the clock.

Here are some tips to reduce caregiver stress:

Take Time for Yourself. Caregiving is demanding of your time. Be sure to make time to spend with the other loved ones and friends in your life. Keep doing hobbies you love, read good books and be kind to yourself. Simple things like taking a walk can help you gather your thoughts and recharge your battery. Meditation and breathing are also very helpful!

Ask for Help. No one can do this alone. You will absolutely need to be free to ask for help or you’ll head straight into caregiver burnout! Asking for help is not a sign of failure. Not only does it give you a break, but it gives other people the opportunity to get involved in your loved one’s care. Consider finding a support group or check into an adult daycare facility—they are there to help you!

Stay Healthy. Caregivers face an increased risk of cardiac disease and diabetes. Don’t neglect your own health while you’re caring for someone else! There is no doubt you are more vulnerable to things like colds and flu, so be sure to eat healthy meals and get the sleep you need. Stay active, and exercise regularly—it is a great way to work out the stress!

Set a Schedule and Plan Ahead. Make a to-do list so you can check off the things that are important for that day. A routine is critical to success in caregiving, and it will also help the patient when they know what to expect next. Removing unknowns will create peace and stability. Plan ahead for meals, doctor appointments and visiting time with friends and family!

Finally, remember that there are tons of resources to help and support you! Be sure to take advantage of them. We are always here to help, so if you need more tips on coping with stress, contact us today!

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Lowering the Risk of Heart Disease Among Seniors

Post author By Abigail Figueroa
Post date April 1, 2019

Did you know that heart disease kills more people than any other condition in the United States? While there can be genetic risk factors that increase your odds of developing heart disease, most often it is brought on by lifestyle choices that can be corrected. With one in four people dying from heart disease, it’s time to learn just what does put seniors at risk!

Warning Signs for Heart Disease Among Seniors

High cholesterol. One of the biggest signs of impending heart disease is high cholesterol that is not being managed. If you have been told that your cholesterol is too high, your doctor will likely use medication to help bring it down, but the greatest way to reduce it is through diet and lifestyle.

Smoking. Many people think smoking only increases your risk of lung cancer. Experts at the CDC have discovered that smoking also leads to significant heart disease. Cigarettes are highly toxic and even second-hand smoke can put your health at risk. If you or the senior loved one in your life smokes, please get help from your doctor! It doesn’t have to be as terrible as you might think with the medications and programs now available. It is the single most important change you can make to protect your health and lower your risk of heart disease!

Stress. We all deal with stress. It is impossible to avoid it, but how you manage it will determine the outcome. Stress levels can come down significantly, just by doing things that destress your life! Taking up a hobby, meditating, reading and even exercise are excellent ways to cope with stress in a healthier manner.

Being Sedentary. It’s important to stay active. Even if you get some exercise, you should also strive to stay active throughout the rest of your day. A sedentary lifestyle has been found to be just as fatal as smoking. The bottom line here is simply to find ways to decrease the amount of time spent in a chair

Drinking alcohol. Consuming too much alcohol causes blood pressure to be elevated, thereby placing you at risk for developing heart disease. It also is high in calories, which leads to weight gain, and that leads to heart disease.

Unhealthy Eating Habits. It is proven scientifically that people who eat properly live longer and have fewer risks of heart disease. For years, much has been written about the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, which is high in veggies, fruits, nuts, and healthy proteins. Laying off the junk food and eating your way to good health is a sure way to live longer!

The same goes for your sodium intake. Too much salt in the diet causes high blood pressure. This is why you often hear doctors warning patients who have high blood pressure to lower their sodium intake. Just doing this one thing can greatly reduce heart disease.

Living healthy involves making small changes along the way that will decrease your risk of heart disease. You don’t have to tackle it all at once unless there is a crisis that demands action. Perhaps you can just get more walking in, drink a little less and increase healthy foods. Doing it along with a friend or partner will increase your success and keep you on the right track.

Seniors are just as at risk for all these issues as younger people. Don’t be fooled by thinking heart disease is only for certain age groups—nothing could be farther from the truth.
For more information and tips on preventing heart disease among seniors, contact us today!

