Focusing on Safety for a Senior Loved One Is Good, but What About You?

Elder Care in Inverness FL

You’ve been taking care of your husband for a long time. Maybe it’s been several months or even years. While you are both in your 70s or 80s, you took your vows seriously to honor and cherish him and support him, in sickness and in health. You’ve never thought twice about it, but lately you are more focused on his safety than your own.

As a senior, safety is going to be compromised.

It has nothing to do with any health issues you may be facing or that he’s going through. It has to do with the natural process of aging. As much as it may be discouraging from time to time, even if you exercise regularly you will lose more and more muscle as the years pass.

What about your safety?

As a primary family caregiver, you probably put the needs of this other person ahead of your own. You think about his safety. You see his limited mobility, the challenges he’s facing at the moment, and want to do everything you can to make sure he doesn’t slip and fall and face serious potential injuries.

However, if you’re not focused on your own safety, then you could be the one who ends up in the hospital dealing with serious injuries that can take months or even years to recover from.

What happens if you’re rushing around?

Even though you’re both retired, you may have a lot of things to get done during the day. Perhaps you spend most of the morning helping him get ready for the day. Then you spend the afternoon helping to prepare meals, do some cleaning, and running other errands. By the evening you’re rushing to get everything done, assist him to get changed back into his nightclothes, and get him into bed.

The more you rush around, the more you increase safety issues for yourself.

Are you sleeping enough?

A lack of sleep can lead to a loss of focus, even more diminished strength, and other safety issues for seniors and others. If you are a family caregiver and you’re not taking care of yourself, putting your safety first, what happens in the event you are injured and can no longer support him?

There’s a reason why passengers of airlines are advised in the event of an emergency to secure their oxygen mask before doing so for their child; if you don’t take care of yourself first, you both lose.

Just make sure you focus on your safety as much as this elderly loved one in your life.

The staff at Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care provides quality and affordable elder care in Inverness, FL and the surrounding areas. Call (352) 289-0450 for more information.