There comes a time when a close relative, particularly a parent, requires a bit more assistance with day-to-day living, whether that’s getting ready in the morning, cleaning up the house or cooking an evening meal. Naturally, you want what is best for your loved one, and for many that is helping them live more comfortably and safely in their own home.
Achieving this can be daunting though, with many of us not aware of the impact of caregiving on our lives. We regularly speak to people who say very candidly that providing care for a loved one is the biggest challenges they’ve ever faced. With this in mind, we’ve collated 5 tips to help lighten the caregiving load if you find yourself in this situation.
Plan your visits
If you’re a planner, you’ll definitely agree that sitting down and populating a list of everything your relative needs assistance with is one of the best ways to structure a care plan. Is help needed during the day? At night? Is constant supervision required? From that, you’ll be able to plan your care visits to ensure your loved one gets the support they need, whilst making time for yourself also.
Share the responsibility
You’re doing such a fantastic job that often nobody thinks you need any extra help. If you have siblings, close relatives or someone who your loved one trusts; ask if they’ll take on some of the responsibility so you can get a much-needed break. If they’re willing to help, be flexible, because any help you get will lessen the stressful workload for you.
Educate yourself
Every new caregiver goes through the motions of feeling completely out of their depth, so it’s important that you take the time to educate yourself about all the different elements of care that your loved one may require. Often there are affordable, simple solutions that you can implement to make your and your loved one’s life easier.
Set boundaries
Caring for a loved one can really take its toll, and as a result it’s not uncommon to start feeling anger, frustration and resentment towards them. It’s completely normal to have these feelings, but it’s important to set boundaries so you can manage your emotions. Determine what you can and can’t, will and will not do – and communicate this clearly with your loved one.
Get extra help
You don’t have to be the sole caregiver. If getting extra support from a sibling or relative isn’t an option, consider getting hands-on help from a professional. Care agencies will often quote care packages depending on the level of support your loved one needs. Whether they need just a few hours a week or 24 hour care, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of options to suit your budget and needs.
Are you struggling to juggle caregiving duties with your own life? Speak to our team today who will be able to advise on a range of care options, including live-in care. Call us on 01962 842548.