An Easy Way to Reduce Stress as a Family Caregiver

By Jessica Ott | April 9, 2020 |

Ask any family caregiver what the best way to reduce stress is and you’ll get the same answer. Ask for help. Providing all of the care by yourself every day and night is exhausting. If you don’t have a strong support team, it’s time to stop and figure it out. Getting help is your priority.

Senior Care New Oxford PA – An Easy Way to Reduce Stress as a Family Caregiver

Start By Asking Around

It’s not the easiest thing to do, but be brave and ask family members and friends for help. Explain that you’re stressed and reaching out for any assistance you can get. It doesn’t have to be a lot. A friend could double a recipe and drop off dinner once a week. A sibling could take over picking up groceries for your mom or dad.

As you get offers to help, start keeping a list to make sure the help that’s offered isn’t duplicated somewhere else. For example, a friend offers to make dinner every Thursday but that’s the day your sister offers to cook, see if one of them can do something on another night. Maybe your friend could make a meal you can easily package and pop in the fridge to be reheated on Friday.

Come Up With a Schedule That Meets All Needs

Write out a list of what needs to be done every day. Share that list with those who have time to help. This allows them to see where help is needed and figure out how it fits into their schedule. You want to have help, but it shouldn’t burden others.

One thing you may find is that people are more likely to offer to help on weekends. This is typically due to work schedules. On weekends, you could step back and let multiple people help your parents while you take some time to do things you enjoy. Think of it as your own weekend off.

Be Thankful

When people do help, make sure you let them know how much it means to you. While you may feel your siblings should be helping out, they may have things going on that you don’t know about. Thank them for any help they do give.

Hire Senior Care Services, Too

In addition to getting friends and family to help, you need to pair family caregiving with senior care services. Even with the best of intentions, you can’t prevent emergencies. Rather than leave your mom or dad alone, a paid caregiver could take over.

You need to talk to a senior care agency about respite care. It’s essential if you’re sick and need time to recover. You’ll have times when conflicting schedules and events are happening. With senior care, you don’t have to stress over those conflicts. Call our senior care agency and ask a specialist about how to arrange respite care services.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in New Oxford PA, please talk to us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.

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Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.