Family caregiving is rarely a role that a family member is fully prepared to take on. However, when a loved one is in need, someone has to step in and take charge. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but there are ways to empower yourself as family caregiver and take control of your new role instead of letting it take control of your life. Just remember these core steps:
- Believe in yourself: Trust your instincts.
- Protect your health: Your loved one’s well-being depends on it.
- Reach out for help: Family caregiving is a job for more than one person.
- Speak up for your rights: It doesn’t have to be this hard.
It’s never easy watching a loved one lose abilities with age or illness, and things will be difficult from time to time. Here are some other tips to remember when providing eldercare for a family member:
- Reward yourself with respite breaks.
- Seek help when experiencing signs of depression.
- There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.
- If you need to transfer a loved one, learn how to properly lift him/her in order to protect your back.
- Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
As a family caregiver, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and that there are resources within your reach that can help take some of the weight off your shoulders when you need it. Partners in Healthcare is one of those resources. Our caregivers can provide you with helpful information and respite care to ensure you and your loved one are living life to the fullest. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your family.