Caregivers are responsible for providing daily, in-home assistance for a loved one. While taking on this job has its rewards, there are also many challenges that accompany this line of work. There are tips and support resources available for those who may be feeling the effects of the job. If you are currently a caregiver, use the following tips to help with stress management.

A Caregiver’s Guide to Stress-Management

1. Connect With a Support Group

Knowing you are not alone is one of the most important steps to better managing stress. Connecting with a caretaker support group provides an outlet where you can converse with those dealing with similar situations. Having open conversations about these concerns reduces stress by allowing you to clearly recognize your true feelings.

2. Set Realistic Daily Goals

While there are necessary tasks that need to be completed each day, putting too much on your plate at once can cause unnecessary stress. This decreases productivity because you may begin to feel incapable of reaching your desired goals.

Break up your to-do list into realistic bullet points that can be completed gradually. Limiting the number of tasks performed in a day can help you feel in control of a situation, providing you with a sense of accomplishment.

3. Accept Assistance From Others

As a sole caregiver for a loved one, it can be difficult to ask for help from friends or family members. When someone asks how they can assist you, it may also be tough to pinpoint the tasks you need help with.

Prepare a physical or mental list of these chores. Not only does this remove the guess-work for when someone offers assistance, but it also allows you to spend more quality time with your loved one knowing things are taken care of. 

If you are currently caring for a loved one and need in-home assistance, the compassionate caregivers at Home Helpers of Hoover in Birmingham, AL, can help. This locally owned and operated company offers 24-hour senior care at affordable rates. Their caregivers are certified by the National Certification Board for Alzheimer & Aging Care™. Visit them online for more information on their services. To receive a free consultation with a staff member, call (205) 978-3809.