Tips for Care Givers: How to Make Care Giving Work for You

You are now caring for someone who took care of you. You are now helping them get through each day. Your emotions are up and down. It’s understandable that you feel the way you do. You are the reason November is a time to recognize all you have done, all you are going through, and to give you help, support, hope and encouragement. You know what you are feeling, but does your loved one? Do you try not to talk to them about what you are going through because you are afraid you might upset them? Maybe they want you to talk to them. 

They have always cared for you and just because you are grown up now does no mean they quit caring. Maybe you are afraid you will upset them, you might disappoint them or you will make them mad. But if you don’t talk to them, they might be upset. You need to sit down and talk about the situation that has been given to you both. You have a new responsibility and they have to leave theirs behind. Imagine how that would make you feel. Here are some tips to help everyone adjust. Your loved one does not want to become a burden. 

So the more you include them and involve them, the more they will feel comfortable. So sit down with the whole family and talk about what happened and how you are going to deal with it. Write every suggestion down, even if you don’t use them all now you might later. If you have older children, ask them to spend an hour talking, reading or watching television with your loved one. 

Use this time to care for yourself. If friends, neighbors, or other family members ask if they can help, suggest they spend an hour with your loved one once a week. Keep a schedule posted so that your loved one will be able to see who will be coming to visit and they will probably want to prepare for the visit. If your loved one can work their hand, let them help with dinner. They can peel potatoes, green beans or mix.