18 Jul Don’t Let Yourself Be Sabotaged

We’ve probably all heard how important it is for a caregiver to make their own care a priority.  Some people may shrug it off as “good advice” but still say, “how can I really take care of myself like I should?  There is just no time”.  We must remember that because the caregiver, at times, is the life-line for their ailing mother, father or  relative, it is so very important to heed that advice.

Over time the caregiving situation can be stressful and even tense. Good efforts can be undermined by a few “sore points”.  Here’s some areas to pay special attention (taken from Caring.com) and how to deal with them.  And remember, ACCFamily is always here to help alleviate some of the stress and allow you, the caregiver, to be all you can be for your loved one.

Lack of Privacy

The Solution:

Make necessary home improvements to allow the live-in elder to have his or her own space, not just for sleeping but also for living: a TV set and comfortable chair, a desk, opportunities to get out of the house. Avoid making a child share a room with an elder if you can. Explore whether a parent’s assets can be used to fund a modest addition to a caregiving adult child’s home, rationalized as a cheaper alternative than out-of-home care.

 

Ignoring Sleep Deprivation

The Solution:

First make sure your loved one’s basic “sleep hygiene” is in order: No stimulating beverages or activity late in the day. A quiet, dark room. Proper clothing for sleep (elders sometimes nod off in their day clothes). No TV or electronics used in the bedroom at night. Use of a proper, comfortable bed, not a lounge chair. (An elder may “turn in” but never actually get in bed.)

 

Lone Soldier Syndrome

The Solution:

Let go of old ideas that asking for help is a sign of weakness. If ever you needed other people in your life, it’s now.

Not Anticipating

The Solution:

Make lists of your options, or of places and people you can contact to solve potential problems common to your situation.

Overwhelming Care Tasks

The Solution:

Be sure there’s been a through physical exam to see if a problem, such as incontinence, is fixable. Adult diapers and toileting schedules, or a change in medications, may make incontinence more manageable, for example. Frequent falls and problems getting up are other physiological problems that may be treatable.

 

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