When you’re doing your best, it often feels like you’re not doing enough or that there are some things you might try to do differently if you had more time and expertise. Asking others who’ve got professional training or who have been caregivers before, may just help you out. Here’s some good ideas from other people:
1. Don’t try to do it all alone: There are plenty of other people who are in similar situations and, if you speak up you’ll find those who have ideas to share and resources that they can direct you to.
2. Build relationships: whether they’re in your close family circle, with siblings or within your extended family, it’s time to improve your network.
3. Communicate: Share your feelings, your experiences, your ideas, your frustrations and the resources you’ve discovered.
4. Take time for yourself: Schedule some ‘me” time that provides some fun, moments for self-care and learning new things. Staying refreshed and revitalized is essential.
5. Continue your routines and friendships: It’s easy to get isolated and give up things that are important to you. Finding stability in routines and support in friendships will make your journey less stressful.
6. Involve the care receiver in decision-making: No one likes to be told what to do. When possible, discuss options, make realistic proposals and consider the best way forward together.
7. Loss of identity: Both you and the person you are caring for are going through a significant change. Giving up work, moving, being less independent… they all play a role. Try to hand on to the values and roles that you hold dear as much as possible.
8. Be prepared: Keep documentation up to date. Medications, doctors’ information, health care medical and legal directives, financial records/ accounts etc.
9. Maintain to-do lists and schedules: Use technology when you can and a good old-fashioned pen and paper list of things that need to get done. When you’re busy it’s easy to forget things.
10. Prioritize safety: Whether its home safety, walking or driving safety or simply protecting loved ones and yourself from fraud, this is to time to put safety first.
Image: Mac Loong