It might also help to find a heart health buddy who shares your commitment to making changes. The two of you can share strategies and offer each other moral support.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Caring for Someone with Dementia

Post author By Abigail Figueroa
Post date March 1, 2019

Dementia is a condition that happens in the brain and is often marked by memory loss and confusion. It affects mostly seniors and can make normal tasks difficult to perform as it progresses. The most important thing to do for both the patient and the family is to find the best medical care before the diseases progresses too far. There are therapies that can help slow the progress and aid in the quality of life, keeping the senior as active and independent as possible!

Here are some tips for those who are caring for a senior adult with dementia:

1. Know the three stages of dementia
Early in the disease, most people can still do daily tasks normally and function pretty well. You may notice memory lapses beginning, as that is usually the first tell-tale sign. This can manifest in things like not being able to find a word they are looking for or feeling disoriented in a familiar place. However, they can still socialize with those they love and often still live independently.
In the middle stage, you will notice symptoms becoming more pronounced. This is the stage where living alone will be a struggle and may even be impossible. Taking care of themselves on their own will become difficult and require a caregiver to step in.

Late-stage dementia is marked by severe cognitive decline and will result in the senior forgetting where they are, unable to go for a short walk without getting lost, and some may even to struggle with physical activities like walking and getting dressed. The right care in this late stage can drastically improve their well-being and happiness.

2. Training in dementia care can make all the difference!
Everyone who suffers from dementia has a unique experience with it. It does not progress at the same rate for everyone. It is important to understand what to look for and how to offer care and support. This will allow you to work with the patient’s doctor to design therapies and activities that will best support their needs. It may be with home-care or perhaps even a family member will become the caregiver. If this is the case, extensive care training will be necessary so that the caregiver gets the support they need too!

3. It’s healthy and helpful to share memories about the past.
Dementia usually causes problems with short-term memory loss. This means that reminiscing about the past is often very helpful and therapeutic, so it should be encouraged. It offers a chance for the senior to feel happy and focus on good times. This can be a better therapy than any medical setting could offer! Never underestimate the power of reminiscing! Ask them to tell you their stories. You will find that they take great comfort and delight in it.

4. Understand that dementia is more than memory loss.
Losing memory is a painful process, but it’s crucial to understand that it’s not the only symptom of dementia. The entire brain is affected by the disease, which affects the entire body. This means that you may see changes in personality or problem-solving skills, along with daily normal tasks. Other symptoms aside from memory loss can include difficulty speaking clearly, inability to track time, not being able to focus and avoiding things that require social activity. It is possible to help all of these areas be better managed, so don’t lose hope!

5. Embrace support!
Caring for a dementia patient can be hard, no matter how much you love them. It is often physically and emotionally draining, so you need to embrace and seek good support. There are many support groups for both the patients and their caregivers, whether this is a family member or not. In some cases, home health care may need to be considered, and even with this option, it’s still important for the family to receive ongoing support so tough days can have the best outcome possible. If a family member is providing care, it is vital that proper rest and breaks are taken to avoid burnout. We can’t stress this enough!

Please contact us today for more tips and information on dementia and Alzheimer’s. You don’t have to go it alone!

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Healthy Food for Thought: How Nutrition Affects Seniors

Post author By Abigail Figueroa
Post date March 1, 2019

Never has there been a time when we are more conscious about what we eat, our overall health, and how food affects us. There is no question that aging can be significantly impacted by the foods we eat, and as older adults approach their senior years, it will become clear that food choices will impact BMI (body mass index) and the measurement of the waist. Both things can put as at risk for many diseases when not kept at healthy levels.

To get answers to how food choices impact waist circumference and BMI, a group of participants were grouped into certain categories:

“Meat and Potatoes” eaters.
“White Bread” eaters, which would include things like regular bread, rolls, rice, and other starchy carbohydrates.
“Healthy” eaters, which includes eating bread that is whole-grain, beans and legumes, high-fiber cereals, low-fat dairy, and fruit and veggies, and very little processed meat or soda.

The people who ate mostly meat and potatoes had the greatest increase in BMI, while those who ate a lot of white bread and starches had a greater increase in waist size. Those who were in the “healthy eating” category clearly showed the most stable blood sugar, along with very little gain in waist circumference and BMI.

