Help for the Caregiver
Caregivers of people with chronic illness, Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementias need all the support they can get. If you know someone caring for a loved one with these conditions, learning how to create a strong circle of support is one of the best gifts you can offer.
Recently, Lisa Honka, Senior Living Advisor with Your Key to Senior Living Options, provided a presentation to social workers and healthcare professionals on how to support caregivers and build a much-needed circle of support. Here are a few key takeaways on ways you can make a real difference.
Be Specific
General offers of help can be difficult for a caregiver to accept. Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” offer something concrete and easy to say yes to.
Try phrases like:
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“I’m going to the grocery store. What can I pick up for you?”
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“I have a couple of hours free tomorrow afternoon. Would you like me to sit in so you can run errands or take a break?”
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“I made extra dinner tonight and brought enough for several meals.”
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“Would it help if I did a load of laundry for you? I can pick it up today and bring it back tomorrow.”
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“Does your yard need mowing? I’d be happy to take care of it this weekend.”
Check In
A simple call, card, or message can mean more than you realize. Texts and emails are great, but personal visits are often even better. Regular contact helps caregivers feel connected to the outside world and can lift their spirits.
If you’re unsure what to say, keep it simple. Let them know you understand how challenging caregiving can be and that you’re there to listen whenever they need to talk. You don’t need to offer advice or resources unless specifically asked. Just listen and show empathy.
Recognize Signs of Caregiver Stress
Many caregivers struggle to accept help because they believe they should handle everything on their own. This mindset can lead to burnout, which affects both the caregiver and their loved one.
Common signs of caregiver stress include irritability, anger, exhaustion, social withdrawal, anxiety, or depression.
If you live in The Villages, Florida, consider reaching out to TLC-Services.org to speak with a therapist. They can provide emotional support and professional guidance for caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
If your offers of help are turned down, stay patient but gently persistent. Remind the caregiver that they are not alone and that taking care of themselves is an essential part of caring for their loved one.
Learn More
Watch Lisa’s presentation to discover more ways you can support caregivers and help build a strong circle of care around them.
Recently, Lisa Honka provided a presentation to Social Workers and other health-related professionals on how to provide help for caregivers and create the circle of support they desperately need. Here are a few highlights of ways you can help a caregiver.
BE SPECIFIC
General offers of help to caregivers can be difficult for them to accept. If you want to support a friend who is caring for a loved one, make a concrete offer. For example:
- “I’m going to the grocery store. What can I pick up for you?”
- “I’ve got a couple of hours free tomorrow afternoon. May I sit in for you while you run errands or take time for yourself?”
- “I doubled my meatloaf recipe so that I could share it with you. I brought enough to last you for several meals.”
- “Do you need some laundry done? I can pick it up today and bring it back clean tomorrow.”
- “Does your yard need to be mowed? I’d be happy to take care of it this weekend.”
CHECK IN
Sending a card or calling a caregiver can be a meaningful way to show support. Emails and text messages work, too, but personal visits are often even more effective. Contact with the outside world can help lift a caregiver’s spirits.
Not sure what to say? Consider offering that you know caregiving is hard, and you will be there anytime the person wants to talk. Don’t assume the person wants tips, resources, or advice on caregiving. Listen and offer comfort.
RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF CAREGIVER BURNOUT OR STRESS
Keep in mind that some caregivers have a difficult time accepting help, mistakenly believing they should do everything themselves. This attitude can be harmful not only to the caregiver but also to the person who has dementia. Caregiver stress can lead to irritability, anger, exhaustion, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression and other problems.
If you live in The Villages, Florida, consider contacting TLC-Services.org and scheduling a time to speak with a therapist about your feelings. They can offer professional assistance to the caregiver.
If your offers of help aren’t accepted, be patient but gently persistent. Remind the caregiver that he or she doesn’t have to do this alone — and the best way to take care of someone else is to first take care of yourself.
LEARN MORE
Watch Lisa’s presentation for more ways you can provide help to caregivers and create a circle of support.