While some family caregivers gradually grow into their roles or are born into it, others can pinpoint the event that started their journey: Their father was hospitalized after a fall and needed more help at home, or their wife was diagnosed with an unexpected chronic illness.
If you recently became a family caregiver, you may feel challenged due to the changes in your relationship with your loved one. You may have to help your loved one bathe and dress or take medications. You may need to drive them to appointments or orchestrate their care from another state or country.
The following tips can help you oversee your loved one’s care and well-being, manage your own stress levels and better enjoy your time together.
Whether you use a computer or notebooks and folders, begin by organizing any paperwork of your loved one, such as discharge instructions. As a caregiver, you may need to ensure your loved one’s bills are paid, contact their insurance provider about coverage or attend to similar affairs. In order to do so, you will need access to all their important paperwork and, in some situations, legal authority to do business on their behalf. To learn what constitutes important documentation and the steps to getting affairs in order, visit the National Institute on Aging and Next Avenue.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for their spouse, child or parent with a serious health condition. The FMLA applies all public agencies, local education agencies (schools) and private sector employers who have 50 or more employees for at least 20 workweeks. In addition to the FMLA, some states have specific family and medical leave laws.
Depending on your loved one’s level of independence, they may continue to live in their own home, or they may need to move in with you or to a higher level of care such as an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. Regardless, you need to make adjustments to provide a safe place for them. Some minor household fixes might include removing trip hazards, such as rugs and snaking electrical cords, and increasing the brightness of bulbs or the amount of lighting.
Pay special attention to the bathroom. According to the Centers of Disease Control and prevention, approximately 22 million Americans were injured in the bathroom, and the rate of injury increased with age. Specifically, Americans 65+ hurt themselves using the toilet and moving around the bath tub or shower. You can reduce fall risks and accidents by installing grab bars around the toilet and shower/bath tub. To learn more about bathroom and home safety, download our infographic, “Reduce Falls at Home”
Caregiving can be a challenge physically, mentally and emotionally. By taking on all the duties of a caregiver by yourself, you are increasing your chances of caregiver burnout, which can lead to a weaker immune system and poor sleep among other side effects. This can make you a less effective caregiver for your loved one. You can lower your potential for burnout by reaching out to others for help:
Most importantly, take care of yourself. Carve out time every day to recharge: Take a warm bath, play online games or visit with friends. You must tend to your needs so you are physically, emotionally and mentally prepared to care for your loved one.
There are many duties of a family caregiver: personal care, medical assistance, money management, companionship, etc. As you learn more, the varied tasks will become manageable.
You can start your caregiver curriculum by enrolling in a CPR and/or basic first aid class through the American Red Cross, so you are prepared for medical emergencies should they happen.
If your loved one has a chronic illness or disability, learn as much as you can about it. Seek out reputable websites that are dedicated to the condition, such as the American Heart Association.
If you are concerned about helping your loved one move around safely, including transferring from a car, check out the first five instructional videos by The Home Alone AllianceSM.
For additional resources, visit your local Area Agency on Aging or The Importance of Self-care for Caregivers by Northwestern University's Online Masters in Counseling program.
Peruse The Best Life Blog for more information on caregiving, aging, dementia, home care and more.
Being a caregiver is one of the ultimate acts of loyalty, selflessness and love. While you may be lack confidence about your new role, you have already shown character and resilience in becoming a family caregiver. Education, organization and a support network will elevate your effectiveness as a caregiver and the quality of care you provide.