Avoiding Caregiver Burnout (con't)

Self-Care

We've all been told the importance of self-care for family caregivers. Like they say on planes, you should put on your oxygen mask first before assisting others. Self-carecanbeachievedthroughacombinationof factors,including proper nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management techniques In addition, don't forget to take breaks, keep doing what you enjoy, and maintain social connections with friends and family.

Staying organized

Family caregivers often find themselves wearing many hats and juggling numerous tasks. In this demanding role, it's crucial to stay organized. Effective time management is key. Block off time in your calendar for essential tasks and, importantly, for your well-being. Consider delegating non-essential tasks and even outsourcing when possible. Make it a goal to delegate at least one task each week, asitcanhelpyoumaintainahealthybalance.

It's also never too late to get your legal affairs in order. If your loved one does not have a power of attorney or has not looked at their will in 20 years, it may be time to tackle those matters. If you are the family member designated as a power of attorney, ensure you have all the necessary information (such as what bills need to be paid and where the bank accounts are) before a crisis hits.

ExploreTechnology

Technology is changing to make it easier for family caregivers to monitor their loved ones remotely, easing their caregiver responsibilities. Wi-Fi-connected pill dispenserscanalertfamilymemberswhenamedicationhasn'tbeentaken.

Sensors can indicate when the front door has been opened or if their loved one hasn't gotten out of bed at the regular time in the morning. Care management apps can help multiple family caregiverscoordinatethecareandtasksbeinghandledbyeachofthem.

Caring for a loved one is a marathon, not a sprint. It's a challenging but rewarding journey, and avoiding burnout is key to providing consistent, high-quality care. Remember, caring for yourself isn't selfish — it's a necessary part of caregiving. Be kind to yourself, celebrate your daily wins, andrememberthatyoudeserveit!

Stephanie Chan is the founder and owner of two companies in the senior living industry. Her first company started in 2007, Home to Home, helps seniors and families with healthcare navigation, care planning, seniors housing selection, downsizing/transitions and estate support. Her second business, myCareBase, offers an online marketplace that connects prescreened professional caregivers with families who require private home care to help their senior loved one remain living safely at home. Stephanie can be contacted as follows: myCareBase https://mycarebase.com stephanie@mycarebase.com

Home to Home https://home-to-home.ca stephanie@home-to-home.ca