Going above and beyond is something that really sets our caregivers apart, but sometimes it’s easy to do a little too much, and at the expense of both yourself and the person you’re caring for. Remember, your main goal as a caregiver is to give the person you’re caring for the power and permission to be in control of their own life as much as possible. Here are a few things that you can do that will help to empower your clients and keep you healthy and on track with your caregiving.
Simplify
Help break down tasks for the person you’re caring for. Sometimes even some simpler tasks can be overwhelming, particularly if your client has dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Sometimes we get so used to doing things that we do them almost subconsciously. Try thinking about the steps that you take to complete a simple task, such as pouring a glass of juice: get the juice out of the fridge, get a glass from the cupboard, etc. Dividing complex tasks into simpler ones can help your clients to accomplish more, and to do so without getting overwhelmed. Remember our seniors have been doing things for themselves for many years and often mandating what others do. It’s very difficult for them to relinquish that role to a new person. Be patient!
Give Them Control
Let your clients make as many decisions as possible. Let them decide what to wear, what to eat, or when to go to bed; even though these things may seem insignificant to you, making their own decisions can really help them feel in control of their lives. Giving that control back will give them ride in doing something for themselves.
Make Things Easier
One of the most valuable things you can do as a caregiver is to help your client to be able to do more without needing help. When you’re at a clients house, think about things that you might be able to do to make things easier for them; maybe you could make a small change in their home or provide them with tools that will make things a little easier.
Be Patient
Sometimes it may be hard to let someone do something for themselves when you know that you could do it faster or better. Encourage the person your caring for by being patient; Let them know that it’s okay to make a mistake, take a little extra time to accomplish a task, or to end up with unpolished results.
Match Tasks with Abilities
As you get to know the person you are caring for better, you are also able to more clearly identify their skills and abilities. Use this knowledge to determine what kind of tasks and activities you can do with your client and what kind of tasks your client can do on their own.
Even though most people don’t admit it, it can be very hard to ask for help. Keep this in mind when you’re with your clients. Every time you do something for them that they could have done for themselves or could do with a just little bit of help, they have missed an opportunity to help themselves, also taking away their independence.
