3 Important Ways to Optimize Caregiver Wellness

We are all familiar with the sense of peace and wellness that caregivers bring to others — being cared for in your own home provides comfort and is beneficial for mental and emotional wellness. Caregivers provide assistance so that people can maintain a greater level of independence. All of these things allow for a greater sense of peace and well-being.

It is important for caregivers to prioritize their own well-being, too. Just like the expression you need to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others, caregivers need to take care of themselves so that they can provide the highest level of quality in-home care to their clients.

3 Important Ways to Optimize Caregiver Wellness

There are many things caregivers can do when it comes to self-care and prioritizing their well-being. Here are three of the most important ways to optimize caregiver wellness:

1. Take time to rest. Caregiving requires emotional, physical, and mental fortitude. There’s a reason we say caregivers have superpowers! Providing care for someone comes with tremendous responsibility. Caregivers expend a lot of energy ensuring that their clients are living their best possible lives. All of that work requires rest and recovery. Taking time to rest — especially when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep — is the number one thing caregivers can do to maintain a high level of quality in-home care services.

Most importantly, taking time to rest will prevent what’s commonly referred to as “caregiver burnout.” Caregiver burnout is a state of apathy brought on by ongoing emotional stress. Even the most compassionate in-home caregivers can suffer from caregiver burnout if they push themselves too hard.

2. Rely on support from others. One of the benefits of working with an in-home care agency is that caregivers have the support of the agency when they need it. Director of Client Services at Alegre Home Care, Carol Parks, explains, “With an agency, there’s a lot of coaching on being reliable, professional, and punctual. We want to take care of the caregivers, so that they can take care of the clients.”

Family caregivers can seek the support of professional in-home caregivers, either at part time or full time hours, depending on the level of care needed. This will ease the burden for family caregivers, allowing them to focus on spending more quality time with their loved ones.

3. Continual training and education. Highly effective in-home caregivers commit to ongoing education and training so that they can continually provide the best quality of care. Receiving proper training and education also equips caregivers with the tools they need to provide care for their clients and for themselves. Good training reduces risks and provides knowledge for the best possible outcomes. Training and education allow caregivers to work with less struggle and more ease.

This is why Alegre Home Care provides monthly training sessions for all in-home caregivers, as well as continual education when needed. All of our in-home caregivers complete a thorough reference check, criminal background check, complete competency exams, and conduct a personal individual interview.

More Ways to Improve Caregiver Wellness

There are many small things caregivers can do on a regular basis that will improve their well-being. Ideas include:

1. Prioritize: break down tasks into smaller, actionable steps, and establish a daily routine.

2. Set realistic expectations: practice self-care.

3. Give yourself credit for your caregiving.

4. Join a support group or utilize the support of your home care agency.

5. Embrace and accept the role of a caregiver.

6. Take a break: rest is important!

7. Practice self-care: sleep, nutrition, exercise.

8. Reach out for help when needed.

9. Meditate. It helps to clear your mind and de-stress from the day.

Call for a FREE Consultation

Do you or a loved one need in-home care services? We’re here to help! Receiving care at home begins with a phone call and a free consultation. We provide what’s best for you — Alegre Home Care can help you from as little as a 1.5 hour visit, to 24 hour care or even full time live-in care services. Contact us at 800-498-4777