As I mentioned in my introduction to this book, I have tried to pull together as much information as I can to help family carers look after older relatives, in order to help you to find some of the answers to questions you may have, and to help reduce the stress of caring just a little. So many more of us will take on caring responsibilities over the next few decades, as our populations continue to age.
Everyone ages differently, at different ages and with different physical and mental health challenges to confront. All families have their own personal dynamics and relationships vary from very close to quite distant. Consequently, no single volume can offer up solutions to every individual challenge older people and their family carers may face. However, I hope that you have found that this book can provide some level of support for you, both practically and emotionally.
Being a carer is hard work, because you do exactly that – you care. You are required to source not only practical solutions to problems, but also to provide essential emotional support. Let me reassure you … you really are doing the best you can, and that’s all you can do. Feeling stressed and guilty at times is inevitable, but it will not help you get through the minefield of elder care and it may even cause you to compromise your own health.
If I have achieved nothing else with this manual, I have at least provided my own two sons with a guide as to what to do with me as I age. I wish them good luck – I probably won’t be easy!