The physical and emotional strain of caregiving can be stressful for family caregivers. When caregiving-related stress is not managed properly, it can lead to burnout and other serious health issues. Here are some tips family caregivers can use to manage stress caused by caregiving.
1. Ask for Help
Leaning on others doesn’t mean you lack the knowledge and ability to care for your senior loved one. Instead, it means you realize how difficult caregiving can be, so you are enlisting the help of others to lighten your workload. Consider asking your siblings and other family members to do their fair share to minimize the amount of caregiver stress you experience. Asking for help can prevent you from taking on too much and becoming mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted.
In Portland, ME, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family.
2. Stay Organized
Developing a schedule can help you eliminate stress caused by disorganization. Having a daily routine makes it easier to accomplish personal goals and manage caregiving responsibilities. Make sure your schedule includes multiple breaks throughout the day. Delegate caregiving responsibilities to your family members and friends, and list those duties on the schedule. Staying organized can prevent stress as well as other issues pertaining to caregiving.
3. Focus on Self-Care
When your health is at risk, you could become susceptible to stress and other issues. It is important to monitor your health by eating nutritious meals and snacks, exercising regularly, and scheduling regular doctor visits. Being a family caregiver may leave you with very little time to focus on your own needs, but you will need to create a balance between your personal needs, professional responsibilities, and caregiving duties. When you take care of yourself, you can manage stress more effectively.
4. Manage Your Emotions
Keeping negative feelings bottled up inside is one of the top causes of stress. Addressing the negative aspects of caregiving could help you manage stress and gain a clearer mind. Join a support group, or choose a mentor you can speak with honestly and openly.
Hiring an in-home caregiver is one of the best ways for family caregivers to reduce stress. When searching for reliable Portland home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Align Home Care, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Exhaustion is one of the top causes of caregiver burnout. Family caregivers who fail to get a good night’s rest won’t have the energy they need throughout the day. Eventually, they become tired and stressed out. However, getting adequate sleep can help you refresh, regroup, and recharge after a long day. Establish a bedtime routine and stick with it. Getting plenty of high-quality sleep can boost your physical and mental wellbeing.
6. Search for Local Caregiving Services
Many communities have senior care services families can use when they need additional help, and these services make it easier to take extended time off. You can use respite care when you need to catch up on rest, take a family vacation, or attend personal appointments. If you are the primary caregiver for your loved one and no one in your family can help, local caregiving services may be your best option. Respite care is an affordable option family caregivers can use on an as-needed basis.
If you find it difficult to manage your caregiving duties without assistance, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Portland home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. To hire a professional caregiver for your elderly loved one, call Align Home Care at (207) 835-3490 today.