Caring for your aging parents as an adult child is a deeply meaningful calling, but it’s important to be realistic about the physical and emotional challenges that come with it. Especially because most adult child caregivers are also juggling work, family, medical appointments, school drop-offs, and more, leading many to become overwhelmed and neglect their own health and well-being.
At Thrive Senior Living, we want you to know that taking care of your elderly parents doesn’t have to mean forgetting about yourself. Here, we’ll share four ways caregivers can maintain their identity, happiness, and well-being while still providing their loved ones with the care they need.
1. Focus on the Good
It can be upsetting when an aging parent is no longer able to live as they used to. So, if you’re feeling grief, frustration, or worry, please know that these feelings are completely normal. We suggest trying to notice the happy, serendipitous, or meaningful moments that occur and giving yourself permission to pause and appreciate them. Recalling these bright spots during the day can help you stay calm and clear-headed even in the most challenging times. Sometimes just a small moment of joy or connection can provide the motivation you need to carry on.
2. Practice Self-Care
Balancing work, personal life, and caregiving can all be extremely difficult as a caregiver for your elderly parents. But there are steps you can take for self-preservation: try adopting practices of self-care like eating healthily, exercising regularly, meditating, getting quality sleep, prioritizing your own emotional and medical needs, and making time to socialize with friends and family. Once you’ve built up a reserve of positivity, you’ll have the presence of mind not to sweat the small stuff, which can reduce stress and lower the risk of caregiver burnout.
3. Stop Issues Before They Start
The phenomenon of “sundowning” occurs when an older adult with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia becomes more restless, confused, anxious, or agitated as the evening goes on. And you know that if your loved one can’t sleep, you won’t be able to sleep! Luckily, strategies like closing the shades at night, using natural light throughout the day, and doing a calming activity before bed can all reduce the effects.
Another potential issue you may face as a caregiver: paperwork overload! Fortunately, having an up-to-date medical history, contact information for family and doctors, and a full list of your loved one’s medications can all help prevent future frustration. Remember, taking 10 minutes to fill out basic paperwork now can save time later.
4. Get Outside Support
Caregiver support groups can provide a surprising amount of stress relief by connecting caregivers with others who are facing the same daily challenges. You can find an in-person or virtual caregiver support group on the Caregiver Action Network or the Eldercare Locator website, or speak to your doctor or local senior living community.
A temporary respite care stay at a senior living community is another resource that offers caregivers a much-needed break. At-home care can also supplement care in a pinch. Then, when it comes time to explore whether senior living may be a better long-term fit, you’ll be ready to have that conversation.
How Thrive Senior Living Supports Caregivers
The late Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a prominent advocate of caregiving, said it best: “There are only four kinds of people in the world—those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
We’ll all be caregivers or be cared for at some point or another. So, remember, you’re not alone on this journey. If you suspect your loved one requires more permanent or acute support than respite care or at-home care, it might be time to bring up senior living.
For more guidance, download Thrive Senior Living’s free Caregivers Support Guide, which offers practical tips for building your emotional support system, plus resources for avoiding caregiver burnout. To learn more about Thrive Senior Living communities, reach out to one of our senior living experts for a conversation, or schedule an in-person tour at one of our communities. We’re here to help you thrive, too!