Sometimes people become guardians in the blink of an eye, such as when a close relative is seriously injured or has a stroke . But often this is a gradual process. First, the person can no longer cope with some daily activities and you have to go to the grocery store instead. Then you realize that he cannot cook food for himself. Wash up. Forgets to take medication on time. And now you seem to be not a carer yet, but your life has already changed: you cannot go on vacation or take a walk with friends if you do not find someone who will look after the ward for you.
Finding a replacement is not always easy. The constant need to take care of someone leads to fatigue, irritation, aggression. And this is a serious problem.
How not to burn out and not turn caring for a loved one into hard labor for yourself and a hell full of helplessness and guilt for the ward? Here are eight tips from people who have been carers for a long time, and frompsychologistsCaregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself / Mayo Clinic, which help caregivers deal with the inevitable stress .
- Let the mentee make decisions
It is important that the loved one who needs your help continues to feel like a person, and not just a burden. It gives confidence and helps reduce stress levels. And to both sides.
Listen to the opinion of the ward, involve him in decision-making (if possible). In this case, your relationship from the “one gives – the other consumes” format will turn into a partnership. You can become a psychological support for each other.
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- Focus on joyful moments together
These moments are life. Plunging into them, you can distract from the difficulties for a while. And just to feel: my dear person is alive, he is near, we are together.
Marnie
Guardian, letter to the editor of The New York Times.
The first days of caring for my mother were not easy. Both for her and for me. But we shared our feelings and worked out the issues. My favorite memory is sitting on our lovely covered porch with my mother listening to the radio. She swings in her chair, and I embroider. We would spend hours like this! Mom has been gone for four years. If I could just stay a little longer with her on this veranda, while she gently sways in an armchair, and I sew, I would feel like in paradise.
What these moments will be is not so important. Play cards. Eat ice cream. Go through photos full of warm memories. Listen to music and sing along. This is what unites you. And something that will forever be remembered.
Record each such event in a special notebook – gratitude diary . It will become your source of strength.
- Feel free to ask other family members or friends for help
Make a list of tasks that you could delegate to someone. It can be grocery shopping, cooking dinner. Or, for example, a walk – perhaps your ward has friends with whom he could chat for an hour or two without your presence.
Do not demand, but at least ask if other people can help. From time to time you need a break . And perhaps one of the family members, acquaintances, neighbors will want and be able to provide it to you.
- Listen to the experts
You should learn more about the disease or condition you are dealing with. Contact the clinic where your loved one is being seen. Perhaps there you will be prompted for the addresses of rehabilitation centers or charitable organizations that provide assistance in similar cases.
In addition, profile groups can be found in social networks. Don’t miss the opportunity to get advice from a doctor or professional caregiver.
- Find a Support Group
It can be all the same profile community in social networks. Or a “live” support group: these sometimes gather at rehabilitation or psychological centers.
It is important that you have someone to share your experiences, fatigue, anxiety with. To be able to feel that you are not alone.
The same support group should be looked for for your ward, if his condition allows you to communicate with other people.
- Set realistic goals
It is impossible to fully work, do housework and spend a lot of time with your loved one at the same time. Trying to combine several activities at once, you run the risk of driving yourself and falling asleep with overwork .
To prevent this from happening, follow a few simple rules:
- Break large tasks down into small steps that can be completed one at a time.
- Set your priorities. For example, today the most important thing is to go to the doctor and buy medicines. Tomorrow – take a walk with the ward for at least 2-3 hours. The day after tomorrow, finish the job. Concentrate on the main task and do not reproach yourself for not having time to complete the secondary ones.
- Make to-do lists for the day. They will help you plan your time better and show you how much you are doing.
- Set a daily routine and follow it.
- Avoid boring activities. Suppose, from the need to prepare a gala dinner of five courses. To create a sense of celebration, sometimes cake and tea are enough, the serving of which does not take much effort.
- Try to get rid of guilt
Sometimes it’s okay to feel guilty . You just need to understand: no one can be a perfect guardian. Believe that you are doing everything for your ward that you have the strength to do. You are already a hero. Don’t forget about it.
- Take care of yourself
Be sure to take several 5-10 minute breaks every day when you are caring for a loved one. This time should be yours alone. It is needed in order to:
- write down one more item in the gratitude diary – a small joy that happened to you today;
- do a short workout;
- meditate;
- listen to your favorite song, leaning back in a chair;
- just look out the window.
Sometimes take a day off: at least once a week, delegate your guardianship to another relative or hired caregiver. Never turn down friendly offers of help. Get enough sleep . Consult a therapist if you are unwell, and regularly undergo preventive examinations with specialized doctors.
Your health is important not only for you: the life of a loved one depends on your well-being. Take care of yourself.
