Caregivers’ lives are filled with demands. They must juggle many responsibilities day after day, and this constant barrage can oftentimes leave caregivers feeling frazzled. Harriet is a health and wellness writer, and she is also a caregiver to her husband, John. Harriet has come up with six tips based on her own caregiving experience to help others in similar situations cope with the daily demands of their roles.
Work Within a Routine
Sticking to a routine often helps caregivers accomplish all of their tasks within a given time period by providing structure. Find a routine that works for you and your loved one you are caring for. And remember, “You can modify your routine if it isn’t working,” writes Harriet.
Plan Together
Even if your loved one cannot assist with daily tasks, talking through a plan together is a good way to involve your loved one in activities. Harriet shares, “Asking for input helps your loved one retain some control over a life that may seem out of control.”
Follow Through on Promises
More often than not, caregivers find themselves in the middle of one task only to be called away to another. “When my husband calls, I try to finish what I’m doing, something that isn’t always possible,” shares Harriet. I tell him, “I’ll be there in ____ minutes.” Sometimes it is two minutes, sometimes five, sometimes more. What’s important is that my husband knows I will keep my promise.” And taking a minute to finish what you’re doing won’t leave you with the task of accomplishing it later.
Make Short Term Menus
Menu planning can take time, but it can also make meal time a little easier to handle. Harriet doesn’t have time to plan a whole week’s worth of menus, So instead, she plans three days’ worth of meals at one time. And sometimes she even gets a head start of a recipe one day and finishes it the next. “I cook pasta ahead of time, drizzle it with olive oil to prevent clumping, and refrigerate until needed,” she shares.
Make Me Time
Me time doesn’t have to be a large chunk of time devoted to just yourself. Most caregivers don’t have this kind of free time. Instead, try setting aside a few minutes for yourself each day. Harriet says, “I set aside a half hour for reading, or watching birds come to the backyard feeders, or emailing family members. These brief breaks re-charge me for hours. Without “Me Time” I would be a grumpy caregiver.”
Practice Self Care
Getting some exercise plus maintaining regular doctor and dental check ups is essential for any caregiver. Taking good care of yourself is just as important as taking care of someone else.
By applying some or all of Harriet’s tips, caregivers can often better cope with the demands of caregiving.
“We can learn to accomplish our tasks in snippets of time, try different methods, and work more efficiently.”
Share these tips with a caregiver you know!