Caregiving for husband
What do you do when your role moves from companion, lover, and spouse to caregiving? How do you learn the role of caregiving for your husband? The entire process, no matter how fast or slow it becomes a part of your life, can be overwhelming. Here are five steps to take to learn more about your new role as a caregiver.
1: If at all possible, sit down and talk with your husband about expectations. How would he like you to care for him? Is he willing to accept in-home care to be able to remain at home longer? Will he get family and friends to help along the way? By talking early about expectations, you may put both of your fears to rest before and be more accepting of different types of help.
2: Be realistic about finances. If you will have to remain at work 40 hours a week, and your husband needs full-time care, he will have to accept some type of help. Is part-time an option? Plan ahead and make arrangements before you actually need them.
3: Be realistic about what you can and can’t do. With all of your existing commitments, can you also take on the role of your husband’s caregiver? Learn to say no to family, friends, and community groups you belong to. Cut back in some areas to give yourself more time at home. But don’t forget time for yourself – make sure you save even just a few minutes to do things just for you. You will be a better caregiver if you take care of yourself first.
4: Start your research now. With the general population aging at record levels, specific services geared towards seniors will be at a premium over the coming years. If you know you’ll need in-home care help within a couple of years, plan early. Eldercare physicians and specialists will also be in higher demand. They may end up with waiting lists for those that aren’t already patients.
5: Make plans for different situations. You may be caregiving for your husband now, but what will happen to him if you get sick, or worse, die? It may be difficult to think about now, but you must plan for the “what ifs.” Look into life insurance and other funding methods. Make out your will with your wishes in mind. And talk to your family so it will be less of a shock if something does arise.
Caregiving For Wife
You’ve lived side by side for many years. You may have made plans for the future and have looked forward to enjoying time together through retirement. But suddenly, things have changed. You may be asking yourself, “How will I begin caregiving for my wife”? Here are 5 things to consider as you move into a new phase of your life.
1: Start by getting organized. There are always key things that each of you does within your home. Create lists of accounts, home accounts, service providers, and daily tasks. Make sure you become aware of everything your wife does so you can step in and take on some of the responsibilities.
2: Think about your own future. An ill spouse can quickly use up savings and retirement funds if you aren’t careful. Work with financial and insurance experts that can help you take care of your wife in the best possible manner now and prepare for your own future as well.
3: Get help. They’ve always been together for many spouses and can’t envision anyone else helping out with the daily tasks. But the quickest way to go into overwhelm is to attempt to do it all yourself. Hire out things like a lawn care service, even if you’ve always done it. Find an in-home caregiver to help with everyday chores. Adding even a few hours per month can give you time to do other more important things.
4: Take care of your own health. Don’t ignore the trips to the gym or the doctor’s offices. It’s more important than ever for you to stay in top shape. An in-home caregiver can provide you with the time to attend a class at the local recreation center and can even help you cook and deliver nutritious meals for you and your wife.
5: Set up a network of support. Don’t hide your wife’s condition or take on all the responsibilities yourself. Have friends and family within your community available for you to call even at a moment’s notice. The more they understand the situation, the easier it will be to call when minor emergencies arise.
