You’re a Caregiver in Seal Beach CA, Not a Drill Sergeant: Knowing the Limits!
When you’re a caregiver, especially to a loved one, you want to make sure that they have everything that they need. However, there’s a fine line to being a quality home care provider and doing too much, saying too much, or being too forceful. Take a step back when you feel that you need to, and ensure that your loved one gets the right level of support.
Some of the most common mistakes that a caregiver can make when it comes to providing home care to a loved one are that they do too much for the elderly individual, they try to tell them what they can or can’t do (or should or shouldn’t do), or they try to be too forceful.
Being a caregiver does not mean that you’re going to be a drill sergeant. Take a moment, and a breath, and step back and think about what you’re doing. Is it in the best interest of the elderly individual, or in yours?
- Don’t be a boss. Whether this is your mother, father, or another elderly loved one, you’re not their boss. You may feel as though you know best for them, but that doesn’t mean you can tell them what to do or when to do it. Are they watching a movie late at night and you tell them that they must get into bed now? You’re not their parent and if you find that you’re acting like one, it’s time to step back.
- Don’t do too much for them. While you may want to take care of all of the peripheral things, like getting them to the shower, cleaning all of the dishes, or washing and folding all of the laundry, if they are physically capable of doing things for themselves, then they should be doing at least some of these things. When you do too much, you take away their independence, and that is something that may already feel that they have lost to some degree.
- Don’t be forceful. Your elderly loved one has earned respect. That means even if you feel that they aren’t doing something that they could, or should be doing at this time, don’t get mad, don’t yell, and do not try to force them to do what you want.
Your job as a caregiver for your loved one is to be supportive and to ensure their health and safety. If you can’t step back and not be a drill sergeant, then it might be time to call on a professional home care provider.
If you have any follow-up questions, please contact us (310) 400-6869…we are always here to assist;You are Important to Us!
Alicia Aguirre
As a Registered Nurse and primary owner of Caregiving for You, Alicia Aguirre brings over 30 years of hands-on experience as a healthcare practitioner. She began her career in 1980 as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), helping patients in a large convalescent home. In 1984 she transferred to another convalescent care center, added advanced training to her repertoire, and became an Administrator and Activity Director. Alicia worked continuously while raising her daughters, and in 2004 she earned her R.N. licensure. She wanted to make a genuine contribution in her field and to the community with her years of expertise. In 2005 she opened Caregivers U.S.A., Inc. with her daughter, Claudia. Finally, in 2009, Alicia opened Coastal House Residential Care Facility (RCF) in Santa Monica. Alicia is our head Case Manager, meeting with and assessing every client’s needs. She formulates a customized, individualized care plan and matches the appropriate caregiver with each client. During her time off, she enjoys walks at the beach with her husband of 40 years, daughters, and nephew. Alicia’s dream of having her daughters, Claudia and Eva, join her in the medical field has come true. They are carrying on Alicia’s legacy and maintaining her dream of genuinely helping others. Google
