Caring For The Caregiver

We all carry more than one role. Caring for a senior family member or friend is one of the most important — and demanding — we may ever take on. Sometimes it arrives slowly with age. Sometimes it arrives after an accident or a sudden illness. Suddenly you are responsible for groceries, or for major financial decisions.

For some of us the calendar barely changes. For many of us it means rearranging work and family. Whether you are already in the role or you can see it coming, it is worth thinking about how it will affect your life, and how you will stay well enough to keep helping.

We wrote this as a practical note for you, the caregiver.

Take care of yourself first

Airline safety cards say to put on your own oxygen mask before you help anyone else. If you do not help yourself first, you may not be able to help others. Caregiving is a labor of love, and that labor will test your patience if you are not looking after yourself.

The 2011 National Study of Caregiving found that people who provide substantial help — care coordination and medication management — are at greater personal risk for physical, emotional, and financial difficulty. Sleep, food, movement, and rest matter more in this season, not less. You may not feel exhausted yet. Worry still takes a toll. Making time for yourself can change your attitude through a demanding stretch.

Make yourself a priority. It may be what lets you keep helping.

Ask for help

Sometimes we feel we are the only one going through this, or we feel guilty for needing anything. Thoughts stay inside and get heavier. You are not in this alone.

Family, a support group, or a professional agency can take part of the load. Be honest about what you can do, and how much. Seek help for the rest.

• Could a neighbor help with meals?
• Could another family member pick up medication?
• Could an in-home care agency stay with your loved one while you are at work?

With the right mix, the load can be shared.

How we can help

At Home by Choice we see our role as support. Our philosophy has always been to approach the health, happiness, and care of our clients as if they are our own family. We come alongside you.

We offer personal care, sitter and companion services, respite, short-term care, and post-surgical care. Whether you need medication reminders or someone nearby after a hospital stay, we are here. Contact us. We would love to talk about how we can help.