Family caregivers often risk experiencing burnout. Providing care for an aging loved one is one of the most challenging jobs. If you feel frustrated or resentful, become sick, or face constant depression and fatigue, you may be need to consider some alternatives.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Anchorage Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Here are five easy ways to prevent caregiver burnout.
1. Make Time for Yourself
Caregivers need time for themselves every day. However, few family caregivers get this time. Try getting up a half an hour earlier than your aging relative each day to take a morning walk. Sign up for an evening dance class or take up the guitar. Having a solid exercise plan or hobby is essential for preventing stress.
2. Maintain a Tight Schedule
Maintaining a strict daily schedule can make things a lot easier. This allows aging adults to have firm expectations for the day, which promotes a sense of security and limits irritability and other behavioral issues. With a schedule, you’ll have a better opportunity to balance tasks that are specific to your own life and household. This schedule can include an early bedtime, a nap, and even some quiet time for individual activities.
3. Ask for Help When You Need It
Many caregivers feel as though they have to shoulder the entire burden of caregiving on their own. Be forthright with yourself and everyone else around you about just how much you’re capable of doing before burning out. Ask people to pitch in whenever possible. If your family remains largely unresponsive, consider getting help from local community organizations. Even something as simple as signing up for regular meal delivery can leave you with more time on your hands and significantly less stress.
Aging adults who need help around the house, transportation to medical appointments and social events, and assistance with exercise can benefit from having an in-home caregiver. Anchorage seniors can enjoy greater independence and receive regular mental and social stimulation when relying on a trusted professional who is expertly trained in various aspects of senior care.
4. Use Respite Care to Get Away
Look for a respite care service when you need a vacation. Having someone come into the home to provide care for your senior loved one allows you to head out for longer periods. With respite care, you can take trips with your family, schedule spa days, or spend time with your friends. These activities can help you maintain a sense of balance and normalcy.
5. Join a Support Group
It also helps to spend time with like-minded people who understand your frustrations and concerns. When you join a support group, not only will you be able to vent in an accepting environment, but you’ll also gain access to a wealth of information. Support groups frequently share tips on caregiving along with information about different caregiver and senior resources within the community. Best of all, if you can’t find the time to attend group meetings, there are online caregiver support groups you can join.
Providing care for an aging loved one with Alzheimer’s or other type of cognitive decline can be challenging. In this case, caregivers face a much higher risk of burnout if they do not hire professional caregivers. Anchorage, AK, Alzheimer’s care professionals are available 24/7 to help seniors manage daily tasks like bathing, grooming, exercise, and medication reminders. At Home Care Assistance, we believe seniors with Alzheimer’s can live safely and comfortably at home with the help of compassionate and expertly trained caregivers. To create a customized Alzheimer’s care for your senior loved one, call us at (907) 770-0907 today.