Caregiver Matters- Tips for Caregiving

faith matters!

4/16/2021

For anyone who works as a caregiver, it is no surprise to see the physical, emotional and mental fatigue that comes with the responsibility of caring for others. But there is a fourth facet that goes unattended in many caregiving situations- Faith Fatigue.

Many people are very committed to the spiritual aspects of life, while others do not see much value in those issues. Regardless of the level of commitment to the spiritual aspects of life, we all have a need to refresh our inner being. Some accomplish this through participating in religious or church activities. Others choose to feed their soul with private meditation, music or acts of service. The issue of greatest importance is not "How" they are nurturing the "faith" portion of their life, but that they are in fact making an intentional effort to keep that part of their life balanced and healthy.

Caregiving is a constant pouring out of one's own self into the needs of another. It just makes sense that if you are always pouring out your energy and heart, but not doing something to replenish your innermost needs that eventually you will feel empty or burned out. It is critical that each individual consistently tends to their own inner faith or spiritual needs so they are able to provide the highest level of quality care to those in need.

What can you do? Attend religious services, spend time in meditation, read scriptures or religious writings are a few of those healthy options. Listening to edifying music or participating in spiritual events are also ways to feed one's soul. Finally, many individuals find that prayer or quiet contemplation are rejuvenating and can bring balance to their hearts and their soul.

This article is not intended to be "preachy" or condescending in any way. It is simply a reminder that human beings are complex creatures, individuals with physical, emotional, mental, social and yes, spiritual needs. Take care of yourself people! You deserve it!

Page Cole
Visiting Angels of Tulsa
Visiting Angels of Bartlesville
Visiting Angels of SWOKC

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Burnout matters

3/30/2021

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Most people who serve as caregiver reach burnout at some point in their service. It doesn't matter if they are a family member providing help to a parent or grandparent, or a paid caregiver who serves in a caregiving role professionally. Everyone working in the field of "caregiving" reaches a point of being drained, burned out and used up. So how do caregivers deal with this issue of Burnout, and what can they do to restore things to a healthier state?

First, accept that you are not a bad person because you have reached a point of frustration or exhaustion. It is normal. When you give and give in taking care of someone else's needs it can be draining. That emptiness can manifest itself as depression, exhaustion, frustration or even anger. You are a wonderful person, but you are NOT indestructible.

Next, seek out help if you need it. That help may come in the form of a well deserved break away from caregiving. This break could be a day, or it could be longer. Only you know how long you need to be refreshed. Just don't wait too long to make time for yourself as a caregiver. You are not able to provide the highest quality of assistance if you are overwhelmed. Your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual sides need to be recharged on a regular basis. Do what it takes to make room for personal rest and restoration in all four of those areas!

What does that even look like? It means getting enough good, uninterrupted sleep each day. It means feeding your mind with a good book or other enjoyable things that challenge your mind. It means talking about your stress or other overwhelming emotions with someone who cares and encourages you. It also means spending time every day tending your spiritual needs- reading, meditating or praying are all positive practices to help your soul move to a point of joy and health.

Finally, identify and isolate the things that seem to bring the most amount of stress in your situation. Look for creative ways to alleviate or avoid those most stressful issues or situations. If they are unavoidable, then talk with someone about techniques or behaviors you could use to minimize the impact that stress has on you.

Caregiving is hard work. Anyone who has ever been a caregiver for long can testify that is true. But caregiving does not have to be a destructive event for the life of the caregiver. Keep your head up, and look for that outstretched hand offering you encouragement & hope! We are in this together!

Page Cole
Visiting Angels of Tulsa
Visiting Angels of Bartlesville
Visiting Angels of SWOKC

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Family Matters!

2/1/2021

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The seniors in our lives are among the most precious gifts we possess! Parents, grandparents, neighbors and friends, the elderly among us need and deserve our love and respect. Some of those providing the gift of care are family members who provide much needed assistance to a loved one. Others are paid professional caregiving aides who work in the home health or medical fields. Either way, it is hard not to fall in love with these wonderful people who are being cared for!

There are several very critical things to remember when it comes to caregiving and family. Handling these issues well is vital to the quality of life for the senior.

Communicate Well- if you are a caregiver, do the very best you can to communicate effectively and consistently with the family members of the senior. Families who are not able to be the primary caregiver appreciate it so much when they are kept in the loop of information and need.
Appreciate Family Dynamics- This senior has spent decades building relationships with various family members. Some of those relationships are positive, while others may be distant or strained. It is not the responsibility of the caregiver to "fix" anything. However the caregiver needs to be aware of the relationship dynamics in a family, and sensitive to any special issues or situations that can arise because of those unique situation.
Boundaries Exist- In every caregiving situation there are boundaries that must be communicated, understood and respected. Sometimes those boundaries involve personal space. Other boundaries might focus on financial or property issues. Still other boundaries may include topics of conversation or issues that should or should not be discussed. A quality caregiver learns the boundaries by asking questions, watching interactions closely, communicating regularly with the senior and family members and by responding appropriately to a crisis when it happens.
Seek Out Help- You should never feel alone as a caregiver. Communicate with family members of the senior as needed and as you are able. Encourage visits, phone calls, Facetime or other types of communication from family members with the senior. If you see problems that are beyond what you feel qualified to understand or help with, then seek out professional counsel from experts in the senior care industry.

Understand your role as a caregiver. If you are a family member, you've taken on a huge responsibility. It can be full of both joy and heartache. If you are a paid professional or a volunteer, know that you have legal, ethical and even moral responsibilities to provide the very best care for your senior. They may not be your family, but you should care for them as if they were the dearest member of your own family.

If you would like more information about caregiving issues as they relate to family matters, contact the amazing people at Visiting Angels of Tulsa!

Visiting Angels of Tulsa
1532 S Peoria
Tulsa, OK 74120
www.visitingangels.com/tulsa
[email protected]

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