One of the greatest factors in these weight and body mass index changes is the glycemic index, which is your blood sugar. It can also be called the glycemic load. Foods that have low glycemic values are proven to decrease hunger without spiking blood sugar. This is ALWAYS a healthier option! The foods that do cause an unhealthy rise in blood sugar would be starches, bread, high-sugar fruits, and drinks like soda and tea which can be loaded with sugar. Even if you aren’t eating a lot of sugar, you should know which foods turn to sugar once ingested. This will have a huge impact on stable weight and decrease your risk for diseases like diabetes. Of course, all these rules apply to seniors as well.

Perhaps the greatest focus of the research for aging adults is the connection between vitamin deficiency and other micro-nutrients. Seniors are at greater risk for cognitive decline, memory loss, and conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia if they are not getting the proper nutrients in adequate amounts. The only way to correct this is with a healthy balanced diet, and possibly supplements to help out along the way.

Low carotenoid concentration is a problem in a diet that is not rich enough in fruits and vegetables. This problem can lead to the decline of skeletal muscle system in seniors. Physical function, particularly in older females, can be seriously decreased when there is a deficiency in vitamin E. Likewise, seniors who were known to have a deficiency in vitamin D were compared with seniors who did not have that problem, and were found to have poor physical performance. In women, it was associated with back pain.

The bottom-line message here is that no matter how old we are, we should be striving to get as much of our nutrition from healthy foods as possible. This becomes even more important for aging adults so that their organs and body systems are running at peak performance. So, food isn’t just about weight, it’s about overall health. There is no question that a diet of unhealthy foods over time will shorten the lifespan of seniors and cause heart disease and diabetes.

For more information on keeping seniors healthy with a balanced approach to nutrition, talk to their physician and contact us today! It’s never too late to eat well.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Seasonal Affective Disorder – What is It?

Post author By Abigail Figueroa
Post date January 1, 2019

If you get the winter blues each year, it might be more than just an emotional slump that comes on when it gets cold. Millions of seniors are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder every year, causing depression and sadness that is tough to shake. This can especially be true for those who live in a northern climate that sees a lot of snow and frigid temps each winter.

During the winter, daylight comes later and doesn’t last as long. Sometimes the sun doesn’t really shine for days on end and dealing with the overcast skies and cold weather can really mess with those who suffer from the symptoms of depression. Here are the things you should watch for if you’re concerned a senior loved one may be dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Mood changes that last for weeks on end are the most obvious sign of SAD. It’s time to seek help if a caregiver observes sadness that doesn’t end, or a lack of motivation to participate in daily activities. Here are some other signs and symptoms:

Agitation, irritability or feelings of anxiety
Fatigue that is not easily shaken
Sleep patterns that change—too much or too little sleep
Weight gain or weight loss that is unintentional
Sudden cravings for carbohydrates or other appetite changes

Getting Treatment for Seasonal Blues and Cabin Fever

We all experience some cabin fever from time to time, especially during the winter months. Here are some things you can do to help counteract it:

Get Outdoors. Not having an exposure to the sunlight can really take a toll on your mood. If it’s cold outside, bundle up and take a short walk. Sleep patterns can really be improved by getting some time outside.
Be Active. The best solution for beating the blues any time of year is to get active. Try some easy exercises such as swimming, walking or yoga.
Eat Healthy. Vitamin deficiencies are often linked to depression, so make sure you are eating a healthy diet that is balanced.
Lighten Your Environment. Depression sets in when there is too much darkness. Open some blinds, pull back the curtains and let the sun shine in! You’ll be amazed what this will do for those wintertime blues!
Light Therapy. If getting outdoors is hard for you or your senior loved one, consider doing what people in the far north do—use a lightbox to get some light therapy. Non-damaging UV rays will emit from these devices that will help bring balance to the brain chemicals during the winter. Be sure to speak to a physician before beginning light therapy. There are many lightboxes to choose from and all of them have unique benefits.

For more information on helping seniors who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of San Antonio is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour home care, Alzheimer’s &dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Antonio,Atascosa, Balcones Heights, Castroville, Devine, D’Hanis, Dunlay, Helotes, Hondo, Lacoste, Leon Valley, Lytle, Macdona, Mico, Moore, Natalia, Pearsall, Pearson, Quihi, Rio Medina, Von Ormy, and Yancey, Texas.Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Preparing Your Home to Host Senior Loved Ones During the Holidays

Post author By Abigail Figueroa
Post date December 1, 2018

Holidays can be a crazy for time for many of us, especially if you are hosting family members. Perhaps you remember everyone gathering at your parents’ house when you were growing up, and now the mantle of responsibility falls on you—how do you prepare for hosting elderly relatives? We have some tips!

