When your loved ones depend on you, it can be a lot of pressure. However, there are a few best practices to providing support that can help you to be a great resource.
1. Practice Patience
Your loved one needs your caregiving because daily tasks have become more challenging. This is a difficult point in life, and their frustrations may show. Practice patience while they work to maintain their independence by taking a deep breath and counting to five slowly before responding when you become impatient.
2. Reliability Rocks
For many people who are beginning to need extra support, the process can be stressful. Having reliable resources is important to relieving that stress. Make it easier for your loved ones by clearly communicating when you will be there next. Try posting a calendar in a visible spot with days that you will be visiting clearly marked.
3. Feel Flexible
Caregiving is often evolving. What your loved one needs today may be different tomorrow, so it is important to be flexible. Try building out your own support network and asking for help when you need to adjust your plans to support your loved one.
4. Share Support
You do not have to bear the burden of providing support by yourself! Whether it is leaning on other caregivers, establishing in-home support, or setting up a network with organizations like VRI to provide emergency response devices or Companion Calls, you do not have to tackle care all by yourself.