Help! I’m a Caregiver and I’m Overwhelmed!

When your loved one becomes unable to care for themselves, it can place a lot of stress and pressure on you. Most people are completely unprepared for the sheer amount of work involved in caring for a hospice patient and are often tasked with jobs they have never done before, like bathing someone or having to learn how to change the sheets on a bed while someone is still laying in it. And if the person you are caring for is a parent or other family member, you also have to balance the caretaking activities with your personal feelings of grief, loss, and sadness that you may be dealing with.

1. Think about the tasks that you need to do most often, and make sure you always have all of the necessary supplies on hand.
   

   Starting a task only to find that you are missing some key pieces instantly creates more stress and overwhelm. Always keeping enough of the supplies you need on hand will help make sure that you don’t have any extra “emergency” errands that you have to run at the last minute.
   
   Create a list of your required supplies, and do a quick inventory at least once per week. After a few weeks, you will have a better idea of how often you have to purchase each item and will be able to plan your shopping list farther in advance.
   
   

2. Create an efficient system for each major caretaking task.
   

   When you get clear on the exact steps that need to be completed, and decide on the best order in which to do those steps, things become much simpler. You can look for efficiencies in how to do each task, making sure that any supplies you need are easily within arm’s reach.
   
   It may even be helpful to take the time to write out everything in a checklist or step-by-step format. That way, it’s not only easier for you to remember what to do next, but it also creates a “manual” of sorts that you can share with anyone else who offers to help you. You won’t have to wonder exactly what tasks someone can do for you- you simply hand them a checklist or two and then you are free to do other things (like giving yourself a little “me time”!).
   
   

3. Create rhythm when you can.
   

   Caring for someone else, especially when they are ill or are suffering from something like dementia or Alzheimer's, can be unpredictable. But trying to create some small amount of daily predictability can help you stay sane in the midst of the chaos.
   
   Obviously, planning your day down to the minute- or even the hour- is unlikely to work out well. But assigning certain tasks, like laundry or shopping, to certain days not only ensures that the important things get done, but it can also make it easier for you to arrange for friends or family members to come by on a regularly scheduled basis to care for your loved one while you are out.
   
   

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
   

   You don’t have to be in this alone. Many times, friends and family members are much more willing to help than we give them credit for. Members of social groups you belong to, church members, and even volunteers (like the awesome ones we have here at Coastal Home Health and Hospice!) are additional resources you can draw upon, and there are always professional caregivers you can hire on a part-time or full-time basis as well.
   
   Even getting help with the small tasks that just take you a few minutes can still take a lot of pressure off of you. Sometimes, just shortening the sheer number of items on your to-do list can be an instant stress reliever.
   
   Here at Coastal, we have volunteers for our patients that can help with things like mowing the lawn, taking the dog for a walk, reading to a patient so you can have some free time, picking up groceries for you, and so much more. We also work hard to match people’s skills and interests up with any other needs you may have- just ask us!
   

5. Give yourself the credit you deserve.
   

   Caring for someone is hard work, and can be thankless at times. Give yourself a hug and a pat on the back- you deserve it! You will never be able to do every task perfectly, but you are doing so many amazing things for the person you love, and that truly is enough.

If you need hospice or home health care for yourself or your loved one in Curry County, Oregon, call Coastal Home Health and Hospice today: 541-469-0405, or contact us by clicking here.

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