Seniors: 5 Rules for New Caregivers
Becoming a caregiver is an important role and responsibility. Regardless of whether you are serving as a caregiver for an elderly family member or you are coming into an environment as a new caregiver for someone that you don’t know, it is important that you establish certain rules for your new responsibilities. Doing so will help you to better manage the situation and ensure that the individual that you’re caring for gets the care that they need.
5 Recommendations for New Caregivers
Although it is possible that you may have heard some tips in the past, it is important that you keep these key recommendations in mind as you begin your new journey as a senior caregiver:
1. Understand that you will need a break
Although you may go into your new role with the best of intentions, even the best caregiver will need a break from time to time. This is especially true for a person who is caring for a senior that has severe medical needs. Be sure to take your break time into account as you set up your schedule.
2. Make sure your organized
Organization is key when it comes to being a good caregiver. Take the time to get the lay of the land when it comes to the environment that you will be providing care in and ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have ahead of time to ensure that nothing interferes with your care.
3. Get on a schedule
One of the best things that you can do in your position as a caregiver is to ensure that you are on a schedule with the family and the person that you are providing care for. Regardless of whether this means that certain medications are given at a certain time, or it means doing certain activities, being on a schedule will help you to work more efficiently and set proper expectations.
4. Make sure that you practice self care
Along with getting on a certain routine for the person that you are providing care for, it is just as important that you practice your own self care to ensure that you do not get burnt out in the process. Being a caregiver is something that can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Therefore, it is imperative that you express what you are thinking and feeling along the way to ensure that you can provide an excellent level of care consistently.
5. Join a support group
Joining a support group can provide you with the resources that you may need as you face certain challenges. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the stresses and pressures of this type of job. When you surround yourself with other people that can help you through the journey that you are on this career, you will see that you are better able to manage that stress. Also, if you are working through an agency, be sure to connect with them to see if they can offer any recommendations when it comes to support groups in the area. You may even find that there are support groups online that you can attend or interact with.
Support for Caregivers
As established estate planning attorneys, we understand that it is important to support caregivers of the elderly. We are happy to provide you with the information that you need to ensure that your caregivers are set up for success and that the seniors in your life are well taken care of when it comes to options that they may have for their estate planning. Call us today at 866-603-5976 to set up a meeting or fill out our contact form and we will call you to schedule your meeting.
