Caring for a family member can be rewarding yet requires some planning to avoid stress and burnout. Whether you're stepping into the role of caregiver for the first time or you're adjusting to the evolving needs of a loved one, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. However, with the right approach, you can create a balance that allows you to take care of your loved one while also taking care of yourself.
Even though most of us are thrown into the caregiving role with little to no notice, there are steps you can take to get organized, including embracing technology and creating a group of caregivers to provide support.
Here are some helpful tips for new family caregivers.
1. Learn as Much as You Can
Understanding your loved one’s condition is the first step to providing the best care. Take time to research their illness or disability so that you know what to expect as a family caregiver. Consult with healthcare professionals, join support groups, and seek online resources. The more informed you are, the better prepared you’ll be to manage their care. The more you learn, the more you can plan, prepare and put caregiver management tools in place.
Learn what it is to be a family caregiver and what may be asked of you – time and money – and what may be expected of your significant other and children of your commitment, if relevant.
2. Build a Support System
Caregiving is not a one-person job. No one can do it alone, if you have the choice. Reach out to friends, family, church, neighbors and community resources and ask who would be able to help out, any way they can.
Delegate tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, activities, or even taking over caregiving duties for a few hours to give yourself a break. You’ll be a more effective caregiver when you have support and time to recharge. Use an app like this one to manage it all.
3. Establish a Routine
Predictability is comforting, especially for individuals who are aging or dealing with chronic conditions. Routines are important so that your loved one leads a regular life and knows what to expect. It also helps them feel they have a purpose.
Create a daily schedule that includes meals, medications, exercise, rest and activities can help you, your loved one and other caregivers ensure that nothing is missed. Sticking to a routine helps you manage time more effectively and reduces stress for both you and your loved one.
Looking forward and creating a calendar for the month can provide everyone a long view of appointments and tasks delegated to other caregivers.
4. Practice Self-care
It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of caregiving and neglect your own health, as well as other responsibilities. But caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. Make time for activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, exercising, or spending time with friends. This will keep you mentally and physically strong, ensuring you can provide the best care possible. Schedule a massage or reward yourself with a treat because you deserve it.
5. Communicate Openly
Keep open lines of communication with your loved one, family and other caregivers. Have honest conversations about your loved one’s needs and preferences. It’s also important to be upfront with your own feelings. Setting boundaries and asking for help is key to avoiding resentment. It takes a village. Expressing frustration, burnout and your needs early can prevent more significant issues down the line.
Moreover, other caregivers need to be allowed to voice their needs and concerns or directly engage with other caregivers in the group when their own personal needs prevent them from completing tasks.
6. Get Organized
Managing medical appointments, medications, and paperwork can quickly become overwhelming. Invest in a planner, use free digital tools or free apps to track important dates and notes. Our app allows you to store medical information, track tasks and set reminders for medications or appointments.
Free digital tools like shared documents on Google allow caregivers to share information and review an active calendar and set reminders.
Staying organized will save time and reduce stress for everyone and ensure nothing is missed in caregiving.
7. Seek Professional Help When Needed
There may come a time when you need additional help. Don’t hesitate to seek professional caregiving services or respite care to assist with the day-to-day responsibilities. Online resources can connect you with experienced caregivers and give you access to community support.
It’s important to remember that there is a difference between experienced skill care (someone who can administer medications and manage vitals) and care companions, which can be more affordable. Sometimes you just need someone onsite when you are not able to engage, socialize and help maintain the care routine, even help with transportation to doctors’ appointments or the store.
8. Know Your Limits
It’s okay to admit that you can’t do it all. As a caregiver, you may face physical, emotional, and financial challenges that increase over time. Acknowledge your limits and be realistic about what you can handle and what needs to be delegated to others. This will prevent burnout and ensure that your loved one continues to receive the best care possible.
9. Prepare for the Future
Preparing for the future comes in two forms.
Preparing for the increased demand on your time, energy and perhaps financial assistance will lessen the event of any surprises. It’s also important to realize when the time may come when you can no longer care for your loved one but necessary to move them on to assisted living or skilled nursing center.
Secondly, as much as we might want to avoid thinking about it, planning for the future is essential. Discuss legal and financial matters with your loved one, including power of attorney, living wills, and healthcare directives. Being proactive in these discussions will make any future transitions smoother and when the time comes you can seamlessly plan events to meet your loved one’s desires.
10. Stay Positive
Caregiving can be hard, but it’s important to focus on the positives. Celebrate the small victories—whether it’s a good day for your loved one or a moment where you’re able to connect with them on a deeper level. As loved one’s age, or become more ill, it can become frustrating.
Finding some joy in shared activities can remind you of why you are making the commitment you are. Moments of laughter and smiles, even small ones, are rewarding and precious moments.
All in all, stay patient and remember why you’re providing care in the first place.
Conclusion
Stepping into the role of a family caregiver can be daunting and overwhelming, but with preparation, planning, patience, and support, you can navigate this journey with confidence. Remember that you’re not alone—there are resources and communities of family, friends, and more out there to help you. Just ask. By caring for yourself as well as your loved one, you’ll be able to provide the love, attention, and assistance they need and being able to remain a happy, healthy and positive caregiver.
Opmerkingen