Caring for a loved one is an act of love and compassion, but it can also be stressful and time-consuming.
Whether you are looking after a loved one yourself, or with the help of supporting carers or family members, the demands can sometimes feel overwhelming. A fully managed care agency such as Hamilton George Care will take the stress away of managing a loved ones care with the support of a dedicated team and a compassionate and experienced carer. But even then it can be hard to let go.
While your priority is to ensure the best care you can give, it’s equally important to take care of yourself. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. To help you strike that balance, here are some practical tips that will allow you to support your loved one while maintaining your own health and well-being.
1. Set boundaries and learn to say no
It’s natural to want to do everything for your loved one, but trying to meet every need on your own can be hard. Set realistic boundaries about what you can take on. Don’t hesitate to enlist help from family members, friends or professional carers where possible and when needed. Saying no doesn’t mean you care less; it means you’re making sustainable choices for everyone involved.
Quick Tip: Make a list of the areas you’re struggling the most. Work out what you can take off your plate and who you could delegate to.
2. Prioritise your own physical health
When caring for someone else, it can be easy to neglect your own health. Make an effort to eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated and exercise regularly—even if it’s just a short walk each day. Aim for sufficient sleep every night, as lack of rest can make stress feel even more intense. Remember, a healthy caregiver is a better caregiver.
Quick Tip: If time is tight, try meal prepping or exploring quick, healthy recipes to save effort while still nourishing yourself.
3. Schedule “Me Time” each week
Carving out time for yourself is essential. Whether it’s reading, walking, practicing yoga or watching a favourite show, designate time each week (or even daily) to recharge. Even five minutes could make all the difference and help to clear your mind. Treat these moments as non-negotiable appointments—because your wellbeing matters just as much as the care you’re giving.
Quick Tip: Set a recurring reminder on your calendar to block out “you time.” Treat it with as much importance as the appointments for your loved one.
4. Seek emotional support
Caring for a loved one often comes with emotional challenges such as guilt, anxiety, or grief. Talking to someone you trust—a friend, therapist, or support group—can help you process these feelings. Many communities offer caregiver support forums or local groups where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
Quick Tip: Explore online caregiver support communities such as www.carents.co.uk, which can be particularly convenient when in-person meetings feel out of reach.
5. Make use of any support you can access
If you have family members of friends who can step in and help, just ask. They might be surprised to hear you’ve been struggling, and more than happy to help out. Just opening up the conversation may help you to feel less stressed, and opening up might help you come up with some solutions or feel less burdened.
Quick Tip: If you find yourself struggling or unsure where to start, sites such as www.carents.co.uk are full of valuable resources and have support groups to join
6. Learn and delegate
If you’re feeling stretched, take time to evaluate every task you’re juggling. Are there responsibilities you can learn to streamline? Are there tasks you can delegate to others? For example:
- Use automatic reminders for doctor’s appointments or medication schedules.
- Consider delegating non-caregiving tasks like grocery shopping, house cleaning, or errand running to other family members or hired helpers.
- There is a host of new technology available; some designed specifically for the elderly and some day to day apps or gadgets that have capabilities you will find useful. Apps to manage prescriptions, coordinate care, or grocery delivery services can save you hours every week.
Quick Tip: Technology is fast moving. Visit helpful websites such as AgeSpace for a useful summary of some of the latest tech and how you can use it to support your loved ones.
7. Celebrate small wins
Being a caregiver comes with countless challenges, but it’s important to celebrate the little victories. Whether it’s managing to get through a particularly hectic day or seeing your loved one smile, recognise and honour those moments of triumph. They’re a testament to the love and effort you put into caregiving.
Quick Tip: Keep a note of wins—big or small or share them with a loved one. Reflecting on these moments can lift your spirits on harder days.
Remember, you’re doing your best
It’s normal to feel stretched thin as a caregiver, but prioritising your own health and well-being is vital—not just for you, but for the loved one depending on you. By setting boundaries, leaning on your support network and incorporating self-care into your routine, you’ll be better equipped to face the demands of caregiving with resilience and compassion.
If you’re in the early stages of caregiving, or have been doing it for a while but recognise you need some support then do get in touch. We encourage everyone to think about their care choices and care options as early as possible, and its best to have a plan in place before you need it, if at all possible.
As a fully managed agency we will not only find you the best carer and create the best care plan to suit your unique needs, but our dedicated in-house team will also provide you with ongoing support and advice. We want to take away the stress of managing care, allow you to get some time back, and be together as a family.
Caring for a loved one is an incredible responsibility, but looking after yourself is equally important. You deserve care, too!
