Caring for a Caregiver
Many caregivers don’t identify themselves as a “caregiver”. In their minds, they are doing what needs to be done for a spouse, a family member or a friend. However, research shows that those providing the care services are more inclined to seek assistance and become more skilled if they recognize that they are indeed a caregiver. Aiding others with activities such as housekeeping, grocery shopping, errands, meal preparation, transportation, paperwork, and personal care all fall under the category of caregiving.
Helping an aging parent or loved one can be one of the most rewarding things we do in life. On the other hand, it can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if the caregiver is trying to strike a balance between taking care of their own family and managing another household.
Experienced caregivers learn two vital lessons: (1) that help is available and (2) that you must take care of yourself, too. It is too easy to get burnt out and feel unprepared or overwhelmed. Resources and support groups are available nationwide, including specialty support groups for those caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These can help to reduce caregiver stress, burden and injuries, increase caregiver confidence and knowledge, improve quality of care, and help caregivers balance their lives and responsibilities.
If your loved one does not live with you, try sharing responsibilities with others. If other people are available, perhaps one person can check in weekly, one person can provide transportation, and one person can handle the paperwork/finances. In-home care agencies may also offer some relief from daily tasks and give you more opportunities to spend quality time with your loved one without needing to constantly bear the weight of managing all their care.
If the senior does live with you, Adult Day Centers can provide the caregiver with a welcome and necessary respite while also engaging the senior in activities such as exercise and socialization.
For more resources regarding caregiver support, check out the following:
202-772-5050
800-445-8106
800-838-0879
