Do you know what support you need on the caring journey? If you asked me this question during my caring journey I wouldn’t have been able to answer you.
I was so overwhelmed with what was going on I just stumbled from one challenge to the next. It wasn’t until I was on the final stages of my caring journey, after Dad passed, that I realised that I needed help.
Please understand that it is ok to need help. I wish I had opened my eyes and my heart earlier and asked for help. I was pushing everyone away and trying to do it all. It was my job to care for Dad and I was going to do it all myself. I didn’t accept help even when it was offered, offered from family and friends.
How do you know what support you need?
Do you know what your life looks like?
At Aged Care with Ease (ACE) we have developed a series of questions called the ACEr Review where we look at all areas of your life and work out where you need the support.
Check out the resources page on this website for free handouts and information that will help ease your caring journey.
Where do you start?
Take the time to look and see where you can get some help. You don’t have to do it all. There are services available to help and as part of your aged loved ones’ entitlements you may be able to spend quality time with your aged loved one instead of running around all the time.
One of the greatest moments with Dad was when we just sat and talked. Finding out what was on his mind and more importantly finding out things from his past – our family history was very special. It is one of my regrets that I didn’t spend more time just talking to him. Yes he needed care and assistance with things however I could have outsourced those things and spend more time with Dad creating more memories. To be honest what is more important – the wonderful memories finding out about the family, sharing laughter with your aged loved one or knowing that you did the shopping, paid the bills, did the laundry.
Here’s another thought for you – by employing someone to do these jobs you are also helping the community – providing employment.
To find out what entitlements your aged loved one has check the ACAT.
Another suggestion is that students can help out too – people studying for aged care may need some extra money, or maybe University students. Family friend’s children looking for a bit of extra pocket money. There are many options – if you want some advice contact me on agedcarewithease@gmail.com.
You don’t have to do this by yourself.
