The Importance of a Care Plan for an Aging Family Member
When I was an adolescent, I grew up with the impression that everything is forever. Of course, I wanted to become an adult and to live alone, to have my money and spend it on parties, traveling, and gadgets. But as years went by and I slowly became an adult, I started to realize how important family is. I attended a university outside my hometown and started seeing my family less frequently. And with every visit, I realized that my parents are getting older. I have realized that my grandparents already need specialized care. I want them to have the best care that will allow them to live peacefully and happily. Or, if they develop some conditions that will affect their lifestyle, I want them to be cared for appropriately.
We all love our parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles. And we want the best for them. Developing a care plan for our aging family members makes the relationship between the professional caregivers and your family members much easier.
What Is a Care Plan?
A care plan is a document that is created in agreement with the aging family member and their medical professional. This document contains essential information that should be in the possession of nurses, caregivers, doctors, other family members, and anyone who is taking care of the family member.
Why is it so important? Because…
It helps you ensure your family member is taken care of appropriately
This is very important because family members are some of the closest people to our souls. It is wrenching to see how your parents or other family members are aging because you know someday all that will remain is your memory of them. Aging family members can develop chronic conditions or disorders that require special care. These conditions may interfere with each other, so awareness of all the patient’s symptoms and conditions helps the caregivers be prepared.
You understand their needs
Many of us like to read and learn about various symptoms, causes, or evolution of different diseases because we want to be ready. But this education also helps us understand the needs of an aging family member who suffers from a particular condition. There might be required medications, each of which comes with dosage information. It is important to talk with the doctor of your family member to understand how the medicine will be given and taken.
You find out what they need to thrive
When an aging family member is in need, your heart starts melting and you want to do everything possible to help them have a peaceful life. A care plan helps you better understand their needs, whether exercise or therapy, diet, medications, or activities of daily living.
You will be their support
The more you understand the physical needs of your aging family member, the more empathetic you will be. At the same time, it is important to not forget that every elder has social and emotional needs, too. Developing this care plan will make you more aware of your loved one’s needs and will guide you as you try to do the best for that loved one.
–by Justin Osborne
About the Author:
Justin is a marketing specialist and essay writer from Leicester, UK. When not working and rooting for Leicester FC, he likes to discuss new trends in digital marketing and share his own ideas with readers on different blogs and forums. Currently, he is working as a content marketer at DoMyHomework.club.
Photos from unsplashed.com.