If you’re the primary caregiver for a loved one, a solid support system is indispensable to both your well-being and theirs. Because with a solid network of support, you’ll have the ability to care for both your loved one and yourself, without sacrificing your right to live the life you deserve. Here, we’ve compiled six key reasons why caregivers should prioritize a strong support network.
1. You’ll Beat Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout can sneak up quickly and lead to fatigue, depression, irritability, and anxiety— all feelings that quickly become unmanageable. A sturdy support network can be composed of:
- Family
- Friends
- Medical professionals
- Senior living advisors
- Support groups
- Local resources
You’ll have a better chance to prevent burnout from taking hold when you have a network you can rely on. Knowing there’s a designated group of people who can pick up the slack can give you the emotional and mental bandwidth you need to carry on.
2. You’ll Have Backup When You Need It
With a reliable caregiver support system in place, you’ll have trusted people to turn to when you need to step away, whether it’s just for a day to yourself or an extended respite. Knowing someone else can take the reins can be deeply comforting and take the edge off caregiving’s daily stresses.
If you’re the primary caregiver in your family, make sure to get together with other family members regularly, even if it’s just by phone, so you can divide up caregiving tasks. Also, be sure to use each person’s strengths to your advantage: one family member may be better at dealing with health insurance companies, while another may have more experience troubleshooting with doctors, and another might have a knack for creating quality time for your loved one.
3. You’ll Feel More Appreciated
Feeling under appreciated for the work you do as a caregiver is common and often justifiable. Being a caregiver is an extremely tough job, especially when you’re balancing work, family, and personal life to boot. But having a network of family, friends, neighbors, and community regularly checking in on you can offer the strength and encouragement you need to face each day.
You can also count on your caregiver support network to help you look after yourself, eat well, get enough sleep, take breaks, and prioritize your own mental and physical health. When you’re struggling, a little recognition and emotional support can go a long way.
4. You’ll Connect More Strongly with Your Loved One
When you’re relaxed and rested, you’re naturally able to be more present for your loved one. And feeling more patient and energized in their presence can help you both connect more meaningfully, whether you’re reminiscing over childhood memories, talking about their day, or having an in-depth conversation about life.
Senior living communities like Thrive that offer personalized, compassionate care can help create that caring space, so you can exit caregiver mode and go back to just being their family.
5. You’ll Feel Held and Supported by Others
Talking to others who understand what you’re going through is essential for caregivers to feel truly supported. The Caregiver Action Network website offers resources for locating a caregiver support group in your area, where you can meet virtually or in-person with fellow caregivers who “get it.” Together, you can process emotions, relieve stress, reassure one another, and just vent.
Whether it’s a weekly phone call or Zoom meeting with other caregivers, or meeting in-person with a local caregiver support group, a support system can make a world of difference when you’re struggling.
6. You’ll Make Informed Decisions
Navigating the complexities of the medical system, exploring your loved one’s long-term care options, managing intimate tasks like bathing and toileting: it can all feel like more than you can handle. But a network that includes senior living advisors and medical professionals provides a reliable experience and expertise you can count on.
And sometimes, the best decision you can make for your loved one is to help them make the transition to senior living. At Thrive communities, our teams are here to help in any way we can, whether you are ready to consider a move or just need a listening ear.
How Thrive Can Support You
At Thrive Senior Living, we understand what older adults and their loved ones need not only to live, but to live well. So, let us guide you along your caregiving journey! You can get started by downloading our free Caregivers Support Guide to get practical tips for building your own emotional support system, plus trusted resources to help you navigate each day.
Want to learn even more about Thrive communities, which offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care services? Call one of our senior living experts for a conversation, or schedule an in-person tour of one of our communities!