Caring for an aging loved one may be a challenging experience, and many family members feel as if their patience is constantly being tested, which often results in a variety of emotions, ranging from annoyance to outright anger. The following tips may help you keep your emotions under control while providing your senior loved one with the best care possible.
Stay Organized
One of the most frustrating and stressful aspects of caregiving is trying to keep track of a loved one’s medical and personal information. Staying organized may help you avoid the minor daily annoyances that might eventually lead to anger. You should have a folder or mobile app that stores any data you might need throughout the day, such as your loved one’s medication schedule and phone numbers for all of his or her doctors.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an aging loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality in-home care, Assisting Hands Home Care may help. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Join a Support Group
Caregiver burnout is a very common issue, and you’re most likely going to need emotional support at some point. Luckily, there are thousands of groups throughout the world that were created specifically for those who take care of senior loved ones. Most larger cities are home to at least a few local support groups that host regular meetings and events. These groups are also an excellent resource for finding medical specialists and learning about new caregiving techniques.
Don’t Ignore Your Physical Health
All caregivers should realize their physical health has a major impact on their emotional wellbeing. It will be extremely difficult for your body to produce and regulate key hormones if you aren’t eating healthy foods and exercising a few times every week. You also need to make sure you’re getting plenty of restorative sleep so your body has time to recuperate. Unhealthy lifestyle habits could result in a compromised immune system, mood swings, and low energy levels.
Find a Hobby to Share with Your Loved One
Your relationship with your loved one is slowly going to change over the years, and there may come a point where you forget why you started helping him or her in the first place. With a mutual hobby, you may both take a step back from your daily responsibilities and once again enjoy your time with each other. There are a wide variety of activities you both might enjoy, such as gardening, painting, going on short hikes, or making meals together.
Hiring professional caregivers is another way family members may take a break from caregiving to relax and let go of anger. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs home care, Northern Kentucky, Assisting Hands Home Care may meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
Reward Yourself
Another reason many caregivers become stressed and angry is because they feel as if their hard work isn’t appreciated. If this sounds like your situation, you need to learn how to reward yourself. Whenever you reach a certain goal or have a good day, schedule a massage for yourself or go out for your favorite treat. Celebrating small victories may allow you to keep things in perspective.
Many family caregivers become agitated when they don’t receive any help with their caregiving duties. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones may turn to Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky, a leading provider of at-home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Assisting Hands Home Care at (859) 328-2656 today.
