What is veneration? Simply put, veneration is the expression of respect or reverence inspired by dignity, wisdom, dedication or talent, often of an elder. Veneration is also a new initiative aiming to raise awareness of aging Americans. It involves finding connections to other generations, presenting solutions to the challenges facing older adults and rebuilding the dignity that our elders deserve. It is a great tool for new and experienced caregivers to navigate the difficulties of caring for an elderly adult.
Building Bridges Between Generations
Veneration is aimed at the changing “Sandwich Generation” — adults who are caught between caring for both their children and aging parents. In 2022, a study from the Journal of American Geriatrics Society documented more than 2 million sandwich generation caregivers in the U.S. As the number of elderly adults continues to rise, it is important that veneration remains at the center of caregiving relationships.
Veneration is not only helpful for caregivers, but it is also an excellent way for the Sandwich Generation to help build relationships between their children and their lonely elderly parents. If you are unsure how to help a lonely parent, involve your teenagers. They can spend time with your loved one while helping them with household tasks. This can spark memorable conversations and strengthen family ties.
Learn How to Care for an Elderly Adult
When you have deep reverence for your loved one, you want to make sure they always receive the best care possible. Elderly adults deal with difficult health challenges and loneliness that can impact their physical and emotional health. Having a consistent positive attitude makes a difference. It keeps you and your loved one at peace while creating an atmosphere conducive to good health.
However, veneration is only successful when caregivers are in a healthy place. The American Heart Association has great tips on caring for yourself so you can provide the best care for a loved one:
- Exercise: Moving your body with regular exercise, like a brisk walk, is a great way to release endorphins that boost your mood and reduce stress.
- Proper Diet: Food is fuel. With the right foods in your body, you can maintain the energy you need to care for your loved one to the best of your ability.
- Sleep: Not getting enough sleep can greatly impact your mood. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night to stay refreshed throughout the day.
- Take Care of Yourself: Take care of your physical body and other important needs, such as your finances, job duties or other family responsibilities.
Ask for Help
Even with all these great tips, you may still wonder, “What is veneration and how can it help me prevent burnout in my caregiving journey?” Because of caregivers’ unique position in the lives of elderly adults, they, too, can face emotional and physical exhaustion. Through helpful and supportive resources, community activities and communication, veneration can open doors for other informal caregivers to alleviate any stress.
Veneration can also help you find support from caregiving services. If you cannot get assistance from family or friends, respite care is a great source of support. An in-home caregiver provides you with temporary relief from your caregiving duties, so you can take time to relax and refresh. When you return, you have the compassion and patience needed to strengthen the relationship with the elderly adult you are caring for.
Create Meaningful Memories With Elderly Adults
Taking care of a loved one doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a memorable experience you and your family cherish for years to come. Veneration can be the first step in helping you reclaim positive caregiving and a healthy relationship with the elderly adult in your life.
FirstLight Home Care works with many Sandwich Generation parent-children, helping take some of the responsibility and time commitment from busy informal caregivers. By offering non-medical, in-home care, FirstLight caregivers can make your loved one stay comfortable and independent in his or her own home, giving you much-needed time to manage your own life.
Contact FirstLight today! We can help you answer questions like “What is veneration?” and provide the right resources to help your loved one have their best day every day.