As the family caregiver, your plate is full. You have so many responsibilities you often wonder how you will get through the day. Your spouse, kids, job, and loved one all need you. It can be overwhelming. You are not alone. There are more than 60 million family caregivers in the US today. While balancing your responsibilities is no easy task, it is important to remember you are doing an important and wonderful thing.
The number of family caregivers in the US is increasing every year. With increasing life expectancies and advancing medical treatments, more Americans can expect to join the ranks of family caregivers in the future. It’s important to support our caregivers as they give so much of themselves to others.
If your family member is in need of care, what can you do to prepare for your future as the family caregiver?
All too often, family caregivers get bogged down in day to day activities and forget that there are many ways they can receive support from their family and outside sources. From delegating tasks like cooking or running errands to asking for help with managing complicated financial documents, there are many ways your family and friends can lend a hand to lighten your load. You simply need to gather together a list of the tasks you can’t handle and ask for help.
Many family caregivers in need of assistance turn to professional care giving agencies, like Visiting Angels, for respite care services. Respite care provides the temporary relief family caregivers need to refresh and recharge. “Respite care allows you to get away and spend some time focusing on your own health and well-being. It is a necessary and important aspect of being a caregiver. It helps you to refocus and prevents caregiver burnout,” comments Larry Meigs, President and CEO of Visiting Angels.
As a family caregiver, it is as important that you take care of yourself, as is it is that you take care of your loved one. In addition to scheduling respite care for your family member, you can take these steps to ensure you stay at the top of your game.
Being the family caregiver isn’t easy. It’s a job that requires constant dedication and it is often thankless. Your loved one needs you and you can help them find peace during this difficult time. Take care of yourself so you can take care of them.
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Thank you so much for your kindness to me and giving me such good help. God Bless you in this adventure. Thank you so much for all you have done to make the last few years easier on Marc and me.