5 Tips After Your Spouse Starts Long-Term Care
by Family Councils Ontario
Guest post by Emma R. Cook
It requires an incredible amount of strength to make the decision to put your spouse into long-term care. It’s an emotional and physical challenge learning how to do life without them with you at home. The good news is that there are ways to ease that burden and you don’t have to do it all alone. Here are five tips you can implement after your spouse starts long-term care that will improve your quality of life.
1. Take care of yourself
The process of getting your spouse into long-term care requires you to be completely selfless. You may not have thought about what your life would look like after that transition. It’s important to take care of yourself throughout the journey. Make sure you’re still getting the right amount of nutrients, exercise, and sleep.
2. Get involved in the community
Getting involved with others in your area is a great way to meet people with common interests. Maybe this means starting a book club or joining a support group. Try to start something new when your spouse begins long-term care so that you can make friends and maintain a healthy, well-rounded life.
3. Start the process of downsizing
The thought of having to go through all of your belongings can seem daunting, but it’s important to start sooner rather than later. If you don’t know where to start, address the rooms with the most “stuff” such as the living room, bedroom, dining area and kitchen (SeniorLiving.org). If you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends and family.
4. Keep your home in good condition
It’s important to make sure to keep your home in great condition, especially if you plan on moving in the upcoming years. Think about the pricey items in your home and make sure to take care of any faulty appliances. The cost to completely replace a dishwasher or refrigerator can be thousands of dollars (House Method). Schedule any repairs needed before it gets to the point that you’ll need to replace them entirely.
5. Talk to your loved ones
One of the most important things to remember throughout this process is that you’re not alone. Don’t allow yourself to bottle up emotions—pick up your phone and call a friend or family member when you’re feeling down, overwhelmed, or lonely. Give yourself permission to be honest about where you’re at in your journey and remember, you’re not alone.
Emma Cook is a recent graduate and freelance writer working hard to build her portfolio. Whether it's aging, home life, or mental health, her goal is to empower others to live their fullest life—and her strategy is writing.
Photo courtesy of unsplash: https://unsplash.com/photos/-c9N9RgjOPU