Caregivers are all about helping other people. Believe it or not, though, other caregivers can be a huge help to you in a variety of different ways. Besides just talking to someone else who “gets it” about what you’re experiencing on a daily basis, caregivers can offer unconditional support. They’ve been the new caregiver who didn’t know what to do and they can help you to be the caregiver you want to be.
They Can Share Their Experiences
Talking to other caregivers can be far more educational than you might have realized. They’ve been through so much during their time as caregivers and they can share those experiences with you. Learning from someone else’s mistakes can be just as important as learning what they did correctly on the first try. Someday you may be in a position to pay that favor forward and share with a new caregiver the experiences that you’ve had over your time in the same position.
They Can Offer Advice
Other caregivers can be a huge source of advice for you as well. When you’re not sure how to handle something or you’re stumped by a problem you’ve encountered, other people in your life may not know what to do. An experienced caregiver that you’ve befriended, however, may know exactly what the best advice for you is in that moment. Caregivers are a creative lot, because they have to be. There’s a lot about caregiving that forces you to improvise and to learn something new.
You Can Each Trade Respite Time
Remember, helping people is what caregivers do. There may be a time when you opt to trade respite time with another caregiver that you have developed a relationship with over time. That gives each of you a chance to take time away and to learn how to feel comfortable with someone else helping your senior. Your elderly family member may also enjoy the opportunity to meet some new people. This can be a big stepping stone toward helping you to get comfortable accepting other types of help, like hiring home care providers.
Learning to be an effective caregiver is not something that happens overnight. It really helps to talk to people who have been there before you and who have already gone through some of the same situations you’re facing. Caregiver support groups are likely the most common place for you to meet other caregivers, but you should keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities everywhere.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Mount Olympus, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.?
Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.
