The needs of family caregivers often go unnoticed, but they’re vital. Not having adequate time off and failing to practice self-care could lead to caregiver burnout and serious health issues. Below are some of the things almost every family caregiver needs the most.
A Break
Even a thirty-minute break away to relax, read, or have lunch without participating in any caregiver-related business could boost your mental and emotional health and recharge your energy reserves. If your siblings cannot relieve you, consider using respite care services for a few hours per day to ensure you receive some much-needed time off. Family caregivers also need long-term breaks, whether it’s for a weekend, an entire week, or even a whole month. During these extended breaks, you can hire a professional caregiver to come in to help out with your senior loved one’s needs.
Family caregivers don’t have to risk their own wellbeing to make sure their loved ones continue to receive high-quality care. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Rocklin families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Time to Work on Goals
Becoming a family caregiver doesn’t mean you have to give up on your goals and aspirations or stop working altogether. Continue working or volunteering, even if it’s on a part-time basis. If working isn’t an option, take up hobbies and projects that can be done from home. Working on goals can keep you busy and give you something fun to do. When you achieve one goal, you can move on to the next while feeling more accomplished and self-confident.
Appreciation
Sending flowers, writing a note of gratitude, and taking a family caregiver to dinner are a few perfect ways to say thank you, which is something caregivers need to hear now and then. Most caregivers feel overworked and underappreciated, so a kind note or an appreciation dinner could put a smile on a caregiver’s face. Other ways to show gratitude include treating a caregiver to a day at the spa or purchasing a gift certificate to his or her favorite restaurant or store.
Help with Duties
If your sibling has taken on the primary caregiver role, try to help out as much as you can each week. For example, taking your loved one to doctor’s appointments or running his or her errands could benefit the caregiver in your family. Caregivers often take on many duties, so even something as simple as helping with meal prep once a week, washing clothes, or cleaning the home could provide huge relief to a family caregiver and lower his or her odds of depression or burnout.
If you’re beginning to feel overwhelmed by your caring responsibilities, remember you don’t have to manage everything all on your own. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted elderly home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.
Support Network
Family caregivers need to establish support systems that include mentors, friends, and other family caregivers. These support teams can help caregivers overcome stressful situations without experiencing depression. Sometimes a caregiver needs to vent without feeling guilty and embarrassed, so a support system is vital to his or her mental and emotional wellbeing.
For family caregivers who are at risk of burnout, hiring a professional caregiver can provide a much-needed source of support. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care service. Rocklin families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Call us today at (916) 226-3737 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.