Caring for an elderly or disabled relative can be satisfying, but not having the appropriate support can present to be challenging. Despite this, there are possible ways and means that can bring about an immense positive change to carers.

Everyone needs breaks from daily obligations

It is not merely elderly, disabled people, terminally ill, next of kin, or convalescent persons after surgery who are confronted with challenges, but also the people who assist and feel responsible for them.

The title carer conveys an image of people who care for others on an indemnified basis. Most of the time, the carers will befamily members, neighbours or friends.

Everyone needs proper and established breaks from daily obligations to keep in good health, and carers are no different.

Occasionally, short breaks will comprehend involving someone else taking over the care of one’s relative for a period of time, allowing the actual carer time to do errands or visit a friend.

On alternative times it could signify providing care for a longer period of time, as the carers will be going on a holiday. Every person needs a break from time to time. One need not feel guilty.

In the long-term, people will manage better or even cope better with demands involved in caring if they also include breaks and select a time for themselves to see to their needs.

Finding an organisation that provides a quality care service that can provide the chance to express one’s own needs and provide the support needed, would be the ideal thing to do. This will put one’s mind at rest, knowing that loved ones are being taken care of.

Through discussions held with the organisation of one’s choice, the carer’s situation will be assessed and it will be established what kind of support is needed by the carer and in this way, the stress which emanates from having to take continuous care of a person’s relative, will be taken care ofand compensated for by the organisation.

Another choice that might also ease some burden from the responsibility of taking care of a family member, would be to find coaching service programme which most probably would also be provided by the same organisation with which one would have registered the relative needing care. During such coaching sessions, the primary caregiver, along with the service provider, will assess challenges, help create a plan and identify solutions to make caregiving less stressful and more rewarding.

In this way, persons taking care of their relatives are more likely to become more empowered and also learn other important skills related to activities of daily living for their loved ones.

These may include effective bathing whilst reducing physical stress, ambulation and mobility.

Another effective way of venting out stress and anxiety is through therapy and counselling sessions. These two methods can be helpful in the sense that carers who would need to speak confidentially about what they are going through, would be able to do so.

Being a carer can be isolated and it can be difficult for carers to express and communicate their worries and fears with others. Often the attention is on the person receiving care, and carers can feel remorseful about communicating their feelings.

Counsellors, psychologists or psychotherapists can be of a great support through their empathic listening and sensitive stance to persons’ concerns.

It is entirely common for people, to have mixed emotions about their caring deed. Attending to health is of dire importance. Good nourishment, regular exercise and seeking assistance when feeling stressed or anxious is of utmost importance. Pursuing different pleasurable pastime activities can also be of a tremendous help.

Ms Cuschieri is a care operations manager.

ocuschieri@dignityforlife.com

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