A study conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving shows that more and more younger people aged 18 and above are acting as caregivers for their elderly grandparents. This shouldn’t be too surprising considering the number of benefits that come with grandchildren taking care of their grandparents. Besides the apparent bonding that this opportunity provides, grandchildren as caregivers offer peace of mind and companionship for older adults. Family interaction will also increase, allowing for family members to come together and spend quality time. If you’re taking care of an elderly grandparent but do not have the experience, continue reading to find out some tips and tricks in caregiving.
Manage Stress Healthily
It’s no secret that caregiving is stressful, especially if you’re not a professional caregiver. Caregiving may negatively affect your mental, emotional, and even physical health in the long run. While some people will turn to binge eating, smoking or drinking in order to cope with the stress, these methods are harmful and can even worsen mental health. Instead, explore healthy ways to manage stress such as meditating, hanging out with friends, exercising, or doing your favorite activities. Healthy stress management can also clear your mind, allowing you to make decisions and solve caregiving challenges more effectively.
Make Time for Yourself
Generally, it’s important to spend time alone every once in a while as part of self-care. This provides you with an opportunity to restore your energy while reflecting on your feelings and being more mindful of your own health. Although your grandparents’ health and happiness are of utmost importance, so is your own. Some ways you can make time for yourself are to treat yourself, meditate or step out of your comfort zone. You can take small me-time each day while your loved ones are resting or on a weekly or monthly basis. If you’re out most times of the day, we recommend hiring an in-home caregiver.
Connect with Other Caregivers
You know what they say: no one understands how you truly feel unless they’re in the same position. If you need someone to talk to or receive advice, you can connect with other caregivers in the country through platforms like the Family Caregiver Alliance and ALZConnected. These platforms have support groups that regularly host sessions online, where participants can share their experiences and offer support.
Why Choose The Welstone At Mission Crossing?
If taking care of your elderly grandparents gets too overwhelming or they’re simply looking for more amenities, placing them in an independent living community may be the best option. Here at The Welstone At Mission Crossing, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones’ needs and expectations are all taken care of by our team of professional staff. From cleaning and maintaining their apartments to doing the household chores, your loved ones get to live in a safe and secure environment without even having to lift their fingers. If you’d like to know more about The Welstone At Mission Crossing, you can contact us at 913.285.5473.
