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:

• bathing
• dressing
• help with mobility (i.e., moving from one position or room to another)
• preparing meals
• feeding
• overseeing prescription intake
• running errands
• driving
• offering emotional support

Next, a caregiver can be informal or formal. An informal caregiver is someone who is typically close to the senior—such as a family member, friend, or neighbor—who assists an elder in a nonprofessional setting. A formal caregiver is a service provider who is hired for elderly assistance—such as a home care professional or a nursing home employee—who is trained to look after the unique needs of seniors.

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.

At times, even simple tasks can take a while and other challenges may arise. There will also be inevitable adjustment periods as you establish a routine for caretaking. Be sure to stay as patient as possible and openly show compassion. If you get overwhelmed or impatient—or if your elder gets frustrated or angry—simply pause. Take a deep breath, try to understand their struggles, and proceed with empathy.

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 home health care services.

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