We talk a lot about the long-term effects of caring for an elderly loved one, whether they be physical, mental, or emotional. However, not much is said about what should be done after elderly care is finally contacted and your loved one is being looked after by professionals. Which is a shame, because that is one of the most vital parts of the whole process. So, what should you do after all the emotional and physical turmoil has for all intents and purposes passed, and now you have your life back to yourself? If you are about to contact elderly care services in Monterey CA, and are wondering about what should be done after, here is a brief guide.
In short, care for yourself
If you’ve been looking after your aging loved one for a particularly long time, you’ve likely been put under all kinds of mental, physical, and emotional stress. So the best thing you can do for yourself in the immediate aftermath is starting getting your personal life back on track. Request time off from work if you haven’t already, and just try to relax as best as you can. It’ll be hard since your brain has likely spent quite some time in permanent danger mode in case your loved one needed something. Which is why the important next step is to get with a therapist to talk.
Talk to a therapist
Professionals have likened the long-term psychological effects of elderly care for those not trained for the job to that of PTSD. And anyone who goes through PTSD will tell you that it’s not something you should deal with on your own. See a shrink on a regular basis, and confide in them all the conflicting thoughts and feelings that are likely going through your head right now. Believe them when they tell you that they’re there to help you. And most importantly, remember that you don’t have to rush it, and indeed, you shouldn’t. Let it all come out naturally and open up when you’re good and ready.
When you’re ready, visit your loved one
Whether it’s at their home where a home is a provider is looking after them, or at a community where they’ll be safe and attended to, schedule a visit when you feel you’ve gotten everything back in order. Depending on how serious your loved one’s dementia had gotten, you both may have seen the very worst of each other. But it’s important to let them know that they have not been abandoned, but rather that you wanted what was best for both of you.
It can be hard adjusting back to life post caring for an aging loved one. But you should never think that you’re alone in this, or that you’re callous by relenting to professional care. If you’re now unable to decide on what service to hire, there’s no one better place than Pacific Angels Home Care.
