While not planned, it’s common to find yourself providing crucial care and support to a loved one due to medical reasons or age. This could be taking care of an ageing or elderly parent, a disabled spouse, a loved one experiencing mental health challenges, or a sick child.
Whatever circumstances lead you to care for your loved one, they allocate you the title of a Carer. The care and support required may differ from case to case and extend beyond physical assistance; it also involves emotional support, medical management, and coordinating different life activities.
As fulfilling as caring for others can be, it requires time, energy, and attention. Continue reading to discover how to become an effective caregiver, overcome challenges, and make caregiving more rewarding.
Who is classed as a Carer?
A Carer is someone who looks after a family member, partner, or friend who is unable to care for themselves properly. This may be a result of illness, disability, or mental health conditions. They provide care based on the personal relationship they have with the care recipient.
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The support provided to a loved one may include assistance with day-to-day tasks such as bathing and dressing, preparing and serving meals, lifting and moving, managing medications, and shopping.
While there is no formal education or certification requirement to be a family caregiver, personal qualities such as patience, compassion, and an understanding of individual needs are key to providing caregiving services.
How to Become a Carer for a Family Member
When beginning to take care of your sickly or elderly parent, there are a few things you need to consider before undertaking the task. The guide below will give you tips that will help you be the best carer there can be:
Research and learn about their needs and conditions.
Dive into different resources that can give you vast knowledge about the condition. You cannot manage to be compassionate without a full understanding of what they may be going through. Another way to learn about the condition is by accompanying them to doctor appointments, where you can ask relevant questions regarding the care and assistance you can offer to your loved one.
Seek out other caregivers
The journey of caring for others can take a toll on one’s emotional well-being, leaving one feeling sad, guilty, and burned out. Knowing that there are support groups with other family carers can be reassuring. They can be a platform where they share experiences and strategies that have helped them overcome different challenges, leaving them feeling refreshed and wholesome again.
Know your limit
Prioritising self-care is crucial for maintaining one’s health. Having a clear picture of what is expected and needed from you will help you set your limits and know how much you can contribute. It will also limit the chances of exhaustion and burnout.
Encourage your loved ones’ independence
Openly communicate with your loved one about their care needs and concerns. Seek their input on what responsibilities they could take charge of and where they think they need help most. Encourage them to be open to technologies and strategies that allow them to remain as independent as possible.
What are the challenges of caring for a family member?
Becoming a caregiver to a family member can feel like a privilege, as well as bring you immense fulfilment; however, it also comes with challenges that can become a source of stress and fatigue. Some of these risks include:
Emotional and physical stress
The demanding nature of caregiving means you have little to no time for yourself and your social life. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. In cases where the loved one’s health may be deteriorating, sadness and guilt can slowly creep in. Understanding these emotional phases and looking for support can provide comfort to family caregivers.
Lack of sleep
Your sleep schedule may be interrupted as you rest when your loved one does, and sometimes, you even lack sleep as you try to catch up on a few responsibilities while your loved one rests.
Financial difficulties
Working as a carer can cause some financial difficulties, especially if you must reduce your hours at work or quit your job overall.
Time management
Being a carer can be a full-time job, taking away time from other responsibilities or even time to do things that you love.
Duties of a carer for a family member
The care offered can vary depending on the needs of your loved one. This will also dictate the amount of time you will need to spend with them. In some cases, you might just end up moving in. However, if the care needed isn’t much, a visit once a day or a few days a week might be sufficient.
Some of the basic care or responsibilities as a carer for a family member are
- Bathing and grooming
- Managing medications
- Laundry and helping with dressing
- Food shopping and prep
- Household duties
- Transportation
- Mobility assistance
- Companionship and emotional support
- Communicating with doctors and monitoring medications
Help and support for carers
If you, as a carer, constantly feel exhausted, frustrated, agitated, or emotionally and mentally drained, it could be a good time to seek help and support. This is nothing to be ashamed of, as caring for your loved one without support can lead to burnout, compromising your ability to provide adequate care.
Taking some time for yourself or going on a holiday will help you regain your energy and get the much-needed boost.
As a carer, moving your body around, something as simple as taking a walk or light exercises, can be a great deal in improving their mood and boosting their mental health.
If you are a Caregiver with a full-time job, consider requesting flexible working hours at your workplace. Additionally, requesting compassionate leave for work can be a good idea. Creating a work-life balance will ensure that your day is well-planned.
Final thoughts
Not much can prepare you for the joys and challenges of becoming a full-time Carer for a family member.
Although fulfilling and rewarding, taking care of our mental, physical, and emotional well-being should be a key priority. With a clear mind and well-rested body, you can be sure to give the best service as a family carer for your loved one.
In addition, knowing that you are not alone and that there is support all around you makes family caregiving pleasant.