Family caregivers do an excellent job of providing comfort and care to elderly individuals who need it most. But caregiving isn’t a simple job on the side. It requires extensive care and attention, often resulting in a few rough patches throughout the daily lives of caregivers. Whether you’re a friend of a caregiver or a family member of someone receiving care, there are a few ways to help support your caregiver as they perform these critical tasks. With a bit of effort, you can help make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals caring for your family members.
Listen
Arguably the most crucial part of any relationship is the ability to listen, which certainly applies to caregivers. We often just want a listening ear or to feel like someone cares about the things we go through. Many caregivers spend their time giving back to others, and all they need is an outlet for themselves. Simply listening without speaking or judging might be all your caregiver needs to feel understood.
Encourage Them to Practice Self-Care Methods
You might expect anyone who cares for others to naturally be in tune with how they feel. But many caregivers are so giving and supportive that they forget their own needs. Reminding your caregiver that they can partake in self-care practices is a great way to help relax their minds and bodies.
Show Your Support By Giving Your Time
Caregivers know the importance of time more than anyone, so giving yours will mean a lot to them. Family caregivers often have a family of their own and important responsibilities to handle in their personal lives. Helping them out in any way possible can make a meaningful difference. Even helping with daily chores can take a burden off their shoulders. Something as simple as grocery shopping can change the outlook of an entire week, so try to be available every so often.
Give Them Space
Just as your extra time and support can help, sometimes a bit of space can make the same impact. We all have times when we just want to be left alone, which certainly applies to caregivers who spend most of their days helping others. Be aware of signs of burnout, including withdrawal, depression, or isolation, especially for people who are often very outgoing or engaging. Even a weekend alone can help bring back some of that energy and keep your caregiver performing at a high level.
Make Sure They Feel Included
Sure, you don’t want to constantly make your caregiver feel like they’re missing out on events, but if you’re a friend, a great way to keep them motivated is to help them feel included in events. Extend invitations, especially for events you know they can likely attend. And don’t place blame on your friend if they can’t attend. Sometimes caregivers are too exhausted or have a lot to accomplish before even considering an invitation to another event. But knowing they’re invited can go a long way for their mental and emotional health each day.
Caregivers Are an Important Part of Your Family Members’ Lives — So Don’t Forget to Give Them Support
Caregivers give their time and energy to your family, so why not return the favor? Many people feel intimidated when asking their caregivers if they need support, but rest assured, it isn’t as hard as you may think. Best of all, these methods aren’t all super engaging or complex, and they can make a meaningful difference in the day-to-day of all parties involved. So go ahead and apply for caregiving services with Aging With Comfort to find the perfect Philadelphia caregiver and help your family member enjoy life to the fullest — just don’t forget to give a bit of support back!