How to Establish a Strong Coping Mechanism as a Family Caregiver
Elderly Care in Garden City NY
Family caregivers often find that the coping mechanisms that worked in other stages of their lives don’t always work when they’re busy caring for their elderly loved one. If this is the case for you, it
may be time to revisit how you cope.
Set up a Support Network
Support networks are made up of a variety of different people and resources. Yours might include a support group that you attend online, another that you attend in person, and your loved one’s elderly care providers. Another caregiver’s network might be made up of friends and extended family members. It varies from caregiver to caregiver, but you absolutely need a support network in order to cope.
Keep up with Your Hobbies
What do you do for fun? More importantly, when is the last time that you did the things that you do for fun? If your answer is a little disappointing, you may want to find a way that you can keep up with your hobbies. Doing the things that you enjoy brings peace and harmony into your life.
Check Your Health
Another aspect of your life that you need to look at closely is your overall health. If you’ve been avoiding doctor’s appointments of your own, eating the wrong foods in the wrong quantities, or not moving, it’s time for a change. Focusing on your own health will help you to get to the point where you’re able to cope with anything that is happening in your elderly loved one’s life.
Find a Relaxation Technique
Relaxations techniques are any type of technique that helps you to relax and clear your brain. Activities to consider include:
- Yoga
- Breathing exercises
- Tai Chi
- Meditation
These are techniques that you can practice on your own or with a group. Finding a way to join a group can help you to improve your socialization skills, too.
Set Priorities and Follow Them to Manage Your Time
Above all, managing your time according to your actual priorities will do you a world of good when you need extra help coping. When you know what has to be done and what can be put aside until another time, you have a better handle on when it’s time to bring in extra help.
Developing your own coping mechanisms doesn’t have to be difficult, but it may involve making some changes in your current lifestyle.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Garden City, NY, please contact the caring staff at Family First Home Companions. Serving all of Long Island. Call today: (631) 319-3961
Jennifer has specialized training in Alzheimer’s disease through the Long Island Alzheimer’s Association and the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation.She also volunteered her time with the Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Center of Long Island for 3 years by providing cognitive stimulation to an Alzheimer’s patient group.
Jennifer educates the community about elder care and speaks to caregiver support groups, senior centers, and at professional organizations.Topics include home safety, effective strategies for family caregiving, elder care planning, and awareness about elder abuse.
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