Being a caregiver is difficult, but when being a caregiver also coincides with being a spouse, it can become even more challenging. If you're caring for an ailing spouse, below are three coping tips to keep in mind.
Plan Time To Just Be a Couple
When you're the main caregiver for your spouse, it can sometimes be difficult to come out of caregiver mode and enter spouse mode. That's why planned dates are vital to both you and your spouse's mental health.
When you put time aside to just be a couple, you're giving both you and your spouse a much needed reprieve. Planned time as a couple doesn't need to be difficult. There are lots of things you and your spouse can do without leaving the house, such as playing board games, learning a new hobby together or even ordering delivery and enjoying a meal. All that matters is that you treat this time as separate from your caregiving duties.
Outsource Care Needs
If you're becoming overwhelmed by your spouse's medical and physical care needs, it may be time to outsource.
The busier you are, the more difficult it can be to be there – mentally and emotionally – for your spouse. Your spouse likely needs a shoulder to lean on, and it's important that you don't become so overwhelmed that you begin to resent your spouse. There are a number of options available if you're looking to outsource some of your spouse's care needs, such as a home health aide or visiting nurse. Care tasks that can be outsourced vary widely and can include anything from shopping and running errands to administering medications and monitoring health stats.
Spend Time on Yourself
When you care for your spouse on a daily basis, it can be easy to put off your own needs. It's unhealthy, however, to be in caregiver mode 24/7.
Whether you hire outside help, such as a home health aide or nurse, or you ask for the help of a family member of friend, it's important that you get time to yourself to pursue your own hobbies and relax. The better you take care of yourself, the better you can take care of your spouse.
If you're caring for your ailing spouse, it's important to go easy on yourself and outsource certain care needs without feeling guilt. To learn more about home health care and how a home health aide can help you and your spouse, consult with a home health agency today.
Share27 July 2016
Having a home health care worker come to your home and assist you in the care of your loved one can make an impossible situation possible. One of the most important elements of having a care worker effectively assist your family is organization and communication. The care worker coming into your home should be documenting the care that is provided each and every day and you should be documenting the care you provide when the care worker isn't around. This blog will provide you with tips for staying organized and improving the communication between you, your health care worker and your loved one's doctors.