Caregivers provide selfless care to their loved ones, such as a sick partner, a needy elderly parent, family member or a child. They are essential for enabling home care and form an indispensable link in our society. Caregivers often don’t consciously choose this role, but take it on spontaneously due to circumstances. Often, caregiving goes unnoticed and is taken for granted, despite the challenges it entails. Caregivers must take various factors into account to prevent overload.
Tips for Caregivers
1. Recognize your role: Realize you are a caregiver and the care you provide can go beyond normal care within a relationship or family.
2. Ask for help: Enlist family members or friends to share the care, especially if the care becomes too big for one person.
3. Plan your time: Ensure a good balance between caregiving, family tasks, work, and other responsibilities.
4.Take time for yourself: Reserve time for your own social life and relaxation to avoid overload.
5. Seek support: Don’t be afraid to seek professional help or support if the caregiving becomes too overwhelming.
6. Communicate: Make clear agreements with other involved parties about the sharing of care.
7. Be alert to signs of overload: Watch for signs of frustration, tiredness and overload and take action before it is too late. It is when the caregiver breaks down then a really problem arises.