Caregiver responsibilities are all encompassing. Managing the daily lives of another person without breaks or assistance will lead to caregiver burnout. Look for ways to outsource some tasks to help lighten the caregiver responsibility load.
Tips for getting the caregiving help you need
Respite care. There are options for respite care. Caregivers can ask help from friends and family members who are close to run occasional errands, cook meals or spend time with them. Professional in-home services can be used as well. This can be volunteers or paid support to come to the house to help with chores, grocery shop or other in-home responsibilities. Join community centers that provide senior activities or research other out-of-home respite programs; such as, adult day care centers and nursing homes can help when the patient needs more care than a single caregiver can provide.
Tell someone you need help. Don’t expect others to read your mind. They are busy too. Most are willing to help if you just ask. Be up front about the current situation and explain that you need help with certain tasks. They may not be able to help with all but you may be able to spread the responsibility.
Spread the responsibility. Get as many friends and family members involved as possible. Explain the areas you need help and share caregiving tasks. Have a family member be responsible for paying medical bills or finances, another for cleaning, groceries or other needed tasks. Ask for a family to take turns to visit regularly to keep the patient company certain days.
Coordinate Care. Ask a family member or close friend to check in to help coordinate appointments and updates to other family members and friends. This can be as often as needed.
Know when to say “Yes, I need the help!” and “No, I can’t do that.” Caregivers want to help others, they usually have trouble saying no because they want to help as much as they can to alleviate the struggles from their patient. However, this can lead to burn out because they take on too much. Know when to say “No” and when to say “Yes! I need the help!”
Many friends and family members want to support you and may not want to offend you by asking if you need the help. So be mindful that you may need to relinquish some control and ask for help. Keep communication fluid and a list of resources for those that can help to support you and the patient.
If you are interested in learning more about 10 Tips on How to Prevent Caregiver Burnout, check out the links below!
- Set goals, expectations and know your limits.
- Understand the strength & limits of your patient.
- Stay organized & Maintain a Balanced Schedule.
- Engage in daily activities to promote health & wellness.
- Eat healthy, maintain mindfulness, & engage in good sleep habits.
- Find time for Self-Care.
- Take a daily inventory of your feelings, accept and release.
- Know your Community Resources.
- Find a Support Group.
- Ask for Help
References:
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiver-stress-and-burnout.htm
- https://www.caregiver.org/taking-care-you-self-care-family-caregivers
- http://blog.kevineikenberry.com/leadership-supervisory-skills/seven-steps-to-setting-clear-expectations/
- http://sonoranucedd.fcm.arizona.edu/sites/sonoranucedd.fcm.arizona.edu/files/Roadmap_Resource_Materials/FCA_Taking_Care_of_YOU_Self_Care_for_Family_Caregivers.pdf
Who We Are:
Med Transport Center offers non-emergency long-distance medical transportation by ground (MED Coach) or in flight (MED Flight). Med Transport Center has provided comfortable accommodations that support disabled or special needs patients for the last 30+ years. Our transportation service is designed for anyone who has increased medical needs or limited mobility, including the elderly, disabled, or even those who are just needing a little assistance during their travel.
Med Transportation Center is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable journey with each ground or in flight transport. Each transport is medically-equipped for non-emergency transports, offers 2 professional drivers, a licensed nurse and an emergency physician in case the need arises. Furthermore, our utmost priority is to make sure that your loved one will safely get to his or her destination.
Our expert professionals coordinate the trip for your loved one while all you will have to do is call to make arrangements.
Call us today for a FREE Quote – 800-311-3412.
