Caring for an elderly loved one can be both challenging and fulfilling, and it requires a great deal of time and dedication. Family caregivers who also hold full-time jobs, have families of their own, and want to maintain some semblance of a social life often find themselves stressed and exhausted. Balancing your loved one’s care with your personal life and overall wellbeing can be difficult, but you can prevent caregiver burnout by employing the following strategies.
1. Ask for Help
You cannot assume family or friends will understand the stress you’re feeling or know when you need help. Speak up if you’re feeling overwhelmed or have concerns about your loved one’s current caregiving arrangement. You should also be willing to say yes if someone offers assistance, which may mean giving up control and allowing a friend or family member to take a different approach to your loved one’s care.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted home care service provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help.
2. Share Your Feelings
It’s important to have an avenue for expressing your feelings and frustrations. Releasing your emotions may not change your situation, but it can be cathartic and keep you from resenting your loved one or venting frustrations inappropriately. Some resources to consider include:
- Local caregiver support groups
- A trusted member of the clergy
- Close friends
- A therapist or other mental health professional
3. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Family caregivers can’t provide the care seniors need if they’re physically unhealthy. Make sure you keep up with your own doctor’s appointments, and make an effort to get 30 minutes of exercise a day. Focus on eating a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and you also should do your best to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.
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 Assisting Hands Home Care. 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.
4. Give Yourself a Break
Set aside a little time on a daily or weekly basis to do things that make you happy, which may include watching a movie, taking a long bath, or going for a walk in the park. Seek out respite care from a trusted in-home care agency so you can take a short break from your caregiving duties and return to them fully recharged.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Orlando families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call today.
