Though taking care of your senior loved one can be a rewarding experience, it can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you’re the primary caregiver. However, there are a variety of ways to make providing care a little less stressful.
Form a Team
Being the primary caregiver for your loved one doesn’t mean you have to be the only caregiver. It simply means you handle most of the responsibility. You should develop a team of family members, friends, or volunteers who can help you with some of the responsibilities.
Some duties you can have others take on include:
- Running errands
- Cleaning around the home
- Cooking meals
- Handling finances
- Being in charge of emergency situations
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care Naples for the help they need. We provide high-quality in-home care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Pursue Personal Interests
Indulging in personal interests every now and then can be a great way to de-stress. Treat yourself to a nice dinner or go watch the latest film at the local movie theater. If you have a hobby you enjoy, schedule time to work on it. Providing care for your loved one can be a challenging job, which is why you need to reward yourself on occasion. You deserve a treat for all of the wonderful care you provide for your loved one.
Take a Break
You may need to take a break from being a primary caregiver to de-stress. This may include a single day to rest and relax, or you can take a few days or even a week away to go on a vacation. Though you can ask your family members or friends to care for your loved one while you’re away, respite care is also an option. This is when a trusted in-home caregiver provides the care your loved one needs while you’re taking time for yourself.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Naples families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
Join a Support Group
Many family caregivers don’t reach out to support groups because they feel guilty, while others believe the group sessions are a waste of time. However, these support groups were created to make sure caregivers are never alone. The discussions are with other caregivers who are going through or have gone through the same situation you’re currently in. During these support group sessions, you may receive help and tips as well as an opportunity to vent.
Delegating some of your caregiving duties to a professional is one of the best ways to de-stress. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality in-home care, Naples Assisting Hands Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us today.