Caregiving is multi-faceted daunting job. Most caregivers find themselves adding caregiving role as another hat they must wear in their daily responsibilities. There are lots of resources available for caregivers, but who has time to explore those resources? One of the purposes of this blog is to share resources that are helpful. Today, I want to focus on some important reminders for you.
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- Self care is extremely important for your own sanity. Take time to do at least one thing for yourself each week. That might be going and getting your hair and/or nails done. It might be taking an hour to relax and read a book or go to the movie. Whatever it is that helps you, do take time out for yourself.
- Recognize that you are not perfect. There is only one you, and you cannot be all things to all people. God did not make us that way. So, cut yourself some slack.
- Ask for help. If you have siblings or others who will help in the caregiving role, please utilize them. They may just be waiting on you to ask and/or tell them what you need them to do. Establish what they can do to help, and schedule their assistance.
- Establish the boundaries you need to effectively manage caregiving with your family and work schedule. It’s okay to say no to those tasks that someone else can do for themselves or that can be delegated to another person.
- Get enough rest. Sleep deprivation harms our emotional well-being as well as our health. We cannot help others if we are exhausted.
- Eat the right foods to fuel your body. This will help you to have the energy you need to accomplish those things that must be done as well as how well you are able to rest.
- It’s okay to have emotions. It’s okay to be upset about the situation. Your feelings are just that – your feelings. Take a moment to acknowledge your feelings, and then, move forward with getting those things done you must do.
- Set realistic expectations for you and your loved one. This is one of the harder things for me because I can’t control them, but I can control my reaction to them.
- Identify resources that are available to you and your loved one.
- Even if it’s just taking a short walk around the block daily. This will help you when you are feeling hopeless to clear your head and to identify what’s important.
There are some legal documents that you’ll need to have in place. You’ll need to get a power of attorney in place as well as advance directives, etc. Obtaining a lawyer to help with this may be the best way to effectively resolve any loopholes and family issues.
Find out as much as you can about your loved one’s finances, medical care, and the disease they are dealing with.
Develop a plan to do all these things and delegate appropriately.
Until next time,
Genell