What You Can Do To Better Care For Your Loved Ones, Yourself, Senior Living & Health

As our population ages, a new term has entered our national vocabulary - Caregiver Burnout. It is used primarily in reference to family members who are trying to take care of elderly loved ones, and at the same time meeting the demands of their own family.

To avoid caregiver burnout, it's important to get help before caregiving becomes overwhelming. If you're caring for an older loved one, the American Geriatrics Society's Foundation for Health in Aging offers these suggestions:

Help your loved one help themselves. Doing something as simple as putting a no-slip seat, or
shower chair, in the shower or bath;

installing grab bars in the bathroom and near the bed;

moving kitchen supplies to lower shelves;

or getting easy-grip can openers and other utensils, can make it possible for an older relative to keep doing certain things independently.

Don't take it personally. If the person you are caring for has dementia or other mental or emotional problems, he or she may act out or say hurtful things. Remind yourself that this behavior is a result of the illness. Try not to take it to heart. Ask family, friends and neighbors for assistance. Ask a neighbor to take your mother to the grocery store once a week, or your sister could help make meals for mom on weekends. Explain what needs to be done, but try not to criticize if others don't care for your loved one in exactly the way you would.

The important thing is that his or her needs are met. Take care of yourself. Eating well, exercising, and taking time to relax and enjoy yourself are key to avoiding burnout. By taking care of yourself you'll be able to take better care of your loved one. Talk about it. Talking about your experiences and feelings can make care giving less stressful.

Joining a caregiver support group in your area will give you a chance to share your thoughts, feelings and information with others in similar circumstances. Get information. Learn as much as you can about your loved one's health problems and needs and how these are likely to change over time. This will help you plan and prepare for these changes. Learning about options for care that your loved one may need in the future, such as help from a home aide, or assisted living or nursing home care, can also help you prepare for and feel more secure about their future.

Of course, the internet is a great source of information, along with libraries and local senior agencies. Comfort Keepers is willing to discuss caregiver burnout and other issues of this nature with you.

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