Five Ways to Take Care of the Family Caregiver

If you have a beloved senior in your life, then you already know that from time to time, they’re going to need some help. Whether it’s helping by mowing their lawn or assisting them with household projects, it can be a privilege and honor to lend a hand to an elder family member. Yet, as they continue to age, you may have noticed that they need more and more help each year. Their needs become more demanding and take more and more of your time. You might not even have realized it, but you shifted from your role as daughter, son, niece, or nephew, into the role of a family caregiver.

In light of COVID-19, many more family members are finding themselves in the role of family caregiver. As seniors continue to be at risk for the virus, many seniors are opting to stay home. Family members are taking care of the grocery shopping for them, as well as finding ways to help their beloved senior fill their days. In a matter of weeks, more family members have stepped into the role of family caregiver than ever before.

It’s important for family caregivers to make space in their lives so that they can care for themselves. It’s also important that they have a reliable network to help support them in this role. Here are five ways to take care of the family caregiver to prevent caregiver burnout.

Divvy Up Responsibilities

Before you experience burnout, organize a family meeting, and divvy up care responsibilities. Often, other family members have no idea how much care and support the family caregiver is providing. Let your siblings or other essential family members know what all you do and how they can help. It is important to remember all family members may not be comfortable with all aspects of caregiving. That does not mean they do not want to help. Maybe someone can take care of meal planning and preparation, while someone else handles household projects or repairs. If you have siblings that live far away, they can still assist by placing a grocery delivery order online. Even if it is one or two tasks that are cleared from your caregiving plate, you will find that can be enough to lighten the load.

Expand Your Support Network

Family caregivers need a lot of support, beyond their immediate family. Look for other ways to feel supported by joining a senior family caregiver support group. These groups provide a place for you to vent your feelings, as well as offer creative solutions to problems you may face. Social media is a great place to find caregiver support groups. Many support groups are continuing to meet via teleconferencing technology, so you don’t have to wait until this crisis is over to start participating.

Set Limits

A great way to take care of yourself as a family caregiver is to know your limits and set clear boundaries. If there’s some care task that you don’t feel comfortable performing, say “no.” It’s important that you don’t throw out your back because you didn’t use proper body mechanics to lift your senior family member. It’s also important that you don’t feel run down because your senior family member is asking too much of you. Establishing clear boundaries keeps everyone safe and can even save you from an awkward conversation down the road.

Get Away

Family caregivers need to give themselves space to care for themselves. This means stepping away from time to time to recharge. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a break, talk with your siblings and family members to get something on the calendar for the near future. Even if it’s later this summer, after the threat of COVID-19 lessens, it’ll be a mental boost for you knowing that a vacation is coming. Then, schedule regular time away so that you have the time to recharge on an ongoing basis.

Seek Professional Help

Finally, the best way to take care of the family caregiver is to seek professional help. Professional care allows the family caregiver to maintain appropriate boundaries, while giving them the space to recharge. As the needs of the senior change over time, professional caregivers can visit more frequently so the family caregiver doesn’t miss out on what’s happening in their own immediate family. Many family caregivers share that they feel like the daughter or son again, after hiring a professional caregiver. They now have time to sit and visit with their aging parents, instead of spending their time providing care.

Visiting Angels Jenkintown is here to support you in your role of family caregiver. Whether you need a respite from your caregiving responsibilities, or your beloved senior’s care needs have become too burdensome, our compassionate caregivers are ready and able to work alongside you. We understand that demands of caring for an aging loved one and we believe that taking time for yourself is not selfish; it’s simply keeping you the focus of your own life. We work with each of our clients to establish a schedule and plan of care that address their individual needs. Let us walk this care journey with you. Please contact us today by calling 215-938-7201 so that we can learn more about your situation.