Caregiver for a Family Member—What it is and Why it is Important
As the name suggests, a caregiver is someone who tends to the needs and concerns of another person. In the context of an older adult, this often means offering assistance with the daily physical, medical, mental, social, and emotional needs of a loved one.
Whether your loved one suffers from a chronic illness, is suffering a short-term setback such as a broken bone, or just requires a little extra attention as they age, becoming a caregiver means spending your time, energy, and compassion on another person. Family caregivers play a big role in caring for the aging population and ensuring their physical, mental, and social health.
They are also often the main source of information about the patient’s condition. You act as an advocate, caretaker, nurse, and friend when you become a family caregiver.
While this is certainly a noble undertaking, it can also be overwhelming and all-consuming if you don’t take care of yourself first. Remember, the first role of caretaking is always to care for yourself first. Otherwise, you’ll burn out and you won’t have anything left to give.
Family Caregiver Support
There are several programs and support groups already in place that are designed to ease the burden of caregiving. There are grants designed to help alleviate some of the financial strain of caregiving and help pay for respite care. You can apply for these grants by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging.
There are also support groups for other family caregivers that allow you to network and find solace among your peers. These support groups allow you to talk and spend time with people who understand exactly what you’re going through. You can receive support, vent your feelings, and even get useful tips and tricks to make caregiving a little easier on you. These support groups are completely free, and many offer free respite care.
Self-care Practices as a Caregiver for Family Members
Talk About Your Feelings with Trusted Loved Ones
When you feel sad, angry, or frustrated, it is important to talk to someone about your feelings. You do not have to cope with these emotions on your own. In fact, sharing your feelings with family and friends who are close to you can help you release your negative emotions.
You can talk to your loved ones about how you are feeling and get advice on how to cope as a family caregiver. If you don’t have anyone in your life to talk to about your feelings, it might be helpful to join a support group for family caregivers. A support group can help you meet other people who are in the same situation that you are in and help you cope as a family caregiver.
Participate in Activities You Love
If you have been a family caregiver for a long time and you have neglected your hobbies and other passions, it is important to start taking part in activities that are meaningful to you again. You might feel guilty about doing things that are just for you. The truth is, though, that taking some time to do something you love is good for your mental and physical health.
Not sure where to start? Pick up a book in your favorite genre, start a puzzle, join a yoga class, or check out your local art center for weekly classes. Whatever you choose, the only requirement is that it brings you joy and helps you get out of your head for a few hours. It’s vital that you allow yourself to be you, not just a caregiver. Otherwise, resentment and depression may build.
Make a Caregiving Chore Checklist
If you are the main family caregiver for an aging parent or an adult with special needs, it is only a matter of time before you get caught up in a cycle of guilt and resentment. To avoid this, it is important to set some ground rules for yourself and your family member.
For example, you might agree not to do your family member’s laundry or clean the house unless it is a necessary task. Another thing you can do to cope as a family caregiver is to create a chore checklist for your loved one. You can include daily tasks such as taking medications, eating healthy meals, and going for a walk outside. Make sure you check off each chore as it is completed to keep track of what needs to be done.
Streamline your work as much as possible. Making things easy on yourself when you can is a form of self-care.
Hold Yourself to a Weekly Self-Care Ritual
It can be overwhelming when you are juggling the demands of a full-time job, being a parent, and caring for a family member who is ill. It is important to still set aside some time for yourself each week. You can do something as simple as taking a walk, reading a book, meditating, or enjoying a bubble bath.
For example, you can create a self-care ritual that involves relaxation and visualization. Before you go to bed each weeknight, take a few minutes to sit in silence, close your eyes, and imagine yourself letting go of your worries for the day.
It’s important that you perform this ritual at least once a week. Put it on your calendar and set aside real time for yourself to ensure that you’re resting and recharging. Don’t schedule over it; don’t let your family interrupt you. Nothing is more important than your mental and physical health.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
When caring for an aging parent or a family member with a chronic illness, it is important to ensure you get plenty of sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. You may find that you are sleeping less than usual because you have to wake up in the middle of the night to help your loved one with his or her needs.However, you should try to get as much sleep as you can during the day when you are not busy taking care of your loved one. It is also important to eat a balanced diet so that you can keep up with your daily activities. You might find that you don’t have time to make healthy meals for yourself between work and caring for your loved one. Consider investing in meal delivery services or meal kits so you can make healthy meals easily.
Again, making things easy for yourself as much as possible is a form of self-care. If you can afford it, consider hiring cleaners for your own home or investing in a lawn service. Delegate chores to other family members, and allow them to step up and help care for you and your family.
You’re Not Alone
Accepting help is difficult, but it is vital for long-term caregivers. Remember, you’re not alone. There is help available for family caregivers. From monetary aid to support groups, there are programs designed to help alleviate your burden.
A Complete Guide to Caring for Your Aging Loved One
For more information about caregiving and the programs available to you, download our free ebook! This guide to caring for your aging loved one covers your options from A to Z.
However, you should try to get as much sleep as you can during the day when you are not busy taking care of your loved one. It is also important to eat a balanced diet so that you can keep up with your daily activities. You might find that you don’t have time to make healthy meals for yourself between work and caring for your loved one. Consider investing in meal delivery services or meal kits so you can make healthy meals easily.
Again, making things easy for yourself as much as possible is a form of self-care. If you can afford it, consider hiring cleaners for your own home or investing in a lawn service. Delegate chores to other family members, and allow them to step up and help care for you and your family.
You’re Not Alone
Accepting help is difficult, but it is vital for long-term caregivers. Remember, you’re not alone. There is help available for family caregivers. From monetary aid to support groups, there are programs designed to help alleviate your burden.
A Complete Guide to Caring for Your Aging Loved One
For more information about caregiving and the programs available to you, download our free ebook! This guide to caring for your aging loved one covers your options from A to Z.
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