A good caregiver must be diligent to provide a gentle balance of patience, love, motivation and encouragement. Caregiver duties include promoting the gradual independence of the sick and accelerating the rehabilitation process. The following are ways to become a caregiver who achieves those goals.
Caregiver Duties: Verbal Encouragement
Communicating a few “can do” words is beneficial to the patient, but the caregiver's duty is to do it in a non-condescending manner. Being kind yet firm while giving the patient confidence in his abilities requires the caregiver to be aware of the patient’s limitations and to be sensitive to his pain parameters. Discuss the expectations with the doctor or nurse to get an idea of the recovery process. If the doctor recommends short walks after surgery, the caregiver's duty is to encourage the patient to get up and move. Using motivating words, a caregiver will build confidence through praise.
Caregiver Duties: Physical Encouragement
To become a caregiver means to help patients rehabilitate. This is a slow process for the patient and caregiver. When time is short, the caregiver will be tempted to swoop in and tie the patient’s shoe laces, or elevate the patient's aching ankles. A caregiver may rush to reach the television remote or hurry to help with the door. These are simple mistakes. All of these tasks are opportunities for the patient to muster some muscle and improve his ability to function. Becoming a caregiver means refraining from offering help and allowing the patient ample time to accomplish tasks on his own. This is the key to building independence. It is the caregiver's duty to know when to step in.
How to Become a Caregiver: Caring for Self
A caregiver's duty is to refresh, sustain and support patients. However, at times the caregiver may feel depleted, as though his strength is spent. Caregiving cannot be successful when the caregiver has lost patience and compassion. It's a caregiver's duty to take time-outs to recharge and refocus.Coffee or tea breaks and chatting with friends may help the caregiver relieve some stress. Exercise is also important for health and wellbeing. Find time to take a walk or enjoy a hobby.
Caregiver Resources
Finding resources and connecting with other caregivers is another way to find relief. Look for caregiver resources such as magazines, websites and support groups. Finding other caregivers in similar situations provides the opportunity to exchange advice and form friendships. Caregiver resources and