Firstly, make sure your home is clean and free of clutter before anyone comes to stay, young or old. Vacuuming every floor and picking up toys or other small items is a good place to start.

Re-Arrange the Furniture
Think about your furniture with clear walkways. If there isn’t much room to squeeze around the couches, beds, or tables, consider re-arranging things so that there are wider spaces. This is especially true if your elderly relative uses a cane or walker.

Think About Stability
You most likely don’t have elderly safety features like grab-bars, but you can arrange furniture in such a way that there is easy access to backs of sofas or chairs for elderly relatives to stabilize themselves if needed.

Make Sure Your Home Has Good Lighting
Older people have a harder time seeing clearly, along with not moving as quickly. If your home has spaces that are dimly lit, consider opening blinds or curtains, and install better lighting so that the floors, rugs, and hallways are easy to see and navigate.

Provide an Entryway to “Unload”
If your home has an entryway, consider putting a small bench or table there to make it easier for your guests to come in, place any shopping or other items, and even breathe a moment before unpacking and moving into the rest of the house. Any elderly relative will be most grateful for this addition!

Non-Slip Rugs
If your home has a lot of hard flooring, consider rugs that have rubber backs. Not only does it feel nice under cold feet, but also makes walking around your house much safer. You could also place traction stickers in the bathtub. Just make sure that any rugs you do have don’t slip or slide easily!

Ground Floor Accommodations
If at all possible, house elderly guests on a ground floor. Climbing stairs can be stressful for elderly people and even puts them at risk of injury. Even if you don’t have a bedroom on the ground floor, there may be a place that would be suitable for a daybed or other area they could sleep.

Personal Heat Control
We often get colder as we age, so having areas in your home with lap blankets, space heaters and comfy socks, will be a blessing to your senior guests. You can avoid running heat in the entire house if you can make certain smaller areas warmer and more comfortable.

One Comfy Spot
Finally, place a comfy chair in a central location that is designated for your elderly house guest to enjoy all the family and activities from. If they can get settled and not have to be up and down all the time, it will greatly improve their ability to just enjoy watching everything.

Holidays can be a crazy time for families coming together, but these tips can go a long way in making sure the senior relatives in your life have a comfortable experience in your home. Enjoy the time to celebrate Christmas with them!

For more tips on hosting senior relatives through the holidays, contact us today!

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Helping Seniors Utilize Smart Technology

Post author By Abigail Figueroa
Post date November 1, 2018

It’s funny how technology has literally changed the way we all live, and yet those who may need it most are the most reluctant to use it—seniors and the elderly. While it might seem like an impossible task to help the senior in your life learn and embrace new technology, it may just be a life-saving action. Here’s why …

Smart Home Technology Can Change the Game for Keeping Seniors Safe at Home

Think about the various smart technologies that have been made easy to access in recent years:

Video intercom systems, which let a senior inside the home talk to and see someone outside before they come in. Nobody would argue that this is safer!
Thermostats set automatically. A senior’s central air and heat can be set to automatically come on, so they don’t have to worry about adjusting it themselves. This is also useful if they are away from the home for any length of time.
Smart technology for lights. This is another way that helps seniors lower their utility bills and save money on that pesky light bill. It also adds to their sense of safety. Smart lights work off sensors and come on and go off as someone enters or leaves a room. This can be especially helpful in preventing injuries that could come from searching for a light switch in the dark during the night.

Technology Helps Seniors Stay Safer

Here’s one of the best parts about smart technology—it can be managed from cell phones or other smart devices. Smart alarms are one such technology. You can control and change the alarm system far beyond it just going off when no one is at home. The smart alarm will track the times the doors are usually opened with people coming and going and send an alert if something is out of the ordinary. If you have a senior loved one who wanders, this can bring a huge peace of mind.

