Becoming a Family Caregiver: 5 Helpful Tips to Prepare for or Enhance the Experience

The journey of becoming a family caregiver can be challenging and overwhelming. If you are preparing to take on the role of family caregiver, here are 5 helpful tips.

Becoming a family caregiver is a transition that can happen gradually over time as a parent or other family member ages or it gets thrust upon you all at once following a sudden illness or injury, or rapid disease progression.

While some paths to becoming a family caregiver are similar, no two are the same, and also quite varied is our acceptance or abilities to take on this new role. Whether you are stepping up to become a family caregiver, or reluctantly stepping in to fill a void, there are some important recommendations to consider that can support you in your journey.

1. Take stock of what you can truly do. Having the time to be available should not be the sole criteria for assuming a family caregiver role. There are a host of considerations such as geography, required skills, temperament, comfort, sibling dynamics, finances, physical strength, emotional health, medication administration, etc., that through no fault of your own can inhibit your ability to effectively deliver care. Whether you want to do it all, have to do it all, or simply take each day as it comes, you have to be honest with yourself in what you can truly do.
   
    
2. Seek out training. Most of us have not had to learn how to change an ostomy bag, clean a catheter, transfer someone using a transfer belt, or perform a sponge bath. But you can learn, and your loved one’s care team, a family friend who is a nurse, community education classes, or even online videos can be free resources to shore up needed skills so that you are providing safe and effective care with confidence.
   
    
3. Identify the help you need and who can give it. After identifying what you can safely do and receive training for the skills you felt unsure about, you will be left with an ordered list of what gaps in care and coverage remain. Having a clearly defined list will make it easier to ask other family members, friends, or neighbors how they can pitch in. You will also have an easier time communicating concerns to your loved one’s care team, or have a clearer idea on what questions to ask an in-home care agency or other third party you may consider hiring.  
   
    
4. Take advantage of family dynamics. Family dynamics, primarily among adult siblings, can be tricky. But these nuances can work in your favor, especially when you have a good sense of the help that is needed. One sibling may be more adept at handling finances and paying bills, while another is more skilled with home maintenance, and another who can best negotiate doctor appointments. It will not always be that seamless, but playing into sibling strengths, instead of forcing family functions makes it easier for everyone to play a meaningful role.  
   
    
5. Respite is real. Caring for a senior loved one is both rewarding and challenging. It is important to take necessary breaks during the week and practice self-care so you can reset and recharge and ensure that you continue to find joy in your role. Be sure to factor in regularly-scheduled respite care before the situation becomes too overwhelming.

We can help you settle into your role as a family caregiver

Comfort Keepers is here to help you find the right balance between caring for a family member and taking good care of yourself. If you have questions about how to settle into your new role as a family caregiver or would like a little extra support with certain in-home care services, please call our office at (651) 796-2540 to speak with a member of our care services team. We are here to help.

Comfort Keepers is here to help you find the right balance between caring for a family member and taking good care of yourself.