You may have noticed that your aging parent is in need of an extra hand – whether it be helping to manage medications or needing to improve their safety and quality of life after a fall. Caregiving for a parent or loved one can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are many resources and tips available for you to learn how to offer the compassionate care your loved one needs. To start, take some time to learn how to go about compassionate caregiving.
5 Tips for Providing Compassionate Care
- Choose the caregiver role out of love, not necessity. You may feel an obligation to care for your parent because they took care of you. But when you act from a sense of duty instead of out of care and love for your parent, you ignore that caregiving is a choice that you make. While you may not be perfect, especially at first, forgive and remind yourself that you are doing this because you care for your loved one and want what is best for them.
- Ask questions. Taking on the role of a caregiver may be something new to you. Be sure to ask questions if you aren’t sure of something – either talking to an expert in the field or someone you know who also took on the role of caregiver. Find a support system to get you through potentially tough, yet rewarding, times.
- Educate yourself about health conditions. It will be much easier for you and your loved one when you have an understanding of the things they are going through. Accompany your parent to appointments, ask their healthcare provider questions to help you better put their needs first and research online using reliable resources.
- Communicate. Opening a line of communication between you and your loved one will allow for both parties to feel comfortable expressing their feelings. Along with being able to talk to your parent, be sure you’re listening to them and truly hearing and understanding what they are telling you.
- Take time for your own needs. Compassion fatigue is common among caregivers when taking on too much work and constantly thinking of someone else. While you want to do everything you can for your loved one, you have to take care of yourself, as well. Set aside time in the day to do something relaxing, such as reading a book or even just sitting to quietly meditate. Take a vacation when you have the chance. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it – there are plenty of services available that are ready and happy to help.
The Team at Heritage Senior Living is Here to Help You and Your Loved One
Heritage Senior Living is here for you and your loved one. If you’re looking for a temporary break or need to schedule additional care for your parent while you’re out of town, we offer short-term stays. Each Heritage Senior Living community offers a fully furnished luxury apartment for short-term respite stays to allow family caregivers a break. All short-term stays include a customized care plan, chef-prepared meals, coordinated activities and more.
Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact our team today or find a community near you.