Smart smoke alarms are another fantastic technology for seniors. If the smoke alarm with smart technology is activated, it will alert proper authorities or family to make sure the senior is safe. You will be able to program a list of people to notify in this instance, which adds more layers of safety and assurance for your senior loved one.

You probably already know about personal alert systems. The less sophisticated systems might conjure the old commercials of elderly people wearing a necklace with a big button that they can push if they are in a crisis of any kind. However, the new smart technology keeps seniors even safer by utilizing full detection for falls and other odd movements. It also will alert proper emergency response personnel, along with a customized list of family and friends.

Technology Can Help Seniors Stay Socially Connected

Research tells us that one of the top reasons that seniors decline in health is depression and loneliness. This is especially true if family lives far away. The internet has now provided ways for seniors to not only hear the voice of their loved ones but also see their faces in real time as they chat! Social media has allowed the world to reconnect with long-lost relatives and friends that probably would have never found us otherwise. Imagine the joy this would bring to seniors to be able to enjoy meaningful conversation with old friends. There’s no better therapy!

It might be a bit tough to help your older adult embrace these different forms of smart technology, but if you are patient and take the time to demonstrate to the senior in your life just HOW these technologies can empower them, enrich their lives, and keep them safer, we just bet they will be open to considering it! The old phrase, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, has never been more untrue!

To find out even more ways to get your senior loved one connected with smart technology, call or contact us today!

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

How to Handle Criticism as a Caregiver

Post author By Abigail Figueroa
Post date November 1, 2018

If you are a caregiver for a loved one in your family, you already know that outside opinions and criticisms seem to come with the job. Dealing with it can be tough and not taking it personally is even tougher. This is especially true when others voice opinions about how you should do things differently, or better yet, they are not doing the caregiving themselves. If you find yourself dealing with critical opinions of friends and family, here are a few tips to help you handle it.

1. Don’t Let Your Emotions Get the Best of You
It’s important not to allow your own emotions to fuel an already difficult situation. If people are saying things that make you feel angry or unappreciated, do whatever you have to do to stay calm. It might mean keeping a journal in which to vent, talking to a trusted confidant, or just walking outside and counting to ten. But you must keep your emotions in check. Remember that the person receiving your care is depending on you to handle things well.

2. Consider the Source
Who is it giving the criticism? If it’s a family member, perhaps they feel disconnected from living far away. Perhaps it’s a friend who means well but truly has no idea what you deal with on a daily basis. You must learn to determine whether you should even take the feedback seriously. Maybe they really do just want to help and have no idea how to express an opinion without it coming out as being critical toward the job you do. In these situations, you can remain calm and ask them to consider offering helpful solutions rather than criticizing you.

3. Consider the Comment
There might be some merit in what the person is saying. It takes a lot of self-restraint and maturity to be gracious when you feel you’re being attacked. Being gracious about the comment and thinking about the greater good of the patient will benefit everyone involved. Often, misunderstandings happen simply because everyone loves and cares deeply for the loved one receiving care.

4. Ask the Person to Offer Help in Practical Ways
It’s often true that the person who is being critical just wants to be more involved. Try to come up with practical ways they could help you and work together. It might be preparing a meal or helping to clean or do laundry, helping with doctor visits, etc. It might even be financial support that is needed. Don’t be afraid to be honest and ask for help.

5. Ask for Advice
Finally, one of the best ways to avoid conflict is to seek outside expert advice. If a family member doesn’t agree about simple things you are trying to accomplish, getting a medical expert’s opinion can defuse the conflict. It might seem silly, but if there is disagreement among family members and a caregiver, getting the opinion of a trusted and well-respected expert can quickly bring resolution.

It’s tough enough being a caregiver. Handling outside criticisms can be difficult, but it should not undermine your own confidence. For more information on this topic, please contact us!

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

In-Home Care Services vs. Nursing Home Care

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Special Father’s Day Ideas for Seniors

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Tips for Managing Caregiver Stress

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Lowering the Risk of Heart Disease Among Seniors

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Caring for Someone with Dementia

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Healthy Food for Thought: How Nutrition Affects Seniors

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Seasonal Affective Disorder – What is It?

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Preparing Your Home to Host Senior Loved Ones During the Holidays

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Helping Seniors Utilize Smart Technology

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How to Handle Criticism as a Caregiver

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