Being a caregiver can take a lot of time and sometimes be frustrating. However, you’re certainly not alone in your endeavors. There are around 43.5 million caregivers in the United States. And, one of the wonderful things about living in today’s world of technology is that sharing the experience is easier than ever. There are many caregiver support groups and websites available on the Internet where people often share their tips and tricks for caregiving. We’ve rounded up the top 10 tips and tricks for caregivers and presented them below.
#1 Keep a Sense of Humor.
You’ve probably heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine.” Turns out that many caregivers have found that to be true. Keeping your own sense of humor and finding ways to make your aging relative smile or laugh can make life better for both of you.
#2 Seek and Accept Help.
It is perfectly okay, and even preferable, for caregivers to accept help in their duties. You’ll be a better caregiver if you take some time for yourself. If you don’t have friends or family members who can help, remember that you can hire professional home care to spend time with your loved one.
#3 Be Patient.
Practice patience with yourself and with your senior. If you feel yourself losing your patience, take some deep breaths or step away for a moment.
#4 Keep Seniors Busy.
This tip is especially important for caregivers of seniors with dementia. Keeping dementia patients engaged can reduce unwanted behaviors.
#5 Schedule “Me Time.”
Non-negotiable. Make time for yourself every single day.
#6 Spend Time with Friends.
Caregivers sometimes lose touch with friends because they are so busy. However, you need your friends around you now more than ever.
#7 Don’t Take Things Personally.
People suffering from chronic conditions sometimes feel frustrated and lash out at those closest to them, particularly those with dementia.
#8 Remember the Golden Rule.
Think about how you would want to be treated in your aging relative’s position, then do that. You’ll be modeling compassion for others around you.
#9 Don’t Leave Things Unsaid.
Sadly, when older adults need a caregiver, it can mean that their time is short. Have important conversations while there is time. Make sure you know about their end-of-life decisions and encourage them to create a living will.
#10 Remember What You Do is Appreciated.
Even if your aging relative cannot express it, everything you do as a caregiver is important and appreciated.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring caregiver services in Mountainside, NJ, call the caring staff at Helping Hands Home Care today at 908-418-4299. Providing Home Care Services in all of Northern and Central NJ, including Clark, Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Rahway, Linden, Summit, Edison, Elizabeth, Mountainside and the surrounding areas.
Sources
http://caregiveraction.org/resources/10-tips-family-caregivers
https://thecaregiverspace.org/words-50-crucial-tips-fellow-caregivers/
https://thecaregiverspace.org/whats-your-best-caregiving-trick/
https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-demographics
After graduating from Seton Hall University with a BS in finance Helping Hands Homecare’s Owner / President, Robert D’Arienzo, went to work on Wall St. for six years. However, after Robert’s grandmother became ill with stomach cancer Robert and his family needed to find assistance in the home for her. After many trials and tribulations Robert could see that there was a great need for quality home care services here in NJ and loved the idea of being able to assist other families who were going through what his family went through with his beloved grandmother.
Thus, Robert had found his passion. After almost a year of preparation Robert opened Helping Hands Homecare in 2003. Robert wanted Helping Hands Homecare to focus on providing the highest quality of caregivers, exceptional customer service, and providing a service that familys could depend on in their time of need. Since then Helping Hands has assisted hundreds of individuals with the simplest of needs to more complex cases while preserving those standards set out many years ago.
Robert is a Google Verified Author
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