It’s a stage not an age. Over the last couple of days I have been talking with a lady who volunteers to care for a couple aged loved ones who don’t have family nearby. Once a week she pops around to see how they are going and takes them shopping and helps out with a few odds and bods.
One of the things we were discussing is how some people can handle “growing old” well and some don’t.
Some people are young at 90 and some people are old at 70.
And it is very true!
Then you throw into the mix that people react differently at different stages of their life and it doesn’t matter what age they are.
It all comes down to the individual and you have to approach each situation at each time.
Understanding your aged loved one is the most important thing, talk to them find out how they really feel and what is going on behind their feelings. You may just find out something new about them. Use your compassion wisely it is one of your greatest gifts.
One of the issues I often hear is that “you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t” it becomes frustrating. You are trying to make it right for everyone and all of a sudden everyone is complaining. You really need to be aware that your aged loved one is confused and going through lots of issues. They are dealing with a lot of change, through in some grief and you have recipe for heartbreak.
Take a moment and just breathe.
We know how hard you have been working to make it work for everyone.
You are doing an amazing job and now it is time to take some time for you.
The best gift you can give anyone to is to be present and if that means you need to gift yourself some time now to build your resilience do it. Do it now!
Enjoy a break so you don’t break.
It is really important to look after yourself it doesn’t matter what stage or what age your aged loved one is at you really do need to care for yourself.
Find your support network and build your resilience.
Aged Care with Ease is here to help you. Send an email to agedcarewithease@gmail.com or give Rita a call on 0414491764 to find out how about the ACE support network and how we can help you.
