Another year has gone by – another year of caregiving. Maybe it is your first experience with this challenging job, and yes, it is a job. Just like parenting is a full-time job, whatever type of work you do is a full-time job, and now add caregiving to the mix.
If this is your very first year providing senior care in Toronto or just another one of many, make some promises to yourself as the New Year begins. It’s the perfect time to take a step back and review your priorities, decide what you might do better, and how to cope with the endless challenges.
Some folks may call them resolutions, but no matter what you call them, consider some of these ideas.
Don’t Take Anything Personally
Providing senior care in Toronto can be a non-stop whirlwind of activity. As you add more and more caregiving to your daily life, you may receive very little positive feedback from your loved one, Depending on their particular situation, there can even be resistance and recrimination. It’s hard to resist becoming discouraged and feeling like you are not doing enough.
We all want our care and hard work to be appreciated, but our loved one may be incapable of a way to express it. Here’s where you recognize the situation and understand that any negative reactions are not because of you.
Step back and remember that you are doing what’s necessary for your loved one, regardless of whether they say thank you every day.
Take Care Of Yourself
It’s easy to fall into the trap of devoting all your energy into caring for others: family, children, spouse, and the seniors in your life. Decide you will MAKE time for yourself:
- Plan that pedicure appointment you have been craving
- Get your flu shot so you can stay healthy
- Set a date with your spouse to have dinner alone or see a movie
- Choose an hour of each day to read a book or write in a journal
Plan certain activities just for YOU, and put them on your calendar. Encourage members of your family to help out during those times. You don’t have to do it all!
Involve Others In The Caregiving
We repeat: you don’t have to do it all. Encourage assistance from family members, siblings, teenagers; anyone willing to help. They can give you a few hours respite while they fill-in for you. Teenagers can play games with your loved one, go for walks, or take them shopping.
You can control the proposed activities, but let them decide and give them some space.
Get Help When You Need It
Sometimes even the best of caregivers reach a point where they can no longer handle the daily needs and demands of their loved one. Mobility issues, personal care, and lack of support can quickly become overwhelming.
Professional help is available for senior care in Toronto, and it’s possible to keep loved ones in their familiar environment with home health care from C-Care Health Services.
You can choose the number of support hours each day as well as overnight professional care.
Contact the professional services of C-Care Health Services.
Begin this new year with plans to care for your senior loved ones, your family, AND yourself.
