Caring for a loved one with cognitive impairment is a noble yet challenging responsibility. As a carer, it is essential to focus on your own well-being to provide the best care possible. In this post, we will explore five practical tips to help you flourish while balancing caregiving duties and self-care, with an additional emphasis on utilising technology to assist in your caregiving journey.
Prioritise Self-Care
Recognise that taking care of yourself is not selfish but necessary for your overall well-being. Make time for activities that bring you joy, whether it's reading a book, going for walks, or practising mindfulness. Engaging in self-care will help you recharge and be more present for your loved one.
Seek Support and Community
Don't hesitate to reach out for help. Join local support groups or online communities where you can connect with other carers facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and knowledge can provide emotional support and practical advice.
Here are some websites that are fantastic at providing support for caregivers:
USA:
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Alzheimer's Foundation of America provides support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide and funds research for better treatment and a cure.
Working Daughter is a website and a Facebook support group for working daughters caring for their elderly parents (or other care recipients).
Alzheimer's Association Support Groups
A searchable database for support groups that are local to you.
Establish Boundaries
Setting boundaries is crucial to prevent carer burnout. Learn to say no when necessary and delegate tasks to other family members or professionals when appropriate. Establishing clear boundaries allows you to manage your time effectively and prioritise your own needs.
Utilise Technology for Assistance
Take advantage of technology, like Elli Cares mobile app, to ease the caregiving process. Elli Cares offers reminders for medication schedules, tasks and appointments that alerts you when your loved one needs help in managing their day-to-day. The Safe Zones feature ensures you can monitor any risk of wandering and act before it gets dangerous.
Practice Self-Compassion
Caring for a loved one with cognitive impairment can be emotionally challenging. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you are doing your best in a demanding role. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn from them. Practising self-compassion helps build resilience and promotes overall well-being.
As a carer for a loved one with cognitive impairment, prioritising your well-being is vital. Remember to engage in self-care activities, seek support from others, establish boundaries, utilise technology to assist in caregiving tasks, and practice self-compassion. By taking care of yourself, you will be better equipped to provide the love and care your loved one needs. Embrace these strategies and discover how flourishing as a carer can positively impact both you and your loved one's journey.
At Elli Cares we are committed to building technology that helps support people with cognitive impairment and their families. Having witnessed the impacts of caring for a loved one with cognitive impairment, we empathise with the enormity of a task and are building solutions that improve the quality of life for you and your loved one..
If you'd like to know more about elli, get in touch at hello@elliapp.co
