COMFORT KEEPERS

Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement Caring for a Loved One – Help ! Question: My mother, who is 81 years old, has dementia and lives with us. I love her very much and am glad she is with us, but I’m getting very tired. Not only do I care for her, but I also care for my own family and find my patience is running out with everyone. I feel I’m reaching a breaking point. What should I do? Mark Sheets Greater Richmond Area Comfort Keepers owner Answer: You are not alone! Caring for an aging parent is a great concern to millions of Americans. In fact, statistics show that adults will spend more years caring for a parent than for a child. What you are feeling is very normal. Support groups can provide education, resources, coping skills, and the personal empowerment that comes from sharing your experiences. Most important, however, is that you must take care of yourself! If you neglect your own health or life, you will become less effective as a caregiver and in your other important relationships. Time spent away from it all—or respite— is critical if you are going to continue caring for your family. Ask others to come in and stay with your mother while you go out. If friends and family aren’t available, consider a professional companionship agency, such as Comfort Keepers. A regular, weekly schedule of help that you can count on can make all the difference. Paid Advertisement Comfort Keepers provides assistance to those in need of respite. Services can include Companionship, light housekeeping, shopping, errands, cooking, and many others. For more information go to www.comfortkeepers.com/richmondwest-va or call 750-1123