The Importance of Caring for a Loved One

There comes a point in many individuals’ lives where they have to step up and offer care services to their elderly parent or other loved one. In addition to the physical challenges—like bathing, feeding, and other potential personal care needs—the role reversal is a difficult, emotional change. With all of this to consider, many are hesitant to take on the role of caregiver.

But the importance of caring for a loved one extends far past the above. Before making a decision, it is crucial you understand just how important your new role will be.

Your help is to their physical benefit

As we age, things aren’t as physically easy as they once were. Our muscles and bones start to lose their strength, our joints start to cause us pain, and suddenly cooking is exhausting. Getting in and out of the shower is a challenge. Even dressing has its problems.

When you act as a caregiver for your loved one, you offer them physical relief they otherwise wouldn’t have. This will not only be best for their physical comfort, but for their physical safety. In addition to the risk of pulling something and hurting themselves, your loved one is also at risk of falling. With your help, the care recipient won’t have to struggle and strain to complete these important activities of daily living.

Your help is to their emotional benefit

Asking for help is a difficult hurdle to overcome. While your family member might feel strange initially receiving your care, there is no question about whether or not your work will be appreciated. When acting as a family caregiver, you are giving them the support they need to live in the comfort of their home. This offers them more emotional support than you can imagine.

In addition to supporting their physical health and daily living needs, you are also there to act as a companion. Usually due to mobility problems, older adults who live at home are more likely to experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. These individuals often experience anxiety and depression, which has negative repercussions on their health.

When a senior has a caregiver, they have the opportunity to connect with another individual on a regular basis. This will serve as a benefit to both their mental and physical health, but it is also a fantastic opportunity for you too. Perhaps for the first time, you will have the opportunity to build a strong connection with this family member that you never could before.

Be paid for the work you already do

Acting as a family caregiver is a rewarding job, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t difficult at times. Depending on your loved one’s needs, you may have to call off work to support them. This can lead to financial instability for the family caregiver, which is a stressful circumstance to end up in.

With Home Care Powered by AUAF, you can be compensated for the care you provide a loved one. The Community Care Program organized by the Illinois Department on Aging gives home care agencies the capability to offer training to family caregivers so they can provide care to their elderly loved one. We are happy to be one of those home care agencies.

In order to qualify for the program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or one year of comparable experience
• Reside in the state of Illinois and have authorization to work in the United States
• Pass background checks
• Complete orientation and training

If you’d like to learn more about how you can start making $18 an hour while supporting your loved one, call us at 773-274-9262. We would be happy to help.