5 Guidelines for Caring for an Elderly Spouse

By 8  am on

How to Care for an Elderly Spouse in Addison, TX

Taking care of your spouse is something you vowed to do, even in the face of sickness and hard times. Although the responsibilities of caregiving can be challenging, boosting your spouse’s health and building more memories will be worth it. Use the tips below to make the caregiving process easier on you and your marriage. 

1. Remain Patient

Your spouse may experience a variety of negative emotions, including anger, confusion, and agitation, and he or she may act out violently as a result. There will be times when you need to show more patience than you have in the past, especially if your spouse has a serious age-related illness such as dementia or osteoporosis.  Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need help caring for your elderly spouse. At-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

2. Ask Your Spouse to Help

Caring for an elderly spouse can lead to an imbalanced relationship, which is why you need to ask your spouse to give as much as he or she takes. If your spouse can still complete daily tasks independently, encourage him or her to help. Receiving help from your spouse may preserve your relationship and reduce caregiver stress. If your spouse isn’t able to do a lot, he or she can still express gratitude and give you compliments from time to time.

3. Get the Family Involved

Asking your children to help with your spouse’s care could prevent caregiver burnout and allow you to spend more time taking care of your personal health needs. Keep in mind aging is also causing your health to decrease, but with self-care, you can keep your mental and physical health in good shape. Being around children and other family members or friends could give you and your spouse the personal time you need.  Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Irving families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. 

4. Recognize Your Triggers

Knowing your triggers may help you prevent confrontations with your spouse. Once you recognize these triggers, you can develop healthy ways to manage the issues instead of turning to unhealthy methods such as smoking and overeating.  Whenever you feel an emotional outburst coming on, go to your room and take a nap. You could also read a book or write in your journal while drinking tea on the patio. The objective is to recognize stressful situations and develop a positive way to handle them. 

5. Be a Great Supporter

Your spouse may put up a brave front for you, but on the inside, he or she might be scared, embarrassed, or sad, which is why you need to show your support. You know your spouse better than anyone, so you know what causes him or her to feel sad and what can put a smile on his or her face. On the days your spouse needs a hug, give two or three. Make sure to compliment his or her improvements while recovering from an illness or injury. Being strong for your spouse may provide the strength he or she needs to recharge and carry on.  Providing care for a loved one can be challenging, and it can be especially difficult when it’s your spouse. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional home care, Irving Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (817) 591-1580.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG

    Request Free Information or
    Schedule a Free in-Home Consultation