Being a caregiver during an emergency is a different ball of wax than it is during normal situations. You’re under a great deal more stress and you may not be in a great frame of mind. These tips can help you to cope.
Rely on Your Support System
Your support system exists for a reason. When you need someone to lean on, they’re there for you. Your personal support network likely consists of family members, friends, and possibly other caregivers you’ve met along the way. They can help you to stay the course and to remember what you need to be doing. Some members of your support system might even be able to pick up slack for you in other areas of your life. They’re a vital part of maintaining your sanity right now.
Give Yourself Time Outs
During a crisis, it’s difficult to remember to take breaks, but you definitely need them. You can’t stay focused on what’s happening constantly with no time away at all. You probably won’t be able to turn your brain completely off, but you do need to be able to give yourself some breathing room. Find a spot where you can take a nap, go have a cup of coffee and something to eat, and sit with a friend. Take those bits of time you can carve out because you need them.
Write it Out
Some people find it incredibly difficult to express how they’re feeling during an emergency situation. You might find that you have better luck expressing your emotions if you write them out. This can give you something to do when you feel like you’re spinning your wheels. Later when you need to be back in full gear, having gotten those emotions out can really help you to be in the right frame of mind.
Open up Some Long-range Time Off
An emergency situation takes a lot out of you and if you didn’t already have some long-range time off planned, you need to do so right away. Freeing up some time for yourself is going to help you to recover and to be able to keep going in your capacity as a caregiver. Hire elderly care providers, especially if your senior still needs some assistance, and make sure that you’re taking care of yourself. That is the best way for you to be able to take care of your senior in the face of even more stressful situations.
Part of being a caregiver involves keeping your cool during an emergency. If you’ve taken the time to set up a solid support network for yourself and you’re focusing on self-care, emergencies are going to be a lot easier for you to manage. It’s not too late to put a plan in place.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN SMITHFIELD, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.