The millennial generation is known for always being ready to pitch in and do their part to help out. Now that your senior loved one needs help, you naturally know you’re the right person to do the job. While a can-do spirit gets you far, it’s also too easy to forget there are bound to be many challenges that arise as you step into your new role. If you’re a millennial, these strategies are ideal for making sure you’re able to do your best as a caregiver.
Understand the Impact of Stress
As a millennial, you grew up in an era with more of a focus on mental health. However, you may still sometimes forget that stress adds up. Start right now by understanding you must take steps to alleviate stress throughout your day. If stress is allowed to add up, you could be facing caregiver burnout, depression, or anxiety that requires professional help.
Being a caregiver for your loved one can be extremely rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Clearwater Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
Reach Out for Help
You’ve got an independent mindset, and it’s always great to be a leader. However, you also need to remember the power of teamwork. Use your delegating skills to provide willing people in your social network with tasks they can do. Whether your sister stops by to fold laundry or your best friend shows up with dinner, they’ll love helping you knock chores off your to-do list.
Talk to Your Doctor
You’re still young, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune from getting sick or injured. Tell your physician about your new role as a caregiver and ask what you can do to minimize the impact on your health. For instance, the doctor may suggest you need to arrange for respite care so you can keep up with your checkups, or you may need to take extra care to prevent a back injury as you lift your loved one.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Clearwater families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
Keep Up with Your Workouts
Your generation understands the importance of physical fitness. Whether you have a gym membership or prefer running through your neighborhood streets, exercise can alleviate stress and keep your body in top condition for your caregiving duties. Develop several different workouts that target different parts of your body and require varying amounts of time. Even walking for a few minutes releases endorphins that promote a better mindset.
Explore Technology for Caregivers
Some of the technology you use every day can help you as a caregiver. For instance, you can use your calendar app to keep track of your loved one’s appointments. However, there is also software specifically designed for caregivers. Apps that allow you to track your loved one’s health information and share it with other caregivers allows you to streamline how you communicate with the professional caregivers who help with your loved one’s care.
An experienced professional caregiver can also help you develop a system for keeping track of all your loved one’s health and medical information. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide in-home care, Clearwater, FL, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (727) 330-7862 today.