Tried-and-True Caregiving Tips

If you’ve ever attempted it, then you know it all too well. Although some amazing souls manage to make it look effortless, caregiving is a truly monumental task. While it can be incredibly rewarding to provide care for someone you love, it isn’t easy. It can take a physical, mental, emotional, and financial toll. Using some tried-and-true caregiving tips can help to smooth your path.

Tried-and-True Caregiving Tips

Many family members and friends who take on the work of caregiving don’t recognize that they also deserve the title. However, if you’re providing care for someone who needs assistance, you have plenty of company. According to the Mayo Clinic, one in three adults in the U.S. provides care to another adult as an informal caregiver. Nearly 60 percent of these caregivers are also working in addition to performing their caregiving duties. Effective caregiving tips that allow you to care for both your loved one and yourself are invaluable.

Offer Support with Compassion and Encouragement

Many people find accepting the need care for difficult. Even when they’re grateful for the help that they receive, the loss of autonomy leaves many people struggling with feelings of sadness, loss, anger, and fear. When you’re serving as a caregiver, offering support with compassion can go a long way. Encouraging words are also helpful. Sometimes, simply being present and chatting about happy things is a huge help. Look the person you’re caring for in the eyes, and be sure that you’re really checking in with them when you provide care.

Ask for Help

Many caregivers try to go it alone. The person they’re caring for prefers their care. They have a routine. After a while, it just seems easier. However, that is incredibly isolating, and it’s not healthy for either the caregiver or the person in their care if they don’t have any backup. Instead of falling into that trap, ask for help and build a caregiving network. Are there friends, neighbors, or family members who would come and sit with your loved one for an hour or two while you run errands? Would your loved one benefit from moving into a senior living community? While it might be challenging, having a caregiving network can really pay off. It gives you and your loved one a chance to socialize. It also provides a safety net if you need a break or become injured or ill.

Find Reasons to Smile

When life is busy, there’s a tendency to get caught up in worrying about what you have to do next. While that’s certainly important, caregivers are under a lot of stress and experience depression at higher rates than the general population. Taking a little time to notice the small things that make you want to smile or laugh can boost your resilience.

Learn About Your Loved One’s Health

Educate yourself about your loved one’s health situation. If they require certain treatments or procedures, learning how to manage a particular technique or practice may be necessary. If they have a specific diagnosis, knowing what to expect can help you plan for the future. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and advocate for your loved one. Remember that various organizations can help you.

Deal with the Legal and Financial Planning

Empowering your loved one is important. Ensuring that the legal and financial matters are in order can help with that. Consider seeking legal advice regarding legal or medical power of attorney, advance directives, wills, or other concerns. Think about visiting a financial advisor for help with financial matters. Understanding what you can and cannot do, knowing what you should expect, and taking steps to prepare for the future will help you feel more secure.

Find a Support Group

There are online and in-person support groups for caregivers. Some are for caregivers of people with a specific disorder, disability, or disease. Others are established by location. These groups can be a tremendous resource. Caregiving can be isolating. In a support group, you have a chance to connect with a community of people in similar situations. It’s a chance to find not only emotional and mental support but also connections to useful resources.