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Caring for a loved one can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it can also come with it’s challenges and stresses. Caregiver stress is a common issue that many individuals face when taking care of a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, or aging. The demands of caregiving can take a toll on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
· Acknowledge your feelings: Caregiving can evoke a range of experiences and emotions such as stress, grief, anger, guilt, and sadness. Whatever you’re feeling is normal. Talk to a trusted friend or counselor to have an outlet for expressing your feelings and gaining support.
· Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that you cannot do everything and it’s okay to ask for help. Delegate tasks to willing family members or friends, or consider professional help. Creating a schedule may help you prioritize tasks and manage your time.
· Take care of your own health: Make time for regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. Don’t ignore your own medical concerns and make sure to attend your own doctor appointments. Practice stress relief techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
· Seek Respite Care: Respite care can give you the opportunity to take a break and focus on yourself. Regular breaks from caregiving are important to recharge and rejuvenate.
· Stay connected with others: Caregiving can feel isolating. Prioritize staying connected with friends and family. Maintaining a strong support system provides emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
· Maintain your own hobbies & interests: It’s important to continue to make time for activities that you enjoy to bring you fulfillment and prevent caregiver burnout.
· Be kind to yourself: Acknowledge how difficult this is. You are doing your best. Practice self-compassion.
For available resources in Manitoba, please click:
Þ Caregiving modules:
https://www.virtualhospice.ca/caregiving/
Þ Free drop-in counselling:
https://www.southernhealth.ca/en/finding-care/find-a-service/mental-health/
Þ Online course for caregivers:
https://www.pallium.ca/course/leap-carers/
Þ Practical Caregiving videos: https://www.virtualhospice.ca/en_US/Main+Site+Navigation/Home/Topics/Topics/Providing+Care.aspx
Þ Caregiver stress assessment: https://alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Caregiver-stress-assessment-checklist--Alzheimer-Society.pdf
Þ Respite:
https://www.southernhealth.ca/en/finding-care/find-a-service/respite-care/
Þ Caregiver guide: https://www.gov.mb.ca/seniors/publications/docs/caregiver.pdf
Other:
Þ https://www.southernhealth.ca/en/finding-care/care-by-topic/care-in-your-home/
Þ https://alzheimer.mb.ca/living-with-dementia/caring-for-someone-with-dementia/#10063
Þ https://alzheimer.mb.ca/we-can-help/support-groups/for-family-and-friends/#10066
Þ https://www.gov.mb.ca/seniors/resources/community-and-caregiver-supports.html#CaregiverAndFamilySupports
Þ https://www.carerscanada.ca/
Þ https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/caregiver-resources/
Þ https://www.gov.mb.ca/finance/tao/caregiver.html
Þ https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/mh/docs/caregiver_inventory2022.pdf
Þ https://www.manitoba.ca/mhcw/
Þ https://www.aosupportservices.ca/
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