Top 10 Tips When Caring for a Loved One

Tips when caring for a loved one

 1 -Stop and Breathe

When learning that a loved one requires additional care as it relates to an accident, medical diagnosis or aging it can knock the wind from your sail and set your life on a different course. It never hurts and always helps to stop and take a breath before going into full on solution mode. 

 2 - Be honest about what and how much you can take on

Once you have all the information it is then time to assess the situation and determine how best to proceed.  It is natural that when a loved one is in need you want to do everything possible to help them and you leap into action.  When I work with my clients, we first acknowledge the emotions and then consider, by being honest, what and how much they can take on.

 3 - Someone else may be better suited to provide the service

We tend to think ourselves or family members are the best bet for taking care of those we love even when we may not be the best equipped to do so.  There are professionals who can come in a home and provide the physical and medical needs while which not only helps the loved one, but also gives you a break and time to take care of yourself. 

 4 - Ask Question
One of the best bits of advice I can give is to have your loved one part of the decision-making process, when possible. Ask questions rather than give your opinion on what they should be doing. This also goes for when you may be dealing with a couple or cohabitating relatives, where one of them is caring for the other – this is the scenario where you are caring for the caregiver of a loved one.  
 
5 - Talk with your loved ones
It is important to know what they want, what they have planned for and milestones when a different course of action can be taken. Never are these comfortable conversations, however, I do promise that you and your loved ones will feel more comfortable about when and how things will be handled. There will be a sigh of relief.
 
6 - Discuss events that may warrant a change in residence or level of care
There could come the time to consider other options. 24/7 in home care or an assisted living facility that specializes in the care needed and this provides the loved one with a built-in community. The key here is doing research to identify the best fit option for your loved one, making sure they receive the care they need, and you get piece of mind with the decision.

 7 - Research options available for in or out of home care

There are many things to consider when/if the time comes for that additional care such as location, availability of progressive care, ability for you to have your supplemental care at a facility and of course matching the needs of your loved one with the specialties of the caregivers whether it is performed in or outside of the home.

 8 - Ask for help

Asking for help is never a sign of weakness, quite the contrary.  Your family and friends are probably asking frequently how you are and what can they do – tell them, this makes it easier for them and you’ll get what you need.  There are support organizations for everything and not only can they help in providing resources there able to support you from the perspective of being in your shoes.

 9 - Take care of yourself

When we are caring for someone, it is easy to stop taking care of ourselves and we’ve all heard it, so I’m not breaking any ground when I tell my clients to take care of themselves.  Eat healthy, take time for you, meet up with friends, get out in the open air and give yourself a break.  Not only will it be better for you, it will show in your caregiving.

10 - Own what’s best for U –

You can only give the best when you are doing what’s best for you.  If you aren’t able to bring yourself to make your loved one do something they don’t want to do, whether it is bath, do their physical therapy, take their medications, etc. it’s ok!  There are professionals willing and able to take that on.

 And if you happen to be in the position of being the loved one receiving the care I urge you to reread these tips and encourage you to talk about them with your caregivers.  All relationships are a 2-way street.

If you are interested in learning more about the life transition of caring for a loved one or want support in living your life by design…not by default, please message me.