Many of us don’t get the chance to look after our loved ones when they need us. For those who get the chance, they should try their best to be an ideal caregiver.

In a family, a caregiver becomes a major support in the life of someone who can’t care for themselves. The caregiver’s role is very crucial and also very challenging and exhausting at the same time. Some might even say that it’s a thankless job. But at some point in many of our lives, we have to go through this.

To prepare you for these difficult times, we have some advice and tips on how to be a wonderful caregiver to your loved ones.

Take Breaks Every Now and Then

Being a caregiver can be mentally draining and stressful. Caregivers are humans too. So my first tip to caregivers would be to take breaks from time to time. You should take a few breaks every month to recharge your batteries. Don’t feel guilty, you deserve the break and need it too.

To have a good break, do the things you enjoy. Hang out with your friends, go out for a nice meal or go on a long drive – whatever helps you to refresh your tired mind and body. The idea of the break is to help you to provide better care for your loved ones.

Make Them Feel Beautiful and Precious.

Everyone loves to feel nice and pretty. This is also true for the person you are looking after. For a start, you can wash their hair, or get them a fresh new haircut. Don’t let them feel old but make them feel like they matter. Nobody likes to feel dull. Pick out nice bright coloured outfits for them to wear. This will make them feel a lot better both physically and mentally.

Just because they are ill or old, doesn’t mean that they no longer want to look nice and wear pretty clothes. We often make this mistake and think that the trouble is not worth it. Try to compliment them regularly. Trust me, it will make their day and bring a bright wide smile to their face.

Be Understanding and Allow Them to Forget Things

The person you are caring for may struggle to remember the simplest of things. They may even forget their favourite tv shows, movies, music or dishes to eat. They may also not remember the friendly neighbour or the mailman they used to meet on a regular basis. Perhaps they may not even recognise you at times.

Therefore, it’s important that as the caregiver, we do not assume or expect them to remember everything. In such cases, we need to be understanding and patient. Allow them the liberty to forget and remember in their own time.

Don’t Bottle Up Your Feelings and Emotions Inside Yourself

As a caregiver, you may often get overwhelmed by negative emotions. This is totally natural and completely acceptable. However, bottling them up inside yourself might lead to depression and stress. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that you communicate and share your thoughts and sentiments with someone you trust.

To share your feelings, you can choose to join a support group, or maybe text a friend or family member. If you happen to be too shy to share your emotions with another person, you can try journaling. These methods should help you to calm your mind and reduce stress. It will allow you to filter the negative thoughts from your head. At some point, all of us need to just let it all out!

Understand their Need For Social Interaction

Loneliness is common among the elderly who do not go out often. Their telephone rarely rings and they end up relying on the television for company. They eagerly desire to hear the voice of different people. Furthermore, they also appreciate a change of scenery and going out to see other people.

Therefore, we suggest that you try to fulfil these desires. You can make a phone call to a close friend of theirs. For public outings, you can set a particular routine or day of the week when you will take them out. This will make them look forward to that particular day and feel like they are part of society.

Accept Their Changes and Don’t Make Them Feel Guilty About It

Accept that it is alright if your beloved is no longer the same person that you used to know. The change may be due to a physical disability or a psychological issue. Take a step back and understand that the only chance for them to find comfort is for you to accept them as they are and not make them feel worse about themselves.

Don’t Be Harsh on Yourself Because You are Doing the Best You Can

Many caregivers tend to get too critical of themselves. They criticize themselves for simple errors they make. However, this should not be the case. Rather, you should learn to give yourself credit. Don’t focus on what you are doing wrong but rather on what you are doing right.

As a caregiver, you need to have self-compassion and remain positive. Dealing gently with your shortcomings will boost your self-esteem, self-worth, and feeling of competency.

Avoid Highlighting Their Limitations and Incapabilities

Having limitations can make people feel very insecure, so be thoughtful of anything that might offend them. For instance, this may be something as simple as helping them with their wheelchair.

Be as clever as you possibly can. Help them to open up more by letting them speak about their experience. You may also offer to do activities such as going to their favourite place. Make sure to try everything you can to make it appear as if they were not being deprived of anything. It may be more thoughtful sometimes to let them do things themself if they want to prove that they don’t need as much help.

Avoid Stressing Them by Fulfil Their Needs

When we take care of someone, especially old people, we find that they tend to be very cranky. The slightest inconvenience can really bother them and ruin their mood. Once their mood is ruined, they can be very annoying and difficult to handle.

Therefore, we must be very careful not to set them off. For a start, you can ask them regularly about what they would like to eat. You have to ensure that they don’t go hungry or thirsty. Try and cook or order their favourite meal for them from their favourite restaurant. Also, many of our loved ones who have aged have to rely on wheelchairs. So, make sure to get the best wheelchairs for seniors.

Seek Help and Support from Other People

‘Caregiver exhaustion’ exists and it is not something that you should be embarrassed about. Seeking assistance can be tough, particularly if you are not sure who would be the right person to ask or how to explain the issue to them.

Consider the individuals in your life: relatives,  peers, and colleagues. There’s a chance they won’t be able to fully understand. But, chances are that they will offer to help you however they can. So, when they offer to help, don’t feel shy to accept their assistance.

 Don’t Forget to Look After Yourself Too

Many caregivers become so devoted to serving and taking care of their loved one that they end up not taking enough care of their own health and wellbeing.

Being a caregiver is a very difficult and demanding role that involves a lot of emotions. The continued expectations placed on you can result in depression. If you begin to experience signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, disinterest, lack of motivation in everyday life and activities, get assistance from your doctor. Seeking medical attention and counselling can frequently assist you to be more aware and take better care of your mental health.

The duties of being a caregiver can also really take a toll on your physical health. You need to be healthy and energetic to be able to properly take care of your loved ones. Therefore, we strongly suggest all caregivers maintain a proper diet. Follow a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Also, limit your intake of processed foods. Try to maintain a regular exercise routine to keep yourself in the right shape.

Caregiving may often seem like a thankless or underappreciated job, however, there is no doubt that it can be extremely rewarding as well. Despite the hardship and emotional journey that caregivers go through, the satisfaction that they receive eventually is incredible and unmatched. The smiles that caregivers bring to the faces of people is priceless. Also, the good news is that, with time, experience, and support from others, you begin to find it easier.