Every day, family caregivers go through stress that can lead to burnout if it’s left unaddressed. For many caregivers, stress isn’t necessarily related to single events. Instead, it’s the daily caregiving duties that often lead to burnout. For these reasons, it’s best to hire professional caregivers when caregiving duties become overwhelming. Here are several ways family caregivers can prevent stress.
1. Practise Deep Breathing
You may not be aware of how often you hold your breath or don’t take in enough air when you’re stressed. Spend a few minutes breathing deeply as you go about your day, and the fresh burst of oxygen reaching your brain may clear your mind.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
2. Connect with Your Loved One
When you find yourself feeling resentful, stop what you’re doing and engage with your loved one. Play a game, share a story, and do whatever it takes to enjoy a laugh together so you’re reminded of the good things your loved one brings to your life.
3. Enjoy a Hand Massage
While you may not have time for a manicure or full body massage, having someone massage your hands takes only a few minutes. You can even do this activity with your loved one by taking turns rubbing lotion into each other’s hands and giving each other a gentle hand massage.
4. Hire a Respite Caregiver
It’s important to take occasional breaks to give yourself a chance to rest mentally and take care of your physical health. Your loved one might enjoy spending time with a new person, and you may find him or her in a better mood when you return. This is also a great way to avoid scheduling conflicts, since you know you have someone reliable when you need to get to a doctor’s appointment.
In Victoria, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family.
5. Start a Garden
Spending time in green spaces naturally soothes the mind. If getting outside isn’t possible, start a small windowsill garden or place a potted plant in a prominent place. Seeing the plants provides a visual reminder that the world is a beautiful place.
6. Read a Book
Books can take you to a whole new place, and reading is a relaxing activity. However, you may find it stressful trying to keep up with a book when your duties have you constantly running around. Try choosing a book that has a collection of short stories that can each be finished in one sitting so you can pursue your favourite hobby without feeling stressed.
7. Start a Gratitude Journal
When your caregiving duties become overwhelming, it’s important to remember the things that keep you going. Find a pocket-sized notebook and make a habit of writing down the little things that bring you joy. Reading over notes about how you saw a beautiful sunset or the way your loved one smiles at you over dinner can help you stay positive.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality elderly home care, Victoria Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (250) 592-4881 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.