Providing home care for an aging parent can take a significant physical, mental, and emotional toll on a caregiver. A caregiver’s role can be extremely rewarding, but it’s also demanding and hectic, which can lead to incredible amounts of stress or even burnout. Use these strategies to manage stress and avoid burning out.
Take Some Time for You
Even if your loved one only needs minimal care throughout the week, taking time for yourself likely never feels like a priority. But setting aside even a few minutes a day to do something you enjoy can help you recharge and reduce stress. Try a yoga class, go for a walk around the block, or treat yourself to a new movie.
Remember to Sleep
Most caregivers relate their increased levels of stress and decreased health to lack of sleep. If your loved one is often up throughout the night, try to nap during the day to stay refreshed. It may even be beneficial to hire a caregiver who can stay with your loved one overnight from time to time, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide home care. Arlington families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
Follow a Routine
Sticking to a daily routine can be a great way to feel in control rather than stressed about the hectic parts of the day. Seniors also tend to respond better when they know what to expect during the day, and a routine can provide a sense of stability, which is especially important for seniors with advanced conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
If you’re beginning to feel overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, remember that you don’t have to manage everything all on your own. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted home care service provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help.
Let Animals Help
Being around pets can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even make elderly people more alert. You don’t need to get your loved one a pet of his or her own, but if you have a friendly animal or know someone who does, bring it by periodically.
Don’t Forget Technology
Use timers and reminders for your loved one’s medications or a special pillbox that sounds an alarm when it’s time for the next dose. There are also plenty of handy apps for smartphones that can help, including some that send automated texts or phone messages when it’s time for medication.
For family caregivers who are at risk for burnout, hiring a professional caregiver can provide a much-needed source of support. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Arlington families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your parent, give us a call at (703) 997-4334 today.
