How to Make Caregiving Easier
Caregiving is a very noble profession, one that the person you are taking care of will greatly appreciate. At times, the work can be draining and challenging. The following are some tips to make your job as a caregiver easier.
- Seek out advice. There are nurses, friends, doctors, and bloggers who have cared for patients with similar conditions as your loved one. Ask your loved one’s doctor about their condition and what to expect as they age. Talk to friends and nurses you know for tips on how to provide the best care possible. Additionally, look for caregiving blogs for additional tips.
- Pay attention to body language. Sometimes your loved one will not be able to tell you that something is wrong, or they will not say anything because they do not want to bother you. Notice when their mood changes and when they are uncomfortable, so you can address the situation. By being responsive to both words and body language, you can provide the best level of care.
- Have boundaries. It is okay to feel uncomfortable with some tasks as a caregiver. If there are tasks you are not comfortable performing, talk with your loved one about how you feel. Figure out a compromise or hire a second caregiver to take on those responsibilities.
- Take time for yourself. Taking a break can help you mentally and physically recharge. Try to give yourself at least one day off per week and make time for a vacation.
- Ask your loved one for help. When transferring your loved one from place to place, your loved one can shift his or her body weight to help move. For example, ask your loved one to lean forward when helping her stand or to move his leg when changing the sheets. This can lessen the strain on your body and help maintain your loved one’s independence.
- Create a routine. Your loved one might get angry when constantly being told what to do throughout the day. If you turn the tasks you complete together into a routine, your loved one will get used to your help and think of each task as a regular thing you do at that time of the day.
- Reduce the number of decisions you must make. Help your loved one make decisions throughout the day to promote their independence and reduce the amount of care you will provide. For example, if you dress your loved one each day, ask him or her to pick out the outfit.
- Get help from family members. Even if you are the primary caregiver, your loved one’s family should be willing to help provide care. Have them fill in for you on days that you need a break, and ask them to contribute to the financial cost of your loved one’s medical equipment if they are able.
Thank you for reading. Please share your comments and what’s worked for you!
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