Do you have helpful hints for caregivers? by Angel Carl August 27, 2009
Caregiving, with all of its rewards and triumphs, can also be stressful and overwhelming. Right at Home knows that no one has a better true life understanding of the need for “balance” better than the caregiver of a senior.
If you have a few simple techniques that caregivers can use to help relieve stress, please share them with our readers. We know someone has to have knowledge of some simple things easy things family caregivers can do to gain some balance amid all of the hoopla and pressure.
. I am a professional in Mind Body Medicine and work in an area cancer center, More to the point, I am the spouse/former caregiver to a husband who is a 10 year Cancer survivor. and I am an only child caregiver to a 100 year old mom with Alzheimers.
I would like to share a few of my thoughts/ tips with other caregivers. These are some of the suggestions I include in the Workshops and Womens Retreats for Caregivers in the New England area.
Caregiving can be a major life changing experience. It often happens without much warning or preparation. Do not try to do it all by yourself.
It is necessary for anyone who is actively involved to commit to a daily self care routine regardless of other demands. It is as essential to survival as keeping gas in the gas tank.
Learning how to do calming, abdominal breathing exercises throughout the day can be a good start to neutralize the stress of caregiving.
- You cannot give what you do not have. (Self Care=Survival)
- If someone you expected would help does not come through -Don’t hang onto resentment – Remind yourself if they don’t help – they do not have what is needed – so seek more “appropriate/qualified” resources who can bring something constructive to the table.
Take a few minutes to brainstorm What gives YOU positive energy? –and –what gives YOUR PATIENT positive energy? Find a way to incorporate these topics, interests or activities. It will sustain each of you (mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually (even if only for 10 minutes at a time.).
Find a way to come into the present moment, It may be going outside No matter how busy it is- take a break to notice nature and the sky,INature is grounding.
Keep a notebook . Try writing or sketching out your story and feelings .(+ and -)
Try creating a photo memory book as a life reminiscence project with the patient – or my personal favorite—–
Keep a daily gratitude journal to keep you focused on what is left vs. what is lost.
For the past two years I invite a number of other daughters of parents with dementia to come out for a casual dinner or a cup of coffee. It is important to get a change of scenery to recharge batteries – Just being with others who “Know Caregiving First Hand” can make a real difference.
Blessings to you on your Caregiver path- May you take strength in the knowledge you have the opportunity to show compassion and develop the inner wisdom and experience to make a positive difference in other’s lives.
Very nice….simple and positive things caregivers can do. Thanks you so much. Please feel free to post anytime.
It would be interesting to see other caregivers try some of the ideas out and give feedback her – on how they felt afterwards. I invite others to let me know
I am an only child caring for two 80 yr old parents. I was thrust into the caregiving role after my mom fell down the stairs and broke her femur. She was caring for my dad who has dementia, diabetes, and prostate cancer.
She can’t do it anymore, nor does she want to. I panic at the thought that I am responsible for both of them now. I am involved in every detail of their lives.
Learning how to take care of myself in the middle of this has been a challenge, but absolutely necessary. I walk, do yoga, knit and play a musical instrument. Most of all prayer gets me through the worst of it.
What I realize is that this is a special time that I have with both of my parents. I feel grateful that I have this opportunity to help them. It is by far the hardest thing I have ever done, but I am doing it with help from others. My thoughts go out to everyone else in my situation.
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.
Kelley I am an only child also. I have been caring for my 100 year old mom as the primary caregiver. It can be difficult to not share the responsibility with siblings but often there is a bond between only children and their parents that is deep and caring.
It is such a wonderful insight you are sharing. You are there for them despite the personal challenge. You have the opportunity to give and receive love with your parents .To do all of this you recognize how important it is to keep your spiritual and emotional needs met. . Yoga, knitting, music and spirituality draw on the right side of our brain. Activities like these help keep us balanced and in touch with what gives us energy. God Bless you for being willing to be a caring and compassionate daughter – You can take satisfaction in knowing you are a gift to them.