Taking care of a loved one who needs assistance can be challenging. Naturally, there are both logistical and emotional hurdles to overcome—but with the right guidance and approach, you’ll be better equipped to adapt to a caregiver role with confidence.
Keep reading for top tips on how to be a caregiver for a senior in your life.
Simply put, a caregiver is someone who looks after a senior who requires assistance for a variety of tasks. Such tasks and responsibilities may include but aren’t limited to:
Next, a caregiver can be informal or formal. An
If you’re taking on a new role as an informal caregiver or want to improve your skills as an existing one, here are some simple yet helpful tips to ensure a safe and secure experience for everyone involved.
If you’re taking on a new role as an informal caregiver or want to improve your skills as an existing one, here are some simple yet helpful tips to ensure a safe and secure experience for everyone involved.
Establish terms with the senior in your life early on, as they may be uncomfortable or hesitant to accept help at first. Or they may prefer one style of caretaking over another, such as greater autonomy instead of an intensely watchful eye. If the senior can communicate their needs clearly, be sure to hear them out to establish a pattern that makes them as comfortable as possible. At the same time, vocalize your commitment to helping them through this stage of their life. Check in often, ask for feedback, and provide moral support that goes beyond their basic needs.
At times, even simple tasks can take a while and
In the midst of obstacles, be sure to acknowledge and celebrate small wins. For instance, if the elder is ill and doesn’t have an appetite, encourage them to take a small bite of food and provide positive reinforcement when they do so. Similarly, if they are recovering from an operation that left them temporarily immobile, congratulate them when they make even slight progress.
To make things easier for the elder as well as yourself, prioritize organization and easy access to essential goods and information. This may include writing detailed instructions and illustrations for things such as prescriptions, schedules, and other how-to’s around the house. Also, be sure to have important names and contact information available and visible in a central/accessible location. This should include emergency contacts, pharmacies, health specialists, and/or other applicable contacts.
Last but not least, remember to look after your own health and well-being. Being a caretaker can be challenging and sometimes even daunting at times. However, taking care of yourself by getting enough rest, having your own emotional support system, and living a generally healthy lifestyle will ensure that you’ll be ready and able to show up fully to support your loved one.
Another option to consider when you are feeling a bit burned out as a carer is home health care. Centerwell can help you craft a healthcare plan tailored to the needs of your loved one while also providing you, as a carer, with respite and the opportunity to self-care when you need it. Contact us to find out more about our
