Caring for a loved one is truly a selfless act of love and dedication. Whether you’re providing care full-time or balancing caregiving with a job, the responsibility can be both rewarding and challenging. The rising popularity of home care and respite care services is a testament to the increasing number of families opting to care for family members within the comfort of their homes. However, the demands of caregiving can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing.
Although our loved one may be the focus, it has never been more important to look after yourself during this time. This requires energy, enthusiasm and ensures you aren’t burnt out by the caregiving demands. With that in mind, here are some essential tips to help you provide the best care for your loved one while also taking care of yourself.
1. Understand the role of a caregiver
If you are just starting your journey of caring for a loved one, it’s imperative to understand the role of a caregiver and the wide scope it encapsulates. Being a caregiver involves more than just attending to the physical needs of a loved one. It often includes managing medications, coordinating medical appointments, handling financial matters and providing emotional support. For those who also have work responsibilities, this can feel like managing two full-time jobs simultaneously. Understanding the broad spectrum of caregiving can help you set realistic expectations for yourself, and empower you to seek appropriate support when needed.
2. Prioritise communication
Open communication with your loved one is crucial. Discuss their needs, preferences and any changes in their health or mood. Equally important is communicating with other family members, like siblings, so you can share the steep demands and keep them informed. If you’re balancing work and caregiving, it’s essential to keep your employer up-to-date, especially if you need flexibility in your work schedule. Due to the Flexible Working Bill, many employers are willing to accommodate caregiving responsibilities, but they can only do so if they are aware of your situation.
3. Create a routine and stick to it
Establishing a daily routine can be comforting for both you and your loved one. It helps in managing time effectively, reduces stress and ensures that all necessary tasks are completed. For working caregivers, a structured routine can help you balance work duties with caregiving responsibilities. Try to set specific times for meals, medications and activities. A routine can also help your loved one feel secure and more in control of their day.
4. Foster independence where possible
Speaking of ‘control’, you should encourage your loved one to maintain as much independence as possible. This can boost their self-esteem and reduce the caregiving burden. Simple tasks, like folding laundry or watering plants, can help them stay active and engaged. Always ensure that their activities are safe and suited to their abilities. Small caregiving wins can make a big difference.
5. Know when to seek professional help
Sometimes, the needs of your loved one may exceed your ability to provide adequate care. In such cases, it’s important to recognise when it’s time to seek professional help. This might include hiring a full-time caregiver, considering assisted living facilities or exploring other long-term care options. Be comfortable with this idea of change. It isn’t a failure to seek help, just a way to care for your loved one better.
6. Embrace the help of home care services
Home care services have become increasingly popular for a good reason. They allow your loved one to receive professional care in the familiar environment of their home. Home carers can assist with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and even companionship. Utilising these services can provide much-needed relief, especially for caregivers who may not be available during the day. It’s a practical way to ensure your loved one receives the attention they need while you manage other responsibilities.
7. Take advantage of respite care
Respite care is another invaluable resource for caregivers. It provides temporary relief by allowing you to take a break while your loved one is cared for by professionals in a safe environment. Whether it’s for a week or two, respite care can help prevent burnout by giving you time to recharge. It also offers your loved one a change of scenery and the chance to interact with different people, which can be beneficial for their wellbeing.
8. Protect your mental wellbeing
Caring for someone else often means putting your needs last. However, neglecting your mental health can lead to caregiver burnout, depression and anxiety. To protect your wellbeing, incorporate self-care into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking a short walk, practising meditation (there are some great sessions available through The Joy Club), reading a book or spending time with friends. Joining a support group for caregivers can also provide emotional support and practical advice from others who understand your experience.
9. Consider benefits and financial planning
Caring for a loved one can have significant financial implications. It’s important to consider the costs of home care services, medical expenses and any necessary home modifications. But fear not, you may be able to get money off! There are a host of government and NHS financial benefits that can ease the cost of care and some home adaptations can be completely covered in cost. Financial planning can help you manage these expenses without compromising your loved one’s care.
10. Always ask for help
Whether it’s in a full-time or part-time capacity, caring for a loved one is a noble and selfless endeavour, but it’s not without its challenges. By embracing available resources like home care and respite care, maintaining open communication and prioritising your mental health, you can navigate the responsibilities of caregiving with greater ease.
Most importantly, caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. By taking care of your wellbeing, you’ll be better equipped to provide the compassionate care that your loved one deserves. Everyone’s caregiving journey is unique and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help if you need the support.
A note from The Joy Club: This article was provided by Lottie. We know that concerns around caring for loved ones are front-of-mind for many of our members, and that you would like to see more care and support-focused content within The Joy Club community. That’s why we are delighted to have partnered with Lottie – the UK’s most visited directory for later life services – to bring you high-quality, expert-led content and events.
What’s more, Lottie is offering members of The Joy Club a free concierge service and 5% discount on homecare services*. Lottie’s team of in-house Care Experts are on-hand to give you all the free support, guides and video tutorials you need to make a more informed decision, should you like some extra support. This care concierge service is key to helping as many people as possible understand, find and fund care for their loved ones. Simply visit the Lottie website or call this hotline number, 0330 912 9940, say you’re a member of The Joy Club, and speak to one of Lottie’s Care Experts to find out more.
*The Joy Club will receive a share of the revenue from any homecare services you purchase through Lottie.