Milicent sank into the sofa, her limbs aching from a long stressful day. This has been her routine ever since she started caring for her grandparents.

The dim glow of the lamp on the centre table cast shadows on the pages of the photo album before her. Memories flashed with each page and it seemed like she was in a time machine going through the timeline of her grandparents’ lives.

As the antique clock ticked, Milicent was reminded to get some rest, but her gaze lingered on a photograph—it was her grandparents’ civil wedding ceremony. They looked so happy and vibrant.

She couldn’t reconcile this image to the reality of her grandparents’ current situation. I am glad I still have them here. Life is a gift, she thought. Whether a shared smile or the gentle touch of her hand on their own, every moment was priceless.

Although difficult, the love she felt for her grandparents superseded the challenges. As she closed the photo album, she felt a tinge of sadness, but also of gratitude. A tear escaped her eye.

Caring for our elders is a compassionate act, but is often very challenging. While Milicent derived pleasure in caring for her grandparents, it did not in any way diminish the stress. 

In this article, we want to shed light on these challenges so that you can be better equipped to handle them while caring for your elderly relatives.

Challenges to expect when caring for your elderly relatives include:

Extensive Health Issues

As our elders advance in age, it is not uncommon for them to experience different health issues that require increased medical attention, medication management, and potential lifestyle adjustments. These health complications can range from chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and arthritis, to more severe conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Managing these health issues can be stressful, and it is important to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop an effective treatment plan that meets your relative’s individual needs. In some cases, lifestyle adjustments such as changes to diet, exercise routine, and sleeping habits may also be necessary to ensure optimal health and wellbeing. 

As our elders age, they may experience an emotional rollercoaster of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated for seniors who have lost friends and loved ones, experienced changes in their physical health, or have limited mobility that makes it difficult to engage in social activities. 

That’s why it’s important to provide emotional support and companionship to seniors. Spending time with them, listening to their stories, and engaging in activities they enjoy can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression. Simple gestures like a phone call, a friendly visit, or a thoughtful gift can go a long way in making seniors feel valued and supported. 

When seniors feel that they are being considered and listened to, they are likely to feel happier and become more receptive to your care. Some behavioural issues which had previous been identified may even be alleviated.

Caregiving is a demanding task that requires time, attention, and energy. As seen in Milicent’s life, when caregiving is combined with personal and professional obligations, it can create a lot of stress and anxiety. 

It is important to find a balance that allows you to manage your caregiving duties and work responsibilities without compromising your well-being. This can involve setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks and seeking support from others. It is also highly recommended that you take regular breaks during the day and create a realistic self-care routine for yourself. Establishing a fair balance between your personal and caregiving responsibilities will help you reduce stress and improve your overall quality of life.

Another option may be to seek short term respite by allowing your loved one to live in a residential care home facility like @Ìtọ́jú, where he or she will experience personalised, high standard care. This will allow you to recuperate for some months until you decide to resume your caregiving duties.

When it comes to end-of-life preferences, it can be a difficult and emotionally charged topic for both the person discussing their wishes and the loved ones who are trying to support them. Additionally, making difficult decisions related to healthcare and living arrangements can also be a source of stress and emotional strain. It’s important to approach these conversations with care, empathy, and understanding, taking the time to listen to each other and make decisions together that align with the individual’s wishes and values.

Caring for our elders comes with both rewards and challenges. It is vital to be aware of these challenges and find solutions that allow you to provide the best care possible while maintaining your own well-being. 

Working closely with healthcare professionals, being in-tune with your elderly loved one’s emotional and mental well-being, finding a balance between your personal and caregiving responsibilities, and having open and honest conversations about end-of-life preferences, can ensure that our elders receive the care and support they need.

For more helpful information about elderly care, we invite you to read more articles on our blog. Join us, @Ìtọ́jú, in building a society where our elders in Nigeria can age gracefully and enjoy a high quality of life.