This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Elizz for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
I’ve always thought of my parents as young active people. They travel extensively and join tours on which they are usually at the top end of the age range, yet are the ones most eager to do everything. So when my friend was talking to me about what our plans are for them as they age I was a bit thrown. Plans? Surely we don’t need to think about that yet! But as I took a step back and really thought about it, I realized they may be active and able now but there will come a time when they will need help, either from me and my sister or from qualified professionals.
I remember my parents caring for my Grannie. It was rather sudden, her condo suffered major water damage and was uninhabitable for several weeks. She had always lived alone and took pride in her independence. However, during the time she lived with my parents it became evident to them that she needed help on a regular basis. They talked with family and it was decided the best option was assisted living. She was happy there and it was a good fit for her. They didn’t have a resource to tap for information about assessing her needs or level of care requirements, they had to try to figure it out on their own.
For my parents I hope that by finding resources such as Elizz, I will have options open for caring for them at home, if even for a short time, before needing to send them to a care home. The site shares stories and strategies for caregivers, and one article in particular stood out to me, the 5 Stages of Caregiving. These steps guide you through knowing what your needs are and what comes next. In a simple chart like format you can easily assess what stage your loved one is in and plan for the ones to come. After reading this I felt much more relaxed and ready to talk to my parents about their wishes for future care. At the moment they are completely independent, but at some point one or both may require support and using the 5 Stages of Caregiving Quiz as a guide I will be able to confidently gauge their needs and ensure they are happy and safe. But caregiving isn’t only about the ones receiving care, equally important are the needs of the caregiver.
Being a caregiver for many hours a day can be emotionally and physically exhausting. If you are a caregiver, it is critical that the caregiver feel supported and have a resource to turn to for guidance. Elizz is there for the caregiver with information, caregiver support groups, online counseling and respite care. There are many levels of support for caregivers and the ones who depend on them https://elizz.com/services. When the time comes for decisions to be made for my parents, I know I can trust the professional team at Elizz to guide me through process. The services are custom tailored to each individual’s needs, and they are always there to help make transitions easier for caregivers and care receivers.
Being a caregiver is a challenging yet always rewarding experience, and Elizz is there for whatever you need, when you need it. Luckily I don’t have to leap into this world right now, but I am happy to have had the chance to speak with my parents and sister about what “may” be coming down the line in the years to come. Sometimes our greatest fears are the ones we just have not faced, and by having the information and resources to understand the process, we can alleviate them. Which Elizz caregiver services are right for you?