The journey of providing care for an older loved one is often one that includes emotional highs and lows as circumstances change and challenges arise. However, having the right type of support emotionally can make it easier to maintain a healthy perspective while also reducing stress and anxiety and allowing time for mental breathers. Below are five possibilities for emotional support for family caregivers.
1. Family & Friends
This may seem like an obvious option, but some family caregivers are hesitant to reach out to family members and friends. If you have concerns about doing so, start with a spouse, sibling, or close friend to see what kind of support you get. Even just being able to openly share your concerns, fears, and frustrations with people more accessible to you can provide welcome emotional relief. It can also be emotionally refreshing and healthy to ask family members or friends to keep an eye on your loved one when you need a break to mentally recharge or simply enjoy some time to yourself.
For many families, caring for a senior loved one can sometimes be overwhelming. Fortunately, help is available. Elder care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Support Groups
Some of these groups are more specific to certain types of caregivers, such as those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, while others have a broader range of members. There’s no right or wrong option, but take some time to sample what’s available, either online or locally. This will give you a chance to find a group that provides the kind of emotional support you need from other individuals facing similar issues.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Tucson Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
3. Journal Writing
There’s something therapeutic about being able to express your feelings related to caregiving and the other stressors in your life without judgment. One way to do this is to keep a journal in either traditional or electronic form. While it’s fine to vent your frustrations this way, also take time to make note of the good times or special moments you share with your loved one. Doing so will give you something pleasant to reference on days when things get a little too emotionally exhausting.
4. Pet Therapy
This is an example of a form of emotional support that can be beneficial for both you and your loved one. Interacting with animals, whether it’s at a local shelter or petting zoo or through a program that brings pets directly to homes for a few hours at a time, has the potential to boost mood, lower stress, and promote relaxation. Expand on this concept and consider incorporating naturally relaxing music or art-based therapies into your caregiving routine so you can benefit emotionally from these activities with your loved one.
5. Professional Caregivers
When the stress of providing daily care, managing appointments, and juggling your schedule becomes too much emotionally, explore your options with professional care. In-home care, in particular, can be beneficial because it’s provided by trained caregivers right in the comfort of your loved one’s home. This type of care can also allow you to enjoy a better emotional balance, since it can be scheduled only when it’s needed, which also makes it affordable.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24-hour care, Tucson, AZ, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (520) 276-6555.