Private Caregiver Jobs

you never planned for

5 Top Tips for Being a Carer

Nobody plans to become a home caregiver, but it can happen to anyone. You could become the parent of a disabled child, your parents may develop an illness, or your significant other may have an accident. In some cases, you will find yourself becoming a carer from one day to the next. Other times, it will creep up on you. Either way, the following tips may help you to still get enjoyment out of life.

  1. You might not like the word carer, but you are one now

You may find that you suddenly have to give up on things that were normal to you to look after someone else, including things like your job or social life. This means you are a carer, whether you like the word or not. Once you accept that, you may be able to find carer support groups near you.

  2. Take things slowly

Starting private caregiver jobs means that your social life has changed. You probably don’t know what to do and what to expect, or how much help you will get. You have to take things slowly, one day at a time. And remember that, when things get too much, respite care is available as well.

  3. Always keep calm

When someone you care about gets sick, you will probably feel quite frightened and overwhelmed. Try, as much as possible, to stay relaxed. Freaking out will not make the situation any better.

  4. Allow yourself to have a bad day

When you become a home caregiver, it will feel as if you have to be a superhero. The person you are looking after is likely to have it much worse than you, and this may make you feel like you cannot have a bad day yourself. But you are entitled to bad days just as much as anyone else.

You are not Supergirl or Superman, you are human, and you have to deal with some very complex issues all of the sudden. Allow yourself to feel that way and get help for your own mental and physical health when you need to.

  5. Put yourself first at least once a day

You need to make time for yourself. Every day, there has to be a moment that is just for you. That may be spending an hour in the bath, having half an hour to read a book, or even going out every Saturday night. If you put yourself second 24/7, you will wear out and suffer from caregiver burnout symptoms sooner rather than later.

If you are ready to take on the role of a carer, which is likely to be something you had never planned for, you need to give yourself a pat on the back. It means that you are willing to honestly look after someone who is no longer able to be fully independent. It means that you are giving them a chance to have an improved quality of life. Don’t forget, however, that you are still a person with needs as well.

Take good care of yourself!

Klaudia xx