Caregivers in Loxahatchee FL
As a family caregiver for a loved one who suffers from a serious medical condition or illness, or even recovering from a recent medical procedure of some kind, you are charged with handling and providing a certain amount of care, usually ongoing and long-term. This kind of care can include everything from running errands and paying bills, to reviewing medications with your loved one’s medical providers. It might even include some minor medical chores like taking blood pressure, or changing bandages following a surgery. If you are brand new to this caregiver role, make no mistake about it: It can be physically, emotionally and mentally exhausting; it can impact your time, energy, even your financial resources; and it can dramatically impact your lifestyle and home environment, especially if you allow your loved one to move in with you and provide care in your own home, as opposed to their own. Understanding those risks and demands up front can help you stress remain at a minimum and reap greater rewards associated with the position. Here are some other tips for doing the same:
- Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of others, whether other family members and friends, or professional resources. Any of these options can help relieve some of the stress you’re feeling.
- Join a caregiver support group, either locally or online, where members are experiencing the same things and can help support each other. Learn from how others are doing what you’re doing.
- Organize the tasks in order of priority. If you’re doing grocery shopping, for example, consider doing your own grocery shopping at the same time. Combining caregiver tasks with those of your own is smart and helps save time and reduces stress in the process.
- Don’t be afraid to say no when you absolutely must. That doesn’t mean you’ll never do what was asked of you, but it might have to be delayed a week or two until it better fits with your time and schedule.
- Reach out to friends. Make sure you allow time for yourself to do something fun with other family members or friends.
- Take care of yourself physically. Exercise, eat well balanced meals and practice some kind of meditation so you’re staying relaxed. Balance the demands of caregiving with reading, exercise and taking breaks.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Loxahatchee, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.