Being a primary caregiver for a loved one can be a rewarding job to have. It can also be a stressful one. Taking care of an elderly loved one requires patience, mental strength and creativity, among other attributes. Sometimes you have to dig deep to find new ways to get through the day to keep both you and your patient mentally stimulated, physically active and overall healthy. These creative tools and resources can make your job easier by offering helpful advice, caregiving tips, new ideas and much more.
Mobility Devices
Mobility devices benefit the primary caregiver as much as they do the patient. Things like a wheelchair ramp, stair lift, grab bars, mobility scooter and more can make moving around much easier for the patient. And for the caregiver, you won’t have to use as much strength to help your patient get where they need to go, which can prevent injuries to both of you. A wheelchair ramp and a stair lift are two of the most common mobility devices people invest in first, so consider your needs and how beneficial they could be.
Online Forums
You may not have a lot of social interaction outside of the home of your patient, so consider finding online forums to communicate with others on. Specific groups are available to share caregiving stories, provide caregiving tips, inspiration, facts and much more. Even if you don’t wish to participate in the conversations, simply reading through them can be beneficial for your mind as well.
iPad Or Tablet
Investing in an iPad or tablet can be valuable for both you and your patient. Your patient can read books, play interactive games, look at photos and more to keep them entertained and their mind sharp. Caregivers can also take part in these activities, as well as download apps to help you do your job better. Keeping track of a senior’s schedule can be a challenge when you have to juggle their medication, insurance information, medical care plan and more. Find an app that is suitable for your situation and you can keep all of the information in one place for easy access.
AARP Caregiving Assistance
A valuable resource to visit regularly is the AARP Planning Guide for Families and Caregivers. It provides anything from checklists to caregiving tips, blogs on various topics and much more. It’s a go-to resource for caregivers who have questions on certain aspects of their job, so consider making it a part of your day by seeing what’s new on their website.
Next Day Access respects primary caregivers to the fullest extent possible. We understand how difficult your job is and sometimes it may seem like it’s not getting any easier. Our goal is to make your job as easy as possible by providing mobility products to help your loved one move around easier. Visit our website or give us a call to see how we can improve your patient’s mobility and make your job as a primary caregiver easier.