Being a caregiver is a selfless labor of love in which we fully engage. It takes all of you – mind, body and spirit. It’s rewarding when we see a smile on the face of those we care for, yet exhausting at the end of each day. Leo Buscaglia once wrote, “To often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the slightest act of caring all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Never take for granted the impact you have on others.

The purpose of this blog is to help you manage your personal resources and maintain your mental health while caring for those you love. When the oxygen mask drops during your flight – care for yourself first.

Find out about resources before you need them. For example, don’t delay researching nursing homes until the patient needs to be placed in one. Do the research before you need the information. Like funeral arrangements, you don’t want to be making big financial decisions in the middle of a crisis. It’s always better to be prepared before the event. Four areas you want to consider when choosing an assisted living center are: location, capabilities, atmosphere and cost. Finally, always tour the facility and ask lots of questions.

Seek all the support you can find. Be on the lookout for groups, individuals, and organizations that provide emotional, social, physical, and financial support. We live in a resource rich and well connected society now. Gone are the days of isolation and ignorance. With the click of a mouse we have access to limitless information and distance is removed with apps like Zoom and Skype.

Ask your family and friends for help. They may be able to provide you with time, knowledge, or money. There are no Lone Ranger Caregivers. We have to ask for help to get help. Don’t jeopardize your health and the health of your loved one, by trying to do it all by yourself. Often times, family members want to help, but they don’t know how or if they are needed. A simple phone call or text message may be all that stands in the way of some much needed relief.

Investigate adult day care facilities. They offer therapeutic, rehabilitative, and support services such as nursing, social work services, meals, or transportation. One of the biggest complaints I hear from patients with limited mobility is the overwhelming sense of isolation. Humans are social beings and need to socialize with others. These kinds of care facilities enable our loved ones to meet new people, make new friends, experience new activities, and reminisce about the “good ‘ol days” with others old enough to remember them. Loved ones with disabilities can socialize with others who have similar limitations, interests and passions.

Consider having meals delivered. Many organizations provide nutritional programs. Caring for a family member is a full-time job. Trying to prepare three meals a day can be an extra unnecessary responsibility. Many organizations not only deliver the meals, but also  provide opportunities for socialization and safety checks.

Consider hiring a home health aide. Aides can provide personal care at home such as help with eating, dressing, oral hygiene, bathing, administering medication, and light household tasks.

Find out about homemaker services. These services can assist with shopping, laundry, housecleaning, preparing meals, and taking clients to medical appointments.

Look into the offerings of hospital and surgical supply services. They rent or sell medical supplies and equipment like hospital beds, canes, walkers, bath chairs, oxygen, and other equipment. They also provide training on how to properly use the equipment. This will help make your home safer and more user friendly for your loved one.

Check out respite care services. They provide relief to caregivers. It can be arranged for just an afternoon or for several days or weeks. Care can be provided at home, in a healthcare facility, or at an adult day center.

Find out about transportation services. They provide transportation to and from medical appointments or other care services. These transportation vehicles are retrofitted to accommodate wheelchairs and those with limited mobility.

Find out about skilled nursing services. They offer professional help with specific medical problems.

Maintain your interests. Keep balance in your life. This means being realistic about what you can accomplish and recognizing what you can and cannot do by yourself. It also includes maintaining communication with your family and friends. When tensions and misunderstandings develop (and they will), address them quickly.

Take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise, rest, and take time off. Remember the oxygen mask? Take care of yourself first, then help the person next to you.

I hope these tips are helpful to you and your loved one. I know they were useful to my family. I believe in you and know you can do this.

%d bloggers like this: