Things to Do If Your Friend Happens to Be a Family Caregiver

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Caregiver Stressors in Edmonton, Canada

For friends of caregivers, it can be difficult to know how to help. When you see your friend working tirelessly to care for an aging loved one, you may want to step in and offer help. Here are a few ways to help a friend who is a caregiver. 

Offer the Right Kind of Help 

Caregivers often receive assistance they never asked for, ranging from health advice to an endless supply of frozen casseroles. While help from friends is usually well-intentioned, it does not always minimize the caregiver’s workload or relieve his or her stress levels. To be a good friend to a caregiver, ask what he or she needs help with. If your friend tries to shrug off your offer to help, make sure he or she knows you’re serious. With a little effort, you may be able to provide the help your friend needs. If your friend is willing to give you tasks that minimize his or her workload, you can rest assured you’re helping.

Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Edmonton Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.  

Be a Good Listener 

Many caregivers are reluctant to talk about their challenges. They might be afraid their friends will get bored listening to their grievances or they’ll be judged for their negative emotions. When you inquire about your friend’s health, he or she may shrug off the question by replying, “I’m fine.” While you can’t force your friend to open up, you should make it clear you’re ready to listen if he or she wants to talk. 

Try to Be Accommodating 

If your caregiver friend gives you specific tasks, whether it’s going to a pharmacy or making copies of important healthcare documents, try to accept as often as possible. Caregivers often have a busy schedule, and they need a helping hand when they’re in a time crunch. By accepting little assignments without complaint, you can show your friend how dependable you are. Your friend will be grateful for your assistance and willingness to help on his or her terms.

In the event your friend is experiencing burnout, suggest hiring a caregiver. Edmonton respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.  

Don’t Give Unsolicited Advice 

If you’re not a caregiver, you probably don’t know much about how to care for an older adult. Try to refrain from giving unsolicited advice or tips. While these tips may be given in good faith, they’re probably the last things an overworked caregiver wants to hear. If your friend asks for your advice, don’t hesitate to give it. Listen to your friend, but try to avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as a criticism of his or her caregiving style. In most cases, caregivers want their friends to be sources of emotional support rather than dispensers of advice.

Hiring professional caregivers is one of the best ways family members can simplify their caregiving duties and focus on their own wellbeing. Families shouldn’t have to worry about finding reliable senior home care. Edmonton Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of elderly home care. We offer a proprietary program called the Balanced Care Method, which uses holistic methods to promote senior health, our caregivers and Care Managers are available 24/7, and all of our in-home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.

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