Taking care of a loved one is something that many of us expect to do during our lifetimes. But how can we do a good job of it? How can we be successful? Learn from those who have done it before you - learn the secrets to being a family caregiver.
First you must plan. Remember, those that fail to plan, plan to fail. Begin your plan with observation. What happens on a daily, weekly and monthly basis? Are there recognizable patterns during these periods. If so, incorporate these into your plan rather than fighting them. Perhaps your loved one likes to bathe in the morning -plan for it. Maybe there is a weekly hair appointment - plan for this. You can avoid the frustration that often is associated with doing things last-minute if you have a good plan.
Second, build systems. I don't mean get an IT degree and start programming, although use of technology can be useful and we will cover it later. I mean build systems that execute your plan. Use a calendar that schedules repetitive activities. Doing so insures that you will not overlook scheduling these. Another system could be to visit a friend every week for a lunch date while you are on that side of town for a doctor's appointment. This eliminates making a second unnecessary trip.
Third, automate what you can to reduce the risk of oversight. Perhaps your loved one now wears adult undergarments. These are certainly available at the store, but they are also available to purchase online and can be delivered to your home on a set schedule. As has been said many times before, set it and forget it. It's no fun to make an emergency trip to the store because you are out of a necessity. Automate what you can and move on.
Fourth, communicate your plan and systems to others. You may be the primary or even the sole caregiver, but it is likely that other people will be interested in you and your loved one. To amplify your success, you must communicate with these people. Provide them with updates. Share your current and future plan. Explain the systems and automation techniques that you use to effectively manage both of your lives. Those who communicate effectively will find greater satisfaction in their role as a care giver.
Forms of communication are endless - especially with available technology today. Taping notes up around your home providing instructions to people is a simple and highly effective idea. Phone people and provide them updates or even provide a face to face update. If you are technology savvy you can use email or set up a webpage to communicate status. Facebook and other social media platforms are excellent ways to communicate information to interested groups of people. The ideas are never-ending so have a cup of coffee and figure out your communications strategy.
The fifth and final point is to seek relief when needed. Being a family caregiver is a challenging role, and a role that you need to leave behind with regularity. You can ask other friends and family to provide relief or you can hire a professional caregiver from a happinesslifetime.com home care agency for Respite Care. Either way, you must get away and exercise, go play with friends or go do whatever it is that you need to do so that you take care of yourself. After all, if the care giver becomes sick or incapacitated, who will take care of your loved one?
If you are a family caregiver and are in need of respite care consider using a bettecare.com/home-care-atlanta professional caregiver from a licensed bettecare.com home care agency. At Bette Care we enjoy work with our clients and their families actively address the aging process.
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