When you're the primary caregiver for an aging loved one, caregiver stress can be a very real part of your daily life. In addition to your caregiving duties, it’s likely that you are also juggling the responsibilities of running your own home, taking care of children, and working a full-time job. It’s no wonder that the strain of being pulled in so many directions can take a toll on your well-being.
Here are four strategies that will help you manage the stress in your life and enjoy time spent with your loved one:
1. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Reach out to family members and let them know when you need help. Ask for a day off or an extra hand during a particular outing, or that someone else coordinate your loved one’s transportation to doctor appointments.
Your elderly loved one most likely has friends who are still active in the community. Consider reaching out to them to ask for a few hours' assistance, even if it's just for someone to simply sit with your loved one while you take care of other activities. Professional caregivers are also an excellent option for ensuring that your loved one is receiving the quality care she deserves when you can't be there. A little help goes a long way and may alleviate caregiver stress.
2. Know your priorities.
When you take over as the primary caregiver for an aging loved one, it can be easy to allow your own self-care to slip through the cracks. You know that you need to eat right, exercise regularly, and take time for proper rest, but you're burdened by so many other responsibilities that you begin to neglect these important personal activities.
Make self-care and personal responsibilities a priority. Create a to-do list that includes all of your own tasks, ranked in order of importance, and stick to it. No one expects you to put your life on hold to care for an aging loved one. While there are sacrifices that can and will be made, taking care of yourself will make you a better caregiver in the long run.
3. Look for opportunities to enjoy your caregiving tasks.
Perhaps your elderly mother loves to sit and work on craft projects; needlework and crochet are examples of crafts that you can enjoy together. Your father might give incredible financial advice or tell amazing stories that keep the kids listening avidly long past their bedtimes. These small joys will help you make the most of your caregiving responsibilities.
4. Experience new adventures.
In some ways, packing up an elderly loved one for an outing is much like going out with a newborn. You may have a walker or wheelchair, a purse or bag with medical necessities, and even a change of clothes to include. You may also be tempted to stay closer to home because it simply feels like less effort.
With time, however, you can learn to enjoy those outings by being in the moment with your loved one. Just like getting out of the house when you have a newborn at home, getting out with an elderly loved one can become a comfortable routine when you do it regularly. Look for opportunities to get out of the house together. You'll find this to be refreshing for everyone involved.
Adapting to a new lifestyle as a caregiver can be challenging. With time, however, you will learn the best strategies for relieving caregiver stress and enjoying the time you are able to spend with your loved one. Committing to your own personal care—while still caring for the one who needs you—will help ease anxiety and create happiness for both you and your loved one.