Although spouses seem like a logical choice to assist with the elderly they can often get overwhelmed. From proper diet to medicine doses and personal health care an elderly spouse as sole caregiver can become exhausted and embittered.

After my grandmother had a serious stroke her husband became a 24 hour nurse, cook, cleaner and errand runner. A devoted husband he never had a moment to himself in his golden years. Finally at the insistence of their kids they looked into family caregiver resources. Starting with their personal acquaintances they found an old friend to hire for house cleaning duties and cooking a hot meal twice a week. This small act helped both my grandfather and grandmother enormously.

Inspired, my grandparents sought out caregiver training agencies to assist even further.  Through the training agencies they hired a graduate of the caregiver training programs.  The caregiver assisted in dispensing medicine, personal hygiene, (right down to coloring and setting my grandmothers hair) and fixing light meals.

The added assistance allowed my grandfather to leave the house and meet friends or run errands without worrying about his wife’s welfare.  Hiring a part-time caregiver  also lifted some of the responsibilities from their children, who had families of their own. Now the family can spend more quality time together.

Technorati Tags: family caregiver resources, caregiver training, caregiver training programs