Tips for First-Time Caregivers
New to caregiving? Here are a few helpful thoughts to consider as you being your caregiving journey.
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Are you new to the role of caregiver? Are you finding yourself struggling to get organized? Consider these tips and ideas as you embrace your new role:
Build a team.
Just as it takes a team of people to build a house or participate in a sport, it takes more than one person to care for someone who is ill. Trying to take on all the caregiving responsibilities by yourself can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Creating a team of resources and supports – a larger network – helps your loved one as well as you.
Develop a plan.
A plan helps caregivers identify the support they need and communicate those needs to their team. Whether you need someone to help mow the lawn weekly or someone to sit with your loved one while you go to an appointment, planning for these types of needs and communicating solutions can help you feel more organized and supported as a caregiver.
Care for your loved one and yourself.
As you advocate for your loved one and become more involved in their care, your caregiving role will likely become an important priority. Considering this, we encourage you to remember your own self care too. There are many simple strategies that you can engage in each day like eating healthy and exercising. Taking a short walk or reading a favorite book can be refreshing. Managing and balancing care for your loved one and yourself will be key to your wellbeing as a caregiver.
As a new caregiver, you’re learning a great deal about so many facets of providing care for another person. We hope you will embrace your new role and lean on your team for support as you do this important work.