Caring for an elderly loved one can be a challenging task, especially when they are terminally ill. Family members often struggle to provide the necessary care, while also balancing their own lives and responsibilities. However, with the right support and guidance, caregiving can become a meaningful and fulfilling experience for both the caregiver and the elderly loved one.
Recently, an article on Today Online highlighted the importance of extended family support in eldercare for terminally ill patients. The article shared the story of a family who had to care for their terminally ill grandmother, and how they came together as an extended family to provide the necessary care and support.
In this blog post, we will explore the key takeaways from this article, share tips on how to provide extended family support in eldercare, and discuss the importance of seeking professional help when necessary.
The Importance of Extended Family Support in Eldercare
Caring for an elderly loved one can be a daunting task, especially for family members who have limited experience or knowledge about eldercare. When the elderly loved one is terminally ill, the challenge becomes even greater, as they require specialised care and attention.
In such situations, it is important for family members to come together and provide extended family support in eldercare. This means involving other family members in the caregiving process, and sharing the responsibilities and workload.
The Benefits of Extended Family Support in Eldercare
When family members come together to provide extended family support in eldercare, there are numerous benefits for both the caregiver and the elderly loved one. Some of these benefits include:
- Reduced caregiver burden: With more people involved in the caregiving process, the workload is shared, and the burden on the primary caregiver is reduced.
- Improved quality of care: When multiple family members are involved in the caregiving process, they bring their own unique skills and experiences, which can help to improve the quality of care.
- Enhanced family bonding: Caring for an elderly loved one as a family can bring family members closer together and create stronger bonds.
Tips for Providing Extended Family Support in Eldercare
Providing extended family support in eldercare can be challenging, but it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Here are some tips to help you provide the best possible care for your elderly loved one:
- Communicate openly and regularly: Effective communication is key to successful caregiving. Make sure that all family members are aware of the care plan, and communicate regularly to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
- Assign tasks and responsibilities: Divide the caregiving tasks among family members based on their strengths and availability. Make sure that everyone has a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities.
- Provide emotional support: Caring for a terminally ill loved one can be emotionally draining. Make sure to provide emotional support to each other as a family, and seek professional help when necessary.
- Take care of yourself: Caregiving can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Make sure to take breaks, get enough rest, and take care of your own needs.
The Importance of Seeking Professional Help
While extended family support in eldercare can be beneficial, it is important to seek professional help when necessary. Professional caregivers and healthcare providers can provide specialised care and support that family members may not be able to provide.
In addition, professional help can also provide a break for family caregivers, allowing them to recharge and take care of their own needs.
In conclusion, providing extended family support in eldercare can be a challenging yet fulfilling experience. By coming together as a family, sharing the responsibilities and workload, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can provide the best possible care for your elderly loved one.
At SG Assist, we understand that caregiving can be tough, but we’re here to help. Our goal is to provide you with the resources and support you need to make your caregiving journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Visit our websites at SG Assist and CareConnect, and our Caregiver Resource Centre, to find the information and tools you need to take care of yourself and your loved ones. We also invite you to stay up-to-date with the latest news and resources by filling out our form here. Let SG Assist be your partner in caregiving.