Taking care of a loved one or working professionally as a caregiver can be extremely rewarding. Anyone who has done any amount of caregiving can testify this is true! At the same time, the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual stresses of being a caregiver can take their toll on you as well. It is important that as you "pour out" yourself into the nurture and service to others in need that you are also doing things that "fill your cup" so that you don't end up burned out and used up. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "I'm doing great!", and 10 being "I'm burned out!", where would you rank yourself?

It's important that you stay healthy by staying fresh. Sometimes caregivers need to step away to recharge their batteries. That charge can come through whatever hobbies or recreational activities help you to relax and rejuvenate! Maybe you are a "craft" person who enjoys making things- then go do that! Possibly you are an outdoorsy type- then go for a hike or spend the afternoon at the park or botanical gardens! Others enjoy music or the arts- so treat yourself to some new music or a night at a performing arts center! Your health is vital if you are going to be the very best you can be when you are actively caregiving! Self-care is critical, and hobbies are one way to provide that care!

You may find it provides more structure and accountability for you to regularly enjoy those hobbies if you find someone else to share them with you. Build relationships outside of your caregiving to stay positive. When you go golfing with a friend, or hit the stores with a shopping buddy it is actually therapeutic! Another person can help you unwind and destress from the pressures of caregiving! Who will you call the next time you need to get on your "Hobby Horse" and enjoy some relaxation time?

I offer this suggestion with a warning. It is OK to bring your hobby into your caregiving if or when you think it could be positive. First, the care of the person you are helping is most important when you are providing assistance to them. You do not want to do anything that would be anything but beneficial or wholesome for them as well. Second, you also must make sure that you are allowing time outside of your caregiving to participate in your relaxing or refreshing hobby. It should never be something that only happens when you are with the care recipient. That all being said, for someone who loves gardening could find out that working in the garden with the care recipient that blesses both of them! Is there a hobby that you love that you could share with your care recipient, one that you both would enjoy?

Remember, life is a journey... stay balanced. Burnout is normal among caregivers, regardless of whether they are being paid or a simply a family member or friend helping a loved one. Know your limits, and know what the signs are that you could be nearing burnout. Now get out there and have some fun! 

If you would like more information about caregiving issues, or are interested in talking to us about one of our fantastic professional caregivers, contact the amazing people at Visiting Angels of Tulsa!

Visiting Angels of Tulsa
1532 S Peoria
Tulsa, OK 74120
www.visitingangels.com/tulsa
pagecole@visitingangels.com

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. 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
pagecole@visitingangels.com