Dementia caregivers often find themselves on a merry-go-round of emotions. On one hand, they’re extremely thankful for the precious days they get to spend with their senior loved ones, but they may also find providing care very frustrating. Before the frustration takes over, it’s important that dementia caregivers take some time to care for themselves.
Make Time for Yourself
Family caregivers often feel frustrated when they need to take even a few minutes for themselves. This frustration often causes them to think they should deny themselves these breaks in favor of constantly catering to their loved ones’ needs. This is an unhealthy way of thinking. Instead, take a few minutes each day to do something you really enjoy. If you have difficulty finding time for a break, consider hiring a home caregiver for your loved one.
Family caregivers can manage some of the emotional challenges of caregiving by hiring professional in-home care experts. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care, a leading provider of at-home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Monitor Your Health
Many caregivers put off even the most necessary self-care tasks when caring for loved ones with dementia. Caregivers must take care of their own medical needs, eat a well-balanced diet, and make sure they get enough sleep to ward off stress and frustration. If you aren’t able to do these basic things, it may be time for others to step in. Reach out to friends, family, or a local home care agency to look after your loved one while you rest and maintain your physical and mental health.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Harrisburg families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
Seek Support
If you’re a dementia caregiver, make sure you also seek emotional support during this difficult period in your life. Seek support from online organizations, as many have active forums where you can discuss your feelings with other caregivers in the comfort and convenience of home. Seek help from spiritual counselors, as most have people in their congregations who look for opportunities to be of service. Talk to professionals who are trained to help. Never stop asking until someone steps in to help.
Caring for a senior loved one 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 Harrisburg Home Care 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. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (717) 540-4663.