Caregivers can go through a wide range of emotional reactions in just a single day. Over time, stress can add up and cause you to feel exhausted, cranky, and even ineffective. While you may know deep down that everything will be okay, it might be difficult to get your emotions to match your logic. Family caregivers can find emotional support through these five essential resources.
1. Visit a Professional Counselor
You might be able to handle an occasional bout of sadness on your own, but there may come a point where you need professional help. Look for a counselor who specializes in family care. You might even find one who serves family caregivers as a main part of his or her practice. Either way, speaking to someone about your challenges can help you avoid falling prey to depression and anxiety.
2. Join a Support Group
General support groups are open to any family caregivers who want to talk about their difficulties. You can also find support groups that focus on specific aspects of senior care. Alzheimer’s support groups are especially popular. There are also support groups for family caregivers who are still raising children and for people who are experiencing burnout. If you decide to attend a support group online, make sure to arrange for respite care so you can focus on the meeting without any distractions.
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 Green Valley Home Care Assistance 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.
3. Lean on Other Family Members
Senior care needs sometimes divide families, but you may have several people on your team. If you’re sharing responsibilities with another family member, try to develop a relationship that honors openness and honesty. If you do vent to a family member, make sure to do it away from your loved one. Even seniors with dementia may hear you talking about your challenges. Taking a moment away to vent to your family member over a cup of tea in a coffee shop is a much better way to speak privately.
For many families, caring for a senior loved one can sometimes be overwhelming. Fortunately, compassionate help is available. Senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
4. Maintain Close Friendships
You might be tempted to skip those regular phone calls with your friend, and you might have given up on going to social events long ago. These decisions make it more difficult for you to find an emotional outlet. Your close friends are wonderful sources of support who will let you talk about your frustrations. They can also allow you to spend time away when you don’t have to talk about caregiving for a little bit. Taking a break can also serve as an emotional outlet.
5. Talk to Other Caregivers
No one can fully understand what it’s like to be a caregiver until he or she serves in this role. Family caregivers often find professional home caregivers become one of their biggest sources of support. You never have to worry about a professional caregiver judging you because the kitchen is a mess or you seem stressed by your loved one’s behavior. Instead, these professionals offer understanding and work to make life better for seniors and their families. You can also lean on professional caregivers for advice that helps you manage your role emotionally.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24-hour care, Green Valley, AZ, Embrace In-Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (520) 625-2050 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.