By Kenneth Sullivan
First Timothy 5:8 in the New Living Translation says, “Those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” While the scripture inspires many to look after their loved ones, the physical and emotional reality of caregiving leads to intense stress and burnout for families of all backgrounds.
If you are a caregiver, the Caregiver Action Network gives you the following tips to help you manage caregiving without stress and burnout:
PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE:
This is the most crucial task for you as a caregiver! Make time for yourself by focusing on your well-being. Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get adequate rest.
PRIORITIZE YOUR TASKS:
If you are handling multiple tasks for your care recipients, break larger tasks into smaller steps so you can do one at a time. Make a list of the most important ones. Keep a daily routine.
DO NOT HANDLE EXTRA RESPONSIBILITIES:
Let care recipients do what they can still do for themselves to keep their independence. This prevents them from overworking you. Decline non-emergency, round-the-clock demands that rob you of sleep or compromise your own health. And don’t worry about cooking heavy holiday meals, hosting family gatherings, running errands, or doing chores for extended family members.
GET CONNECTED TO CAREGIVING RESOURCES:
You are not alone! Resources are available for caregivers and care recipients. By dialing 2-1-1 (United Way’s service number), you will locate the following respite services within or near your zip code:
In-home Care: This is a professional medical or supportive service that has home health aides and visiting nurses who come into your home to assist care recipients.
Home health aides offer these basic services: PERSONAL CARE, such as bathing, dressing, toilet assistance, mobility, transportation, and medication pickup; HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT, such as light housekeeping, laundry, cooking, sorting mail, and buying groceries; and BASIC HEALTH MONITORING, such as checking vitals and updating health reports under a nurse’s supervision.
Visiting nurses provide recipients with injections, feeding tubes, catheters, medication, advanced wound care, and care plans. They also educate patients and families on managing chronic illness, recognizing warning signs, and using medical equipment.
Adult Daycare Centers: You should consider these services when you have to work to make a living for yourself and your family, cannot afford in-home care, or are unable to find a sitter. They provide supervised care and support services during the day. This helps you balance employment and free yourself from the guilt of neglecting your care recipients.
They offer the same health, medical, and personal care as in-home services. In addition to respite breaks, adult daycare centers provide caregivers with counseling and educational resources.
Residential Respite Care Service: When you are completely exhausted, you need to entrust a residential respite care service to assist your care recipient for a few days or weeks. You can find this service at an assisted living facility or a skilled nursing home. They offer the same care found at in-home services and adult daycare centers.
Alternatively, you can contact the following helpline numbers:
Caregiver Action Network (855-227-3640): Offers peer support, educational tools, and guidance for family caregivers.
AARP of Alabama Caregiver Support Line (866-542-8167): Connects you to local support networks and state-specific resources.
Mental Health Professionals: You must seek professional help from a mental health therapist or counselor if you are experiencing stress that leads to severe emotional or psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, guilt, resentment, or trauma. You can discuss frustrations and emotions and receive coping strategies with these professionals.
Overall, following these tips can prevent the mental and physical burden that long-term caregiving brings.