Four Bits of Advice to Help You Be a Better Caregiver

Most caregivers want to be better at caregiving, even if they’re not sure how to do that. Oddly enough, if you start taking better care of yourself, you’re going to become a better caregiver.

Some caregivers find that difficult to do, though, so focusing on these ideas can help.

Caregiver Mason OH - Four Bits of Advice to Help You Be a Better Caregiver

Caregiver Mason OH – Four Bits of Advice to Help You Be a Better Caregiver

Get Comfortable Delegating Tasks

So often caregivers believe that they have to do everything on their own. But that’s not necessarily true. There may be some tasks you should be the one to handle, but there are likely a lot of tasks you can and should be delegating to someone else. Start smaller with errands and little tasks. As you get more comfortable delegating, you’ll start to realize that there are a lot more tasks you can pass along.

What You Eat Really Matters

It might seem like overkill to say that you need to be eating as healthy as you possibly can, but it’s very true. Your body needs the best fuel you can give it right now. You’re demanding a lot of your brain and your body and they both need to be fueled well. Choose nutritionally dense foods over convenience foods that have empty calories. Your body will thank you.

You Need More Sleep

Fuel is high on the list of what you need, but so is sleep. If you’re not getting enough quality sleep now, your brain and your body aren’t able to recover each night like they’re supposed to. Sleep deprivation can be just as bad as alcohol in terms of making your brain and your body sluggish. One study even found that sleep deprivation can mimic the effects of alcohol in people as they drive.

A Support Network Can Get You Through Some Rough Times

You also need a support network. That might be initially made up of friends and family members, but don’t stop there. You can meet other caregivers at support groups. You can also lean on home care providers and other resources as you add them to your network. Feeling isolated and alone is a dangerous situation for a family caregiver to be in, so it’s vital that you avoid putting yourself in that position.

As you spend more time being a caregiver you’ll learn more about what you need and what helps you to keep going. That allows you to develop a plan that works for you and that works for your aging family member, too.

If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Caregiver Services in Mason OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.

Mark & Michele Vollmer, Co-Owners, Managing Partners
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