For over 53 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. the responsibilities of caregiving can be overwhelming. We’ve put together a list of our Top 10 Tips for Caregivers to help you navigate the caregiving experience.
Take a break – a short nap, a cup of coffee or tea. Longer breaks can be good, too. If your loved one is on hospice care, be sure to ask about a 5 day respite stay.
Ask for help when you need it. Keep a list of things that someone else can do, and when the offer to help comes from a friend, take them up on it! You’ll be able to do your best caregiving job for longer if you allow others to use their gifts to help you.
Care for your own health needs. Stick with your nutrition plan and don’t let your own medical check-ups lapse.
Learn about caregiving. There are hacks, apps, and tricks that can help. (Check out the Caregiven website and download their free Caregiven app!)
Take care of your mental health. Stay connected to others and watch yourself for signs of depression. Caregiving takes a lot of mental energy. Remember to laugh!
Stay organized. Use a notebook to track medications, appointments, or home visits. A journal of what’s going on with your person helps to keep a caregiving group on the same page.
Maintain healthy habits. Eat a healthy diet, practice good sleep hygiene, and be consistent with your physical activity. Limit your screen time! Practice the faith rituals and habits that mean the most to you.
Talk about advance care care planning – your loved one’s and YOURS.
Consider stress management techniques. Yoga, guided imagery, and meditation can be helpful. Even something as simple as deep breathing can make your day easier.
And our all-time favorite tip for being a caregiver...
Be an advocate for yourself and your loved one. Set healthy boundaries for outside commitments and with your loved one, too. Care for yourself the way you care for others.
We want you to get the most out of your caregiving experience. Whether you’re a hands-on caregiver or providing care from a distance, taking care of someone else takes a lot out of you. A caregiving journey is often a marathon, not a short sprint.
The Heart of Hospice is here to help. Send your questions about end of life care to host@theheartofhospice.com. We’d love to hear from you. Check out The Heart of Hospice podcast to get more information to help make your caregiving experience successful.