By Elizabeth HowardYou’re a caregiver, which means you want to provide the best care you can. Figuring out how to do that is sometimes challenging, but it doesn’t have to be with these tips. Incorporate some or all of these tips, and you’ll start to see growth, which is what all caregivers want.
The Break
One thing some caregivers have a problem with is taking enough breaks. The person you’re caring for needs help all the time, so you may feel guilty leaving just one moment. Don’t do that to yourself. No one can be there 24/7, and that’s okay. You can’t exhaust yourself, or you’ll end up providing low-quality care. Take all the breaks you need to provide great care.
Have sabr
You have to learn to be as patient as you can be. It can be quite trying to be responsible for someone else; there will be times when you get frustrated. This is okay, but you have to make yourself feel better. If you just need to take a break, then do so. If you need something else, then work on finding out what works for you. Some people use meditation while others use things like mantras to make themselves feel at peace.
Up the Ladder
You should also consider upping your game a bit, and that means getting certifications that’ll help you be a better caregiver. The reality is anything could happen when you care for someone. If you want to be as helpful as you can, you’ll want something like a CPR and AED certification. You’ll be able to provide immediate life-saving help if needed at any given point. The skills you learn getting this certification will even help you in your personal life. If you already have one, then get it renewed so that you’re always prepared.
Share the Moment
The next thing you have to worry about is sharing the moment. Being a caregiver is as much about providing care as it is about providing companionship. Try to participate in activities with the person you’re caring for. This will help enrich the relationship, and that’s a good thing. This person will trust you more, and you’ll be able to see personality changes quicker if you know a person. Sharing activities help motivate your family member, and it makes him or her feel appreciated.
Listen Well
You want to take time to listen. This means responding to what this person tells you and making eye contact. A healthy bond gives people a reason to feel good and wake up in the morning.
Address the Taboo
You’re going to have to be comfortable talking about taboo stuff. You’re going to have to talk about bowel movements and other similar subjects that may make a person uncomfortable. The better your relationship with this person, the easier these conversations will become…hopefully. If the person knows you well, they might not be embarrassed about what you have to discuss.
Learn to Anticipate
It’s important to anticipate this person’s needs. The reality is the person you’re caring for won’t always tell you everything. This is normal, but learn to anticipate this person’s needs beforehand. Try to pay attention to body language, which should give you an idea of what this person might need from you. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to routine. Once you’ve learned the kinds of things this person likes to do each day, you can anticipate their needs.
Takes a Team
Be sure to create a caring team to support you. No caregiver does their job alone. Everyone has a supportive team or should, and you’re going to have to work on creating yours. For one, you’ll want to get the person you’re caring for to be a part of your team. Let this person know that the care rests on both of you rather than you alone.
Now, you know how to be a better caregiver, and that’s good. Our elders weren’t meant to be placed in isolation away from family in their golden years. It’s sadaqah to take care of them.