Though taking care of your senior loved one can be a rewarding experience, it can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you are the primary caregiver. However, there are a variety of ways to make providing elderly home care in Oakville a little less stressful.
Form a Team
Being the primary caregiver for your loved one does not mean you have to be the only caregiver. It simply means you handle most of the responsibility. You should develop a team of family members, friends, or volunteers who can help you with some of the responsibilities. Ideally, this will take a lot of the stress off of you.
Some duties you can have others take on include:
- Running errands
- Handling medical decisions
- Cleaning around the home
- Cooking meals
- Handling finances
- Being in charge of emergency situation
Pursue Personal Interests
Indulging yourself in personal interests every now and then can be a great way to de-stress. Treat yourself to a nice dinner or go watch the latest movie at the local movie theater. If you have a hobby you enjoy, schedule time to work on it. Providing care for your loved one can be a challenging job, which is why you need to reward yourself on occasion. You deserve a treat for all of the wonderful care you provide for your loved one.
Take a Break
You may need to take a break from being a primary caregiver to de-stress. This may include an entire day to rest and relax, or you can also take a few days or even a week away to go on a vacation. Though you can ask your family members or friends to help care for your loved one while you are away, respite care in Oakville is also an option. This is when a trusted in-home caregiver provides the care your loved one needs while you are taking time for yourself.
Join a Support Group
Many family caregivers do not reach out to support groups because they feel guilty, while others believe the group sessions are a waste of time. However, these support groups were created to make sure you were never alone. The discussions and advice received come from other caregivers who are going through or have gone through the same situation you are currently in. During these support group sessions, you may receive help and tips as well as an opportunity to vent.
Being a family caregiver doesn’t need to be stressful because Home Care Assistance is here to help. Our caregivers are available 24/7 to assist your loved one with a wide array of daily tasks and remove some of the burden from your day. We also offer a variety of specialized services for seniors who need more comprehensive care. For more information on Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s home care Oakville families trust, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (905) 337-1200 to schedule a complimentary consultation.