8 New Year’s Resolutions for Carers in 2019

You don’t have to face a new year of caring for a loved one alone. Here are 8 tips from our professional care team that can help you manage your care responsibilities this year. 

Happy New Year!

January is here again. Christmas and New Year have been celebrated and thoughts now turn to the year ahead. The new year is often used by people as an opportunity to start afresh, whether with diets, lifestyle or personal goals. Despite its dark days, January provides an element of new hope! That this year you really will beat the flab and take up jogging, or get that longed for job or career change.

For many people, though, the new year does not bring new hope, but rather an ongoing decline in those they love and an increased need for time and care. The challenge to remain in control, healthy and dedicated to that care is not easy.

If you are in this situation and providing care to a loved one this year, why not try some of our new year suggestions, or pick two or three resolutions that will help you become a happier, healthier caregiver.

1. Delegate to others

Carers often feel that they need to do everything themselves. This is a quick route to ill health and stress.

Why not prepare a list of activities that you could use help with? If someone offers to help, take them up on their generosity and show them your list.  Or, if you have friends and family who are able to help you, think about who might be best suited to each task and ask them outright.

People like to help when someone they know is in need, so make sure you give them an opportunity to help you and your loved one.

2. Get enough rest

Lack of sleep is debilitating. Even in older age, you need 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night, especially when you are caring for others.

Are there daily activities you can cut out or delegate to someone else to give you more time to rest? Can you get outside support, or get help from friends and family?

3. Look after yourself

It’s impossible to give good care to a loved one if you’re not feeling well yourself. Many carers neglect their own health when they are caring for others.

If you become ill, your loved one will suffer more. Always keep your important doctor’s appointments, and don’t neglect your own health just to be seen to be “keeping going”.

4. Do something for you

It’s very important when you are caring for someone else that you keep your own morale up. An easy way to do this is to commit to doing at least one thing you enjoy or need every day.

It might be reading, going for a walk, knitting, or listening to music – anything that restores your morale. If you need to go out of the home to do this, why not get some support from friends, family or an external carer to sit with your loved one while you do it?

5. Stay on top of important documents

Take some time each month to make sure your loved one’s important papers are in order now. You never know when you might need to have bank account details or health documents to hand. Or when you may have to activate lasting powers of attorney etc. Discuss this with your loved one and document their wishes, so that you can plan how you will act if the worst situations arise.

6. Say thank you for help

If a friend or family member spent time with your loved ones over Christmas and New Year, or helped you with your care, send a note to say thank you. People don’t always expect thanks when they give their time, but a quick note can make them feel appreciated. And it will encourage them to help more in the year ahead.

7. Remind yourself that you’re doing all you can.

You’re doing an amazing job, and doing it in the best way that you can. Don’t give in to self-criticism or guilt when you can’t do everything you think you should. Remind yourself that you have support and that there are people who want to care for you too.

8. Make use of external resources

Most caregivers don’t take full advantage of the support that is available. A professional, trained carer can help you and your loved one in many ways. Whether it’s companionship care or helping with daily tasks and providing much-needed support.

A professional carer can help you take time out for you and provide much-needed stimulation and friendship for your loved one. Talk to us at Right at Home Stockport & Didsbury to find out how our carers can help you with your care this year.