At one time or another, most of us will be caregivers for someone. As with any new role, it is critically important to have the knowledge, resources, and tools available to help you. Here are 10 tips for caregivers to help you be the best you can be!
Tips for Caregivers
- Build Confidence – Help the person you’re caring for to strengthen their confidence. Be encouraging, realistic, and repetitive.
- Exercise Compassion – Be compassionate, even when it is not easy. It will help you relate to those you care for.
- Join a Group – Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek out help from a support group. It helps to be around others who are going through the same thing.
- Take care of yourself – Fill your cup first, so you can show up stronger for others. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise, and have some time off.
- Get organized – Develop a daily routine. Use a day planner, Google calendar, notebook, or whiteboard to prioritize tasks.
- Documentation – Keep documentation about those you are caring for in one place. That way when you need medical or legal records, you will know where to find them.
- Dependability – Those who need home care don’t usually need it just once in a while. They need it on a regular basis, so it is so important that a caregiver be dependable.
- Maintain a safe home environment – Check rugs or clutter that could cause a potential fall.
- Knowledge is power – Learn all that you can about the person you are taking care of condition/illness/disease. This will help you provide the best possible care for them and hopefully make them accepting of your help.
- Have humility – Make sure you take the time to consider the person you are caring for point of view. Don’t forget to listen and remember they are human and so are you.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Ask for help when you need it. Teamwork makes the world go round. AND we are always here if you need help.
“There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers, currently are caregivers, will be caregivers and those who will need a caregiver.” — Rosalyn Carter