Ways for Family Caregivers to Feel Happy

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Tips for Family Caregivers to Feel Happy in Edmonton, AB

Family caregivers often put on brave faces when they really just feel overwhelmed. Your ability to spend more time with your senior loved one is a good thing, but it can quickly lead to burnout if you’re not careful. The happiest caregivers implement strategies each day that help them continue to maintain positive attitudes that influence their caregiving styles. Give these ideas a try, and you may find yourself smiling in the face of adversity.

Take Small Breaks Throughout the Day

Your days are hectic, but there are bound to be moments when you can stop to catch your breath. Try taking a few deep breaths while you wait for food to cook, or you can spend five minutes meditating while your loved one is occupied with an activity. These moments might be brief, but they can reset your mind when you start to feel stressed.

If providing care for your loved one has become challenging, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Families looking for top-rated Edmonton elderly home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

Accept Help from Other People

Resentment is an emotion that pops up when you feel like you’re doing more than everyone else. Most likely, there are people in your family and social circle who want to help out. Let your sibling schedule your loved one’s doctor appointments, and go ahead and tell your friend what he or she can pick up from the store. These little offerings of help can give you a sense of support.

Take Care of Your Physical Health

A large portion of your day is spent taking care of your loved one’s physical needs. You may help your loved one take medication, monitor symptoms, and even assist with wound care. These are all important, but it’s also essential that you stay healthy. Carve out time for exercise and other forms of healthcare. If you’re sick or in pain, you won’t be able to stay happy.

Arrange for Regular Respite

There are some things you just can’t do while caring for your loved one. A professional home caregiver can give you respite time you can use however you need. You can have a health checkup without having to worry about your loved one. Or you can simply take a few hours off to enjoy a bit of relaxation. Whether you engage in a hobby or catch up on your chores, you need to have some time to yourself to get things done.

Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Edmonton families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. 

Seek Support When You Feel Down

A happy caregiver is also someone who is able to recognize when stress is beginning to take its toll. The frustrations you face as a caregiver can be easier to handle when you face them early on. Don’t wait for things to pile up to the point where you feel depressed or anxious. Instead, join a support group or talk to someone you trust. Getting your negative emotions out opens up space for more positivity in your life.

One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide at-home care. Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.

Young woman sitting cross-legged on a sofa meditating at home with her eyes closed, a tranquil expression and quiet smile of pleasure

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