(BPT) – Did you know nearly 1 in 4 American adults is a family caregiver? This includes families in the Allentown and greater Lehigh Valley, PA, area. According to a new study from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, one-third of all caregivers are also members of the “sandwich generation”—caring for an adult and a child under 18 at the same time. Family caregivers provide help with daily activities, transportation, advocating during medical appointments, companionship, and much more.
Especially for those caring for a parent with dementia or Alzheimer’s, the challenges are great—as are the rewards. A recent National Day of Joy survey by Talker Research on behalf of Comfort Keepers, market-leading provider of in-home care for adults, reveals nearly 3 in 4 caregivers (74%) find the role to be one of the most rewarding of their lives, and nearly all (91%) say it deepens their bonds with the senior in their care.
“Caregiving for an older loved one is a role most of us will play, and the connection you make with your loved one can be incredibly meaningful,” said Sherri Snelling, gerontologist and Comfort Keepers spokesperson. “The key is to remember to care for yourself and focus on the joyful moments.” And remember, when caregiving is no longer feasible, South Mountain Memory Care, serving Allentown and the greater Lehigh Valley, PA, offers a safe, professional, homelike community for your loved one.
To help provide care for your loved one with compassion and resilience, keep these approaches in mind.
Caregivers don’t have to go it alone.
Especially for caregivers who want to ensure everything is done right, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing everything yourself.
“I didn’t trust other people to give my father care or understand him like I did,” said Joni. “But that led to exhaustion, so I couldn’t be my best when we were together.”
By assembling a care team, you can consistently provide the assistance your loved one needs. This may include family members, neighbors, friends, community groups, and other resources. Ask your loved one’s health care provider about resources in the Lehigh Valley area.
Another way to ensure extra support is through Comfort Keepers, which employs thousands of caregivers nationwide who deliver joy through interactive caregiving by continually communicating with, involving, and engaging with seniors in everyday tasks and activities, providing trusted respite care when you need it.
Self-care for caregivers isn’t selfish.
While your loved one relies on you, it’s crucial to take care of yourself. Find ways to support your own well-being, including getting restorative sleep, eating well, and even just a few minutes of walking—but most importantly, find time to simply do things you love.
“When I stopped doing things that made me happy so I could care for my mom, I got easily irritated by little annoyances that might not have bothered me before,” added Bryan. “After I resumed my hobbies just once a week, I felt more positive. I needed to fill my cup so I could have the physical and mental strength to give to her.”
Self-care takes many forms, so it’s vital to learn what’s important for you. Ask yourself what you need in order to bring your best self to caregiving. This is even more important when you’re in the “sandwich generation” with kids at home.
A Comfort Keepers caregiver can also give you peace of mind that your loved one is in good hands, opening opportunities to care for yourself and others in your family who may need you.
Caregivers can find moments of joy and gratitude.
As you spend time caring for your loved one, notice those moments when you laugh together, share a special memory, or just enjoy a good day when the sun is shining.
“Some days feel ordinary, then something breaks through: My dad tells a story I’ve never heard before, or smiles when the family’s cat hops on his lap,” said Saudia. “Those are the moments I’ll remember.”
Caregiving for a family member involves a commitment that demonstrates love and a sense of belonging that’s fundamental to being human.
“Many caregivers call caregiving a blessing,” said Snelling. “When people care for aging loved ones, they also get something back: deep emotional rewards, personal growth, and joy.”
Caring for loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s
Comfort Keepers understands the struggles families face caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, especially when you’re helping them live safely at home. Choosing Comfort Keepers, families receive support, including:
- specially trained caregivers.
- family education to better understand dementia.
- tasks built into their care plan and geared to each senior’s interests to engage them physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- in-home services like personal care, companionship, medication reminders, and family respite care.
- SafetyChoice® in-home safety technologies, including medical alert systems and motion detectors.
Learn more about caring for your loved one at ComfortKeepers.com.
South Mountain Memory Care focuses on high-quality, personalized care. The brand-new building is a stand-alone memory care community, meaning that the entire building, staff, and programs are designed to cater to residents with cognitive issues. To ensure person-centered care and attention, we have accommodations for up to 28 residents. The building is divided into two neighborhoods (wings), each offering 10 private suites and 2 semi-private suites.
South Mountain Memory Care is located in the Allentown suburb of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, and it is easily accessible from the Lehigh Valley, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. For more information, go to southmountainmemorycare.com.
