Some says that the most effective caregivers are those who are directly related to the one that needs nurturing. Somehow, it makes sense for a direct family member already knows all the things that the person likes and dislikes. Being a sole caregiver for a loved one can be a little bit easier for you will not need to put an extra effort on socializing in order to get to know that person that you need to take care. The knowledge of what the person that you will be giving care enjoys, needs, and wants is already an advantage.
However, this doesn’t mean that there will be no rocks on the road. People who are suffering from a disease or disorder, as well as those who are of old age or disabled can easily become irate or stubborn. There are instances that they will argue with you, which makes your tasks harder, but always implant in your mind that you need to provide them with care and not with talk backs and stubbornness. Caregiving is, indeed, one of the toughest jobs. It is not the same as providing an excellent customer service for your so called “customers” are more vulnerable and fragile.
Moreover, if you want to be a better caregiver to your loved one, you are on the right page! Listed below are some tips on how to become an effective caregiver everyone with the same responsibilities as you must know:
Let them feel nurtured and loved
Providing care to your immediate family member means that you have to devote your time and attention to that person in order for him or her to feel nurtured. You need to let them know that they are not suffering alone. Constantly being there, aside from assisting them, is one of the best things a caregiver can offer. As time goes by, you will gradually develop a feeling of affection — not romantically, to the person that you are caring and he or she will too. This will strengthen your bond together and will definitely make the job so much easier. It is because the person that you are attending will not feel lonely and alone anymore, resulting to them becoming more energetic and cheerful.
Show your sincerity
Sincerity is a necessity in caregiving. You need to show him or her your genuine care so that he or she will feel a little less unburdened and happier. There will be a lot of instances where you will start to feel uncertain about the path that you are taking and would definitely trade everything to get rid of the weight of the responsibilities in your hands. However, these hardships will slowly disappear if you begin to love your work and sincerely to your duties. Feeding, bathing, and assisting your family member that needs assistance can become enjoyable and not daunting if you start to work genuinely and stop measuring the amount of resources that you have given him or her.
Introduce new and fun things
Introducing your patient with something new can make both of your days brighter, more productive, and less boring. Since you have a daily routine to follow, such as assisting in taking medicines, feeding, bathing, helping them move, keeping their surroundings clean, and more, you need to look for insertions or ice breakers so that he or she will have something to look forward to every day. These can “new and fun things” can be activities that will boost both of your creativity and resourcefulness. Examples of the mentioned things are scrapbooking, painting, sketching, DIYs, stitching, embroidering, and more. However, it can also be chilling activities — such watching movies, listening to music, singing our favorite songs, drinking healthy but tasty drinks, and more. These things will help both of you overcome weariness and make every day the best day of your lives.
Take care of yourself too
There will be many things that you have to sacrifice if you enter the caregiving world. Caregiving may pertain to the need of putting your full effort and attention on taking care of someone who is going through some changes of their normal lives or are experiencing the signs of aging. It can also mean that you have to compromise some of your time for yourself in order to fulfill your duties as a caregiver. Since the person that you are taking care is your loved one, you have to make sure that you are giving the best service that you can to maintain their health and make them better. However, do not be so hard on yourself. Do not forget that you also need to be nurtured and loved; but, do not look for care and affection from others for the best person who can provide them for you is yourself.
The Damsel’s Files 