Tips for Caregivers

Being a caregiver can be a heavy load, especially since the COVID pandemic complicated the process of finding home care, or arranging respite, short term or long term care in a facility.  Here are a few tips for care giving, as well as caring for the caregiver.

• Gather the troops and come up with a plan.  What are the needs (bathing, organizing meds, transportation, checking in, cleaning, accompanying to doctor appointments) and who can help with what.  Be specific.
• Ask around for community, adult day care and social service resources, and don’t be afraid to ask them for help.
• Chances are, there are others in your personal or professional circle who are also caring for a loved one.  Lean on each other for support, share tips, trade helping each other out.
• Carry a notepad to make lists or keep notes from appointments.
• Batch cook and keep healthy snacks and water on hand to keep yourself healthy and properly fueled.
• Try even just a few minutes of meditation.  Even short bits of deep breathing and letting go can help clear the mind and keep things in perspective.
• Don’t cheat yourself on sleep or keeping active. 

Taking care of a loved one is a tremendous gift, but don’t lose sight of the fact that we all need a little TLC from time to time.