Caring for your parent can be hard work. We took some advice from a TED Talk, and added some of our own ideas here in this 6 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout. Here are some ways to allow a caregiver to take care of their own well-being.
1. Assemble your own team
This involves having regular contact with friends, colleagues, professionals, or other family members to help make decisions and lend a hand. Don’t isolate yourself just because you are caring for your parent. You may be surprised at the response you get from just reaching out with a quick text or phone call. Make sure to spend time together in person, and not just on social media.
2. Be your own caregiver
Mindfulness is a key suggestion that helps prevent burnout. Don’t sacrifice your own needs when caring for your aging parent, or you will begin to feel resentful. Practicing mindfulness means being aware of yourself and how you feel in the moment. If you start feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, take a few minutes for yourself to breathe and re-center. Then assess the situation and find other ways to make it work that keeps you feeling good about giving care.
3. Find an outlet
Putting aside your own hobbies and passions, might seem like the best way to make time for everything. But it is important to keep up your own creative endeavors. Give yourself time for YOU and still do what you love!
4. Set boundaries and stick to them
Guilt and a feeling of obligation may become unhealthy. Set boundaries so you don’t become drained. An example would be allowing other family members to step into the care-giver role and setting a schedule that everyone can adhere to.
5. Find a different way to connect with the person you are caring for
Find common activities which move away from defining your respective roles as “caregiver” and “patient.” If they used to play tennis, take them to the park to watch a tennis game in progress, or play a game yourself while they watch. Break out a couple decks of cards, or a board game, and enjoy playing together.
6. Call in backup if you need it
If you are nearing your breaking point, call in help for a week. This could be another family member, or you could hire a short-term professional caregiver. At GoldenSHERPA we have listings of local and experienced caregivers for you to choose from.
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