Family caregivers need all the encouragement they can get. You might have noticed the family caregiver in your life selflessly putting his or her own needs aside to care for an aging loved one. The caregiver may love what he or she does, but taking care of someone else every day can get frustrating. Try using these seven ideas to encourage a family caregiver to keep doing what he or she does so well.
1. Give Specific Praise
Encouragement works best when it’s direct and clear. Take note of what the caregiver does well and turn it into a compliment. Telling the caregiver you noticed how patient he or she was when helping with a task or mentioning you witness compassion every time you’re around him or her can go a long way.
You can also help the family caregiver in your life find a high-quality professional caregiver. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care service. 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.
2. Put It in Writing
Compliments are always welcome, but words can sometimes be forgotten. Write your encouraging words down in a card or letter. This way, the caregiver can read it again whenever he or she needs a mental and emotional boost.
3. Send a Motivational Meme
Family caregivers are often short on time, but you can make them feel encouraged by sending a quick text with a meme that applies to their daily duties. Make sure the meme is positive and will make the caregiver laugh or feel strong enough to keep going. This is another way to show encouragement the family caregiver can refer to on a rough day.
4. Offer Time Off
Sometimes encouragement comes through physical gestures. The family caregiver in your life might think nobody knows how hard he or she works and even try to hide his or her stress from others. Arranging for your favourite caregiver to get a break is a wonderful way to help him or her maintain the momentum needed to keep going.
Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Calgary families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
5. Call for a Quick Chat
Loneliness is a common issue for family caregivers, who may not have much time to get out and socialize. While the caregiver may not have a lot of time to talk, he or she will appreciate a quick phone call that lets him or her know you care. During your chat, make sure to ask if the caregiver needs anything. He or she will feel loved and supported.
6. Put Together a Relaxation Basket
A little gift basket is always nice to receive. Fill up your caregiver’s basket with items that remind him or her to relax. Some scented lotions, specialty teas, and a paperback novel can help the caregiver feel appreciated while serving as a reminder that he or she needs to take a break now and then.
7. Share a Funny Joke or Recommend a Movie
A sense of humour helps family caregivers manage what can sometimes seem like a never-ending stream of challenges. When you hear a funny joke or read a silly story, share it with the caregiver. You can also recommend comedies you think he or she will enjoy. Better yet, invite the caregiver to join you for a night of watching silly movies that have both of you laughing.
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 Calgary 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. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at 403-301-3777 today.