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Ten Tips for Caregivers
1. Choose to take charge of your life, and don't let your loved one's illness or disability always take center stage.
2. Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor and value yourself. You're doing a very hard job and you deserve some quality time, just for you.
3. Watch out for signs of depression, and don't delay in getting professional help when you need it.
4. When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
5. Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Information is empowering.
6. There's a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one's independence.
7. Trust your instincts. Most of the time they'll lead you in the right direction.
8. Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
9. Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen, especially when dealing with public agencies.
10. Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
(Source: National Family Caregivers Association)
Here is a handy checklist for Family Caregivers to use as a guide on daily activities.
Use this Task Sign Up Sheet - Place on Refrigerator and Have Family Or Friends Sign Up To Help Out
RESPITE CAREGIVER CHECKLIST
Respite care is when someone comes and gives the regular caregiver some "time off" from their duties, but that does not mean that the respite care caregiver has complete knowledge of the person requiring care. This checklist was used by EIM staff person Karen Bragg when she cared for her Grandmother at home, but you can print out and make your own revisions. “It saved me a lot of time, questions and anxiety.”
When Company Comes To Visit
Let’s suppose you are a friend or family member of a woman caring for her ill husband. Maybe she always had fresh muffins and coffee on… or she always had the best advice to give you. Maybe she was the best hostess on the block…
But now…things have changed…
Caregivers have so much on their plates when caring for a loved one. They are under a great deal of stress and when company comes, and it is difficult for them to be the hosts you’ve always expected.
Here are some useful tips for visiting caregivers AND help clear their plates a bit:
Always call before you visit and offer to pick up items from the store or pharmacy.
Bring in a hot meal or a snack and serve everyone and clean up afterwards. Let her know this is something you absolutely want to do for her.
Don’t let her wait on you. Get right up and do it yourself. If you bring in small children, make sure you are watchful of them at all times and that they are being courteous.
When you get her alone, ask her how things really are for her and let her vent a bit. Empathy goes a long way with caregivers. You may not know what it is like to be a full time caregiver, but if it was you, you would want someone to talk to about the tough times….and don’t forget to ask if she would like a hug…
Tell her you want to do a task to help her regularly. Offer to do some grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, yard work, etc.
Plan an evening card game or movie night and bring in some special munchies. Remind her that it is important to still find time for fun!
Call and give her a date/time that you are coming to give her a break and take her husband out for a ride. If he does not walk well, you can always take him to a take out window for ice-cream, burgers, etc.
She might enjoy some alone time in her own home…
If her husband cannot leave the home, then tell her you will sit with her him so she can get out for awhile. If you are uncomfortable while watching him, just relax and treat him as you would your best friend…
Check local paper to find out when the next caregiver support group is meeting and offer to go in and sit so she can attend.
Share a laugh with her….it really is a good way to relieve stress..
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