Episode 24: Caregivers Can Do Too Much

10/04/21 • 13 min

It is so easy to get into the trap of doing everything for your elder parents or disabled spouse after they have sustained an injury or have a debilitating diagnosis. You may feel that you are making life easier for them when you cater to their every need but you could in fact be making things more difficult for them in the long run.

Yes, there is a time during the recovery phase that they require more assistance with task, but the amount of assist needed can decrease as strength and endurance is allowed to improve. Not everyone returns to their prior level of functioning after an illness but there is often a level of “new normal” that can be achieved which will allow them to function without always needing assist.

Each task that you totally do for them, takes away the opportunity for them to gain strength and mobility skills to improve in that area. You must provide opportunity for them to learn a new way, a different way of living. It is the daily movements of their bodies that can unlock hidden potential for improvements in activities of daily living (ADLs).

Yes, you can do things faster and just get things over with but you are also creating an environment where they are learning to totally depend on you for everything. And when this happens burnout, resentment can happen. This can be prevented it requires crafting of a plan that is centered on maximizing their skill level.

Finding A Foothold can help.
Reach out for help and support.
Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.
Like us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Finding A Foothold can help.
Reach out for help and support.
Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.
Like us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Previous Episode

Episode 23: Small Changes Can Improve Safety

An illness or injury can really change how a loved one can function in their home. It doesn’t take much for the elderly to become weak and debilitated, resulting in them not being able to do the basic things for themselves that they use to do.

A common thing that I’ve seen lately is that many of the elderly patients that I am servicing are not admitted into the hospital for treatment after diagnosed with an illness or who have had minor injuries in their homes. Lack of medical staff or the unavailability of a room results in them being sent home from the ER sicker and weaker than what we are accustomed to seeing in the home setting.

Therapy in the home becomes an important component to their rehabilitation — strengthening, pain mgmt and endurance training. Temporary help and small changes in the home may also be all that is needed to prevent a bigger problem from occurring. Not all in-home modifications and changes are big, some are quite simple and many people say, “I never would have thought of that.”

Hear Mary’s story.

Know that parts of Mary’s story is also your story and my story. We all share similar challenges and can overcome them. We can improve our caregiving outcomes.

Reach out for help and support.
Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.
Like us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Next Episode

Episode 25: Create A Caregiving Plan That Works For You

It's hard knowing what to do as a caregiver!
Should they stay in their own home? Should they move in with me? Should I move in with them? Should I hire a sitter? Should I look at long term placement? etc.
There are so many questions and just as many opinions from others on what you should be doing.
Yes, it is good to ask for advice from those you trust and value because sometimes we can't see the whole picture.
There will also be others who will give advise that you did not seek and frown upon decisions that you make.
But the bottom line is, you have the final say so on what works for YOUR LIFE. What works FOR YOU!
DO YOU!
If you need help devising a plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help.
Finding A Foothold can help.
Reach out for help and support.
Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.
Like us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Consuela Marshall,
Occupational Therapist, Caregiver