07 Sep Tips for Caregivers

1. Let the person speak – It is very important to listen unselfishly, engage, and avoid responding negative comments to an elderly or ill person when they bring up a subject that make you feel uncomfortable.
2. Know when to say “I don’t know” – Learn how to be noncommittal without seeming evasive. Caregiver should only offer information that are relevant to client condition, don’t offer misinformation that might do more harm than good.
3. Don’t hesitate to call in spiritual help – It’s natural to experience spiritual anxiety during a serious illness. When your loved one asks, “What’s next?” “Why did God let this happen to me?” It is best to call in a qualified religious member.
4. Let the tears fall – Tears are a natural emotional release for emotions ranging from anger to sadness to fear, and can be very therapeutic both for the caregiver and their loved one.
5. Respond to constructively to anger – Anger is a natural human emotion, understand your loved one that they are in pain and their energy levels might make them less patient or less able to handle stressful situation.
6. Seek to connect – Your loved one needs for you to connect on a heart-to-heart. Understand how and why an illness is getting worse to help you better understand what he is trully experiencing.
7. Divide responsibilities – Appoint family members their own tasks and responsibilities to help your loved one and all to have less stress while dealing a difficult situations.
8. Communicate – Take time to discuss and assess.
9. Take a break and reward yourself!

Sources: Huffington Post, 7 Tips for Caregivers; Researched by: Katherine De Dios