Caregiving can be a stressful and thankless job. While caring for older adults has its benefits, other family members, friends, and coworkers may not provide the emotional support family caregivers need and deserve. Fortunately, there are several ways you can show your support for a family caregiver in your life.
1. Pitch In
Whether you make a meal, offer to run errands, or do a couple loads of laundry, the caregiver will likely appreciate the support. Caregivers are often overwhelmed with everything they need to do, including working full-time jobs, providing care for their loved ones, taking care of their own families, and keeping up with household chores. Offering help with daily tasks may provide the caregiver with a little extra time to unwind.
For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Mississauga, ON, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
2. Give a Free Day Gift Certificate
A free day gift certificate means you’ll take full responsibility for the family caregiver’s senior loved one for an entire day. As a result, the caregiver will be able to take a well-deserved break. Taking time away provides a chance to recharge and prevent burnout.
3. Lend a Sympathetic Ear
Family caregivers sometimes feel frustrated, isolated, and overworked. Listening and being empathetic can support the caregiver emotionally and encourage him or her to ask for much-needed help. By listening and showing empathy, you can help the caregiver feel less burdened.
4. Be Understanding of Work Schedules
Family caregivers sometimes need to take days off of work. If you work with someone who is taking care of an elderly family member, be understanding and supportive when scheduling changes arise. If the caregiver calls out at the last minute, be supportive and don’t exhibit resentment. More often than not, the caregiver will appreciate your kindness and return the favor if you ever need to take time off from your job to care for a senior loved one yourself.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Mississauga, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
5. Give Lots of Praise
If someone you know is caring for an aging family member, offer praise and encouragement. Caregivers need positive words, good thoughts, gratitude, and support because it makes them feel appreciated and more likely to take pride in their caregiving skills. Simply offering a kind word may brighten the caregiver’s mood, and he or she will be grateful to you for showing your appreciation. It’s especially important to offer praise and gratitude to one of your siblings who is caring for your aging parent. If your brother or sister is taking full responsibility for your parent’s care, be as supportive as you can and let your sibling know how thankful you are.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Mississauga elder care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. To schedule a free in-home consultation, call us at 905-337-1200 today.