Being a caregiver for your loved one can be rewarding, providing you both with connection and purpose. But it can also come with challenges, giving you little time to recharge.
Whether you’re becoming a caregiver for the first time or you’ve been caring for an elderly or disabled family member for years, remember: You don’t have to do it alone. With the right support, guidance, and resources, you can care for your loved one while still looking out for your own well-being.
- What Being a Family Caregiver Means
- Questions Caregivers Should Ask Before Taking on the Role
- Tips and Strategies for Caregiving
- Where to Find Caregiver Relief and Support
- FAQs About Family Caregiving
What Being a Family Caregiver Means
While caregiving can look different for each family and is dependent on what a loved one needs, being a family caregiver typically means you provide care and support for a loved one who needs companionship and/or assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as meal planning, bathing and grooming, medication management, and transportation.
Family caregiving is different from professional care services. A family member may provide the same type of personal or companion care, but a professional caregiver often has additional training—and, in some cases, licensing and certification.
While you don't necessarily need training or certification to care for your loved one, you may be able to get financial support as a caregiver for a family member. There may also be tax credits that can help, so talk with your financial advisor about your unique situation. Some states also allow family members to be paid caregivers through Medicaid. Veterans may be able to get financial help through the Veterans Affairs caregiver program.
Questions Caregivers Should Ask Before Taking on the Role
Before stepping into a caregiver role, take some time to reflect on what that commitment means for you, your family, and your loved one. Asking yourself the following questions can help you prepare for the role and make the right decisions for you and your loved one:
- Do I have the time and energy to meet the daily needs of my loved one?
- How will caregiving affect my work, relationships, and health?
- Do I know where to get help if I need it?
- Am I emotionally prepared for this responsibility?
There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, as every caregiver’s situation is unique. But being prepared can help you provide compassionate care without getting overwhelmed.
Plan ahead, set boundaries, consider respite care, and research local and national programs that offer caregiving support services. These strategies can reduce stress and prevent burnout, allowing you to provide quality care for your loved one.
Tips and Strategies for Caregiving
As a family caregiver, it can be easy to get swept up in your loved one’s day-to-day routine and neglect your own needs. But you can support your loved one and still safeguard your personal well-being.
Providing Physical Support
Helping your loved one stay safe while maintaining their independence is a big part of caregiving. While assisting your loved one with their physical needs, such as mobility, transportation, and ADLs, consider the following:
- Let your loved one perform tasks by themselves, if they’re able—even if it takes longer. This can help them gain confidence and reduce the need for your involvement with every aspect of their day.
- Plan meals, go grocery shopping, and cook together, when possible. By making mealtime a joint activity, you can ensure your loved one is nourished and following recommended nutrition guidelines.
- Make sure your loved one is taking their medication and following treatment schedules, as directed by their healthcare provider. Providing this consistency for them not only helps them stay on top of their health, but gives you peace of mind as well
- >Encourage them to do mobility and flexibility exercises. You can even join their exercise routine to maintain your own physical health while providing care.
- Create a safe home environment that prevents injury and falls by reducing tripping hazards, poorly lit stairs and hallways, and hard-to-reach shelves.
Maintaining Mental and Emotional Health
You and your loved one will be faced with plenty of challenges in your caregiving relationship. Healthy coping strategies can help protect mental and emotional health for both of you so that your relationship stays strong. Use strategies such as:
- Practicing mindfulness
- Incorporating mind-body exercise like yoga
- Journaling to reflect on your experiences
- Giving each other time and space when frustrated
- Making time for social connections outside of the home
- Finding support from other family members, friends, and caregivers
- Seeking professional help, such as family counseling
Preventing Burnout and Protecting Your Own Health
One in five family caregivers experiences burnout. Caregiver burnout is more than feeling tired. It can include feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted from caring for another person. You might also experience burnout symptoms like isolation, anger, anxiety, and guilt.
Here are ways to help prevent burnout:
- Set boundaries: You won’t be able to provide everything for your loved one. It’s okay to say no or to delegate tasks to other family members or professional caregivers.
- Ask for help: Even short breaks can help maintain your energy. Ask siblings, adult children, or other friends and relatives to help out when needed.
- Maintain your own health: It’s a lot more difficult to help someone else if you’re struggling. Make sure you’re keeping your doctor’s appointments, eating healthy, and getting regular exercise.
- Make time for yourself: Keep doing things you enjoy that are entirely outside your role as a caregiver. Maintain a social life, pursue hobbies, and treat yourself to experiences that bring joy.
Where to Find Caregiver Relief and Support
Studies show caregivers who receive support have more confidence and less stress. Plus, their loved ones use less health care overall and have lower medical costs. This shows how impactful caregivers can be. But you don't have to do it all. Call on other resources to support your caregiving efforts:
- Respite care: Respite care is designed to give you temporary relief from primary caregiving. During this time, a professional caregiver steps in and cares for your loved one so you can rest or spend time doing something else.
- In-home care: In-home care services provide ongoing support for your loved one, whether it's for a short stint or a long period of time. It can include short- or long-term companion care, personal care, or even skilled nursing help.
- National Family Caregiver Support Program: The NFCSP helps with respite services, locating support groups, and caregiver training.
- ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center: ARCH is a non-profit that provides respite caregivers and resources for family caregiving.
- Family Caregiver Alliance: This non-profit provides online resources and helps caregivers find local support specific to their state.
- Peer support groups and forums: These groups gather in person or online and can provide a connection with others who are also caregivers. For example, The Caregiver Space is an online community where you can ask questions or share your experiences with others.
- Caregiving apps: Apps can help you stay organized and stick to a routine. Some, likeMedisafe, help you manage medications, while others, such as Caring Bridge, help you communicate with friends and family.
- Hotlines: Resources like Eldercare Locator or 211.org can connect you with experts in caregiving and provide helpful guidance.
Some Medicare Advantage Plans include caregiver benefits, like in-home respite care and transportation. Check your loved one’s plan to see if they have coverage.
Additionally, using Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, you may be able to get respite coverage through Medicaid. You may also receive payment from Medicaid to provide personal care services for your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Caregiving
Do I need certification to be a caregiver for a family member?
No, certifications aren't required to care for a family member. However, some states offer caregiver training so that you can be confident in your caregiving role.
Can I get paid to be a caregiver for my loved one?
You may be able to get paid to be a family caregiver through state Medicaid, some long-term care insurance, paid family leave programs, and some veteran programs. However, different states have different requirements and processes, so it’s best to check with your loved one’s insurance provider to better understand your options.
What states pay you to take care of family members?
Many states have programs under Medicaid that will pay a family member to care for a loved one. According to the American Council on Aging, 34 states provide Medicaid assistance for this reason. Each state has its own set of rules.
How can I balance caregiving with my own health and well-being?
You can balance caregiving and your own health and well-being by practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and taking breaks. Ask for help when needed, including seeking out respite care or in-home care from a professional caregiving service or home care company.
Caregivers Matter, and BrightStar Care® Is Ready to Offer Support
Caregiving can be a rewarding and meaningful responsibility, but it’s also a journey that can be challenging to navigate. With caregiver support services and programs to support you, family caregiving can be more manageable.
BrightStar Care is here to support you. We offer respite care, companion care, personal care, and skilled nursing services backed by nurse-led care plans and compassionate caregivers.
Whether you're looking for in-home care services or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.