Being a family caregiver is a rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful at times. When you’re a caregiver, you have to juggle everyday tasks while also ensuring your aging loved one is as healthy and happy as can be. Use the following strategies to prevent stress from building up.
Look for Support Groups
Joining a caregiver support group provides a chance to connect with others who are in a similar situation. Listening to other caregivers talk about their experiences and challenges is a good reminder that you’re not alone. You can also turn to those in your support group for advice and guidance on handling certain challenges. Having this kind of practical and emotional support may help you handle stress better.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Prestige Home Care Orlando for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Avoid Taking On Too Much
There’s only so much you can do when you’re a family caregiver. Don’t hesitate to say no to others who ask you to do favors or take on more tasks than you can handle. For example, say no when other family members ask you to have a holiday gathering at your home. Making sure you’re not overburdened is an important part of preventing stress.
Stay Organized
Caregiving involves making sure your loved one takes medications on time, gets to all appointments, and follows the doctor’s instructions for managing health conditions. Caregivers also have to take care of daily tasks around the house, such as cleaning and preparing meals. Being organized makes it easier to keep track of all of these tasks so you won’t feel overwhelmed. Use apps on your phone, write down lists, and mark calendars to stay as organized as possible.
Practice Self-Care
Stress is more likely to have a serious effect on your emotional and physical wellbeing when you’re not caring for yourself. Getting enough sleep, exercising each day, drinking plenty of water, and eating nutritious foods ensures you have the energy you need for your caregiving duties. These self-care measures also help you maintain a positive outlook while caring for your loved one.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Orlando families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Prestige Home Care Orlando. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
Get Help with Caregiving Tasks
You don’t have to handle all family caregiving tasks and responsibilities on your own. Sharing these with another family member or a professional caregiver gives you a break from time to time, which reduces stress. You can use this time to unwind and focus on doing things you enjoy.
Ask for help with your caregiving duties as soon as you start to feel overwhelmed. You might also want to get help right from the start if your loved one has a medical condition that is difficult to handle, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide in-home care. Altamonte Springs families can turn to Prestige Home Care Orlando for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (407) 604-0504 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.