Caring for an elder loved one is one of the most rewarding roles you might ever hold. As a family caregiver, you are the home-based care coordinator for your loved one: doctor's appointments, direct care, meal preparations, medication schedules are all coordinated by you. It is an honor to do so, and it provides more sacred moments spent together.
It also tends to make you feel pulled in a million directions on any given day because of the many obligations you have to your loved one, as well as to yourself. Yes, family caregiving is complex, but there are techniques to make it manageable! Here are some suggestions from cleavelandclinic.org meant to help family caregivers work on the critical skill of planning.
Plan your days by assigning priorities and realistic goals for what you want to accomplish. Make a list of what needs to be done and do the most important things first.
Arrange your day to take full advantage of any available help from friends, neighbors, outside agencies, etc. Develop a schedule to be sure your loved one's needs are covered.
Pace yourself. Don't work yourself to the point of exhaustion. This can affect your ability to be an effective caregiver.
Set limits and stick to them. Learn to say "no," even to your loved one.
Family caregivers are important members of the healthcare team. Develop a partnership with your loved one's healthcare providers and get involved in developing any short- and long-term care plans.
Remember that At Home Senior Care is here to help. Give us a call today!