Finding Different Types of Caregiver Support in Alamo Ranch, Texas

When tasked with caring for an aging loved one, we often throw 100% of ourselves into the role of caregiver. Since caring for a loved one can last weeks, months, or years, we may place our needs on the back burner to provide the best care possible.

However, if we do not care for ourselves during this time, our own health might fail. A caregiver can only care for another person if they prioritize their health. This is where caregiver support in Alamo Ranch comes in.

Types of Caregiver Support in Alamo Ranch

While caring for a loved one, it might be easy to believe that no one knows what you are going through. The constant demand for your time and resources can leave you drained. Depending on your loved one’s needs, you might be responsible for:

• Managing their medications
• Accompanying them to doctor offices and specialist appointments
• Bathing, grooming, and dressing your loved one
• Grocery shopping and preparing meals
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Scheduling appointments
• Managing finances and paying bills
• Providing companionship

You are not alone. According to AARP, the number of caregivers in the US has risen to 53 million people. This number includes people caring for aging parents, other adults, and children with special needs.

Due to this diverse category, there is an immense number of caregiver support resources available.

Support Groups

One of the most accessible caregiver support resources is a local support group. Many hospitals, hospice care agencies, and senior centers offer caregiver support groups. These groups are invaluable resources. Most are led by licensed nurses or certified professionals who guide the group in sharing experiences and advice.

Former caregivers or long-term caregivers may also lead the group. Participating in these support groups is voluntary, but you may find that sharing your experiences helps someone else. The members of the group might point you toward resources and additional help.

Counseling

Did you know that doctors can list caregiver as a diagnosis? The reason is that caregiving is stressful whether you are paid or not.

Caregiver burnout can lead to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Weight gain or loss
• Irritability
• Unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or body aches
• Turning to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, or food for comfort
• Disinterest in hobbies once enjoyed
• No time for the caregiver
• Worsening health of the caregiver

How do you place yourself first when caring for a loved one? How do you not feel guilty? These are questions a counselor can help you navigate through. Caring for yourself is not selfish, but you may need to get creative with your time. If you are used to carrying the responsibility solely on your shoulders, it may be time to delegate tasks to other family members or enlist the help of outside sources.

A Christian counselor in Alamo Ranch, Texas can assist you in choosing the best option(s) for your circumstance and family. They can help with time management, conflict resolution, and unresolved issues. Counseling is invaluable for caregivers of terminal patients. Having that support as you try to remain strong may be what you need now.

Assessment and Care Plans

If you feel that you are in an uncontrollable situation, it may be because you do not have a care plan in place for your loved one. Caregiving requires that you manage your time as well as the time of your loved one. Tapping your loved one’s care team will lessen your stress.

You may need to consult with your loved one’s primary physician to reach care decisions. The doctor or home health staff will need to run assessments to determine what resources your loved one needs.

For example, if your loved one suffers from COPD, then the primary care doctor might suggest appointments with a pulmonary specialist and a cardiologist. These doctors may ask to see your loved one every three months while also receiving updates from a home health agency that will visit your loved one weekly. You can schedule these appointments and feel like you are working with a team instead of trying to manage your loved one’s care independently.

Respite Care

Respite care is available, but many caregivers, especially unpaid caregivers, are unaware of the resource. Respite care is typically done through a professional caregiver or nursing facility, although family and friends can also provide respite care.

With respite care, you can leave your loved one’s care in someone else’s hands to give yourself a break. For example, you may recruit a close friend to provide respite care once a week so that you can run errands or spend a day alone. Or you may register your loved one at a healthcare facility for ten days so that you can travel out of town for a vacation or wedding.

Some insurance companies cover respite care, although you may need to pay out of pocket. If you choose a professional caregiving agency for respite care, you can rest knowing that the caregivers have been vetted and are trained for emergencies.

Legal Consultation

Elder law is a specialty you may need to familiarize yourself with if you care for an aging loved one. You will need to know how your loved one’s assets can be affected by their decision to sell their home, move into a nursing facility, register for home health care, or apply for state Medicaid. A law firm can also help with advanced directives and wills.

If possible, consult legal counsel with your loved one to learn about the pros and cons before making any decisions about living quarters and long-term care. Each state has different requirements to qualify for Medicaid.

When choosing senior healthcare plans, consult a Medicare specialist to select one that will serve your loved one. Most people choose between traditional Medicare with a supplement that covers prescription drug costs while others prefer an Advantage plan that encompasses several aspects of care. Some plans cost more or cover little.

One plan might cover prescription drugs, but your loved one may pay a copay for specialist visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and out-of-pocket home health care. A specialist can help you discern and choose the best one to save your loved one money in the long run.

Education on Conditions

Medical terminology can sound like a foreign language unless you are in the medical field. You will want to educate yourself on your loved one’s medical conditions. Feel free to ask the primary care doctor and specialists questions. They want the best care for their patient and are willing to help you understand their condition better.

A physical therapist can give you suggestions on how to increase your loved one’s mobility and assist with exercises. An occupational therapist can advise you on bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding your loved one to make it easier for both of you.

Your local community center or public library may offer education classes about aging and geriatrics. These classes may cover important documents, conditions, and end-of-life arrangements.

Spiritual Resources

It can be sad to think about the end of life for a loved one, especially if you are a witness to their struggle through an illness. But their spiritual life is equally important (arguably more so) than their physical and mental health.

Ask your pastor or your loved one’s pastor for advice or visitation. Your loved one may want you to share a Bible study or read a devotional to them. Many churches now offer live streaming of Sunday services for the public who cannot visit in person. If neither of you belongs to a church, you can find services of larger churches online on YouTube and Facebook.

Finding Caregiver Support

Are you in need of resources or caregiver support in Alamo Ranch, Texas? Call our office or complete the contact form to schedule a counseling session with me or another Christian counselor in Alamo Ranch. Your counselor can suggest resources for your situation and help you manage expectations and responsibilities. Give us a call today at Texas Christian Counseling, Alamo Ranch.