Caring for the Elderly When You're Over 50 Kendal
Statistics show that the over 50s have more responsibility for caring for the elderly than any other generation. For many people this can present significant new challenges in terms of sourcing equipment such as mobility and security devices, obtaining and managing outside help, and responding to the emotional needs of those who are becoming increasingly mentally and physically dependent.
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Caring for the Elderly When You're Over 50
When you’re in your fifties and sixties the onset of responsibility for caring for the elderly can be a bit like having your first baby. Suddenly you’re exposed to a whole new world comprising a wide range of unfamiliar needs in terms of equipment, mobility aids, and round-the-clock availability.
You’ll find yourself having to think of issues you’d never considered before concerning your own time, finances, practical skills, emotional resilience, and how to balance the needs of your ageing relative with your own needs and those of your partner, other family members, and possibly work and friends.
All of this will mean new ways of doing things and new ways of managing.
Fortunately, the onset of care needs in older people is usually more gradual than the arrival of a baby; your parent, partner, or other ageing relative will usually decline slowly giving you time to adjust to their growing dependency.
But this is not always the case. In some instances the onset of sudden and serious illness can mean that your caring responsibilities go from nil to full-time, almost overnight.
A practical and emotional process
Whatever your situation, the most important thing to recognise is that one, you are not alone, and two, you are doing a wonderful job.
The fact that there are thousands of people out there in the same boat as you, whatever the level of your caring commitment, means that there is plenty of experience you can tap into, and an increasing amount of available information.
As the population ages and technology advances, the amount of equipment of all types to aid the elderly and infirm – and to help you - is also increasing. Numerous advisory bodies exist to help guide you toward the right items, and in many cases you will be able to borrow or try out equipment before you have to commit to purchase.
As with a baby, you will be amazed initally at just how much specialist paraphernalia is available, although in some ways this will make choosing even harder. And the problem is that unlike an infant who can’t express an opinion, the elderly person for whom you are caring will no doubt have their own (possibly very strident) views on what is required which may not agree with yours!
Realistic advance planning
As with many areas of life the caring process can be made easier by advance planning, not just day-to-day but on a much longer-term basis.
For example, if it seems that your parent is becoming increasingly frail, start to research mobility aids and sources of help early on. If you wait until the day that they and you find that they suddenly can’t cope you will have to make crisis decisions based on little prior information.
Similarly try and talk to them about how they see the future and what they would like to happen including issues of possibly moving house or going into sheltered accommodation. Of course, none of us can guarantee that life will go to plan, but having had the discussion and knowing a person’s views and wishes can make it much easier at the time if you do need to make a joint decision or a decision on their behalf.
Those in their 50s and 60s who care for older people will tell you that it can be hard work, frustrating, challenging and hugely draining. They will also say that it is a huge priviledge and something that they wouldn’t give up for all the world.
Click here to read more helpful advice for the over 50s
You’ll find yourself having to think of issues you’d never considered before concerning your own time, finances, practical skills, emotional resilience, and how to balance the needs of your ageing relative with your own needs and those of your partner, other family members, and possibly work and friends.
All of this will mean new ways of doing things and new ways of managing.
Fortunately, the onset of care needs in older people is usually more gradual than the arrival of a baby; your parent, partner, or other ageing relative will usually decline slowly giving you time to adjust to their growing dependency.
But this is not always the case. In some instances the onset of sudden and serious illness can mean that your caring responsibilities go from nil to full-time, almost overnight.
A practical and emotional process
Whatever your situation, the most important thing to recognise is that one, you are not alone, and two, you are doing a wonderful job.
The fact that there are thousands of people out there in the same boat as you, whatever the level of your caring commitment, means that there is plenty of experience you can tap into, and an increasing amount of available information.
As the population ages and technology advances, the amount of equipment of all types to aid the elderly and infirm – and to help you - is also increasing. Numerous advisory bodies exist to help guide you toward the right items, and in many cases you will be able to borrow or try out equipment before you have to commit to purchase.
As with a baby, you will be amazed initally at just how much specialist paraphernalia is available, although in some ways this will make choosing even harder. And the problem is that unlike an infant who can’t express an opinion, the elderly person for whom you are caring will no doubt have their own (possibly very strident) views on what is required which may not agree with yours!
Realistic advance planning
As with many areas of life the caring process can be made easier by advance planning, not just day-to-day but on a much longer-term basis.
For example, if it seems that your parent is becoming increasingly frail, start to research mobility aids and sources of help early on. If you wait until the day that they and you find that they suddenly can’t cope you will have to make crisis decisions based on little prior information.
Similarly try and talk to them about how they see the future and what they would like to happen including issues of possibly moving house or going into sheltered accommodation. Of course, none of us can guarantee that life will go to plan, but having had the discussion and knowing a person’s views and wishes can make it much easier at the time if you do need to make a joint decision or a decision on their behalf.
Those in their 50s and 60s who care for older people will tell you that it can be hard work, frustrating, challenging and hugely draining. They will also say that it is a huge priviledge and something that they wouldn’t give up for all the world.
Click here to read more helpful advice for the over 50s