5 Ways You Can Help A Caregiver
Caregiving is a difficult task, and you are sure to notice the toll it takes on a loved one. Even with the availability of in-home care services, many people opt to care for their loved ones themselves. If you are looking for a fantastic way to help out a loved one, these techniques will help you provide assistance that matters.
1. Find Respite Care
Respite care is one service available to caregivers who need help providing for a loved one. You can offer to pay for respite services that will cover care for hours or even days, giving your loved one a much needed break. Respite care may be available at home or at a facility, with some services providing longer term options as needed.
2. Stop Saying, "Let Me Know If You Need Something"
One of the biggest problems caregivers face is feeling that they don't have resources available. Even if you tell your loved one to call you if they need something, they may not call. Instead, you might consider saying something like, "I'll come by on Monday and help give you a break."
3. Facilitate Self-Care
Self-care does not come naturally to many people, including those who take care of other people on a full-time basis. Whether you are taking your loved one to have a massage or even to a doctor's appointment to take care of their own health, pay close attention to both emotional and physical care. Neglect is common, but your stepping in could help.
4. Be Inclusive
Simply because somebody is providing care for a loved one does not mean that he or she does not want to be included in movie nights and coffee dates. You may be able to find in-home care for a short period of time to facilitate these outings.
5. Lend an Ear
Emotional support is often one of the key components involved in caregiving, but so many people lose this when they take on full-time responsibilities. Sometimes just providing a listening ear is beneficial.
Providing assistance for a loved one in a caregiving position is extremely important because caregivers are known for not asking for help when they really need it. For this reason, some caregivers are reluctant to look into services like full-time in-home care. These ways to show you care can go a long way in relieving stress but also in providing excellent care for the individual in need of assistance. Contact a service, like AT HOME WITH YOU, for more help.
