The role of the caregiver is a tough one, and many children are often thrust into the position without any training or additional support. Witnessing a parent or family member lose their independence is one of the most challenging things a person can face. As a caregiver, you have life-altering decisions to make as well as managing the day-to-day tasks for your loved one. It can leave you emotionally drained, and all of the things a caregiver handles often gets overlooked.
As the roles become reversed, the parents being cared for can feel resentful that they no longer handle things on their own, and the child-caregiver can struggle with boundaries. At Browning Geriatric Consulting, our experts are available to support you as a caregiver, and we have put together a list of tips to help you cope. Your well-being is important too.
Supportive Tips for Caregivers
- Take Care of Yourself – When you take the time to take care of yourself, it will give you the capability to be a better caregiver. Make a commitment to do something for yourself once a week, or as often as you are able. Even something small like taking the time to enjoy a book you’ve wanted to read, meeting a friend for coffee, or going for a massage will do wonders for your self-care.
- Ask for Help – Make sure you have a support system. Having friends or other family members that you can rely on will help you when you have other things to take care of. You are only one person, and if you are burning the candle at both ends, then it won’t be good for your physical or mental health.
- Continue to Live Your Life – Many caregivers give up things in their life that they used to enjoy to have the time or finances to take care of a loved one. You have the right to continue living your life and do things for yourself that you love to do.
- Don’t Hide Your Emotions – As a caregiver, you have every right to feel angry, frustrated, sad, depressed, and exhausted. When you have these emotions, don’t hide them and talk to someone that will listen.
- Be Proud – What you are accomplishing as a caregiver takes a lot of courage, and you should be proud that you are doing whatever it takes to meet the needs of your loved one.
- Leave the Door Open – While many caregivers close the doors on parts of their life to make room for the many hats a caregiver wears, make sure to leave those doors partly open so you can still enjoy your life.
If you are a caregiver and are looking for support, contact Browning Geriatric Consulting at 864-233-5260 for an appointment to discuss your needs.