Caregiver Sharon MA
New family caregivers don’t always have the system in place to take care of their elderly loved one as well as themselves. If that’s the case for you, developing a self-care plan now can save you quite a bit of trouble as caregiving for your loved one becomes more complicated.
Give up the Idea that You’re Going to Be Perfect
Perfection is often something that new family caregivers strive for. Your loved one likely took care of you at some point and now you want to do at least as well at caring for her as she did caring for you. The problem is that you’ll never be perfect as a family caregiver, and if you can accept that now, you’ll be better off in the long run.
Feel Your Feelings and then Let Them Go
You’re going to feel a wide range of emotions during your caregiving journey. Some of them will be positive, but others are going to feel like emotions that you shouldn’t be feeling. If you can learn to experience your feelings and then let them go, you’re going to fare better. You may want to talk to a therapist that you trust at some point to help you learn how to do this.
Ask for Help before You’re in Too Deep
Along with being perfect, too many family caregivers avoid asking for help until they’re completely overwhelmed. Save yourself some heartache and learn to ask for help well before you’re in desperate need. If you can manage this hurdle quickly, you’ll be in a better position when caregiving becomes much more complicated down the line.
Set up a Support System for Yourself
Family caregivers need to have a strong support system in place. You’re there to support your loved one, but you can’t do it alone. Friends that you can trust and other family members are a solid start to your support system. You may also want to join a support group, hire elderly care providers, and make sure that you take respite time for yourself.
As you gain more experience with being a family caregiver, you’ll develop new techniques for taking care of both your loved one and yourself.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver Services in Sharon MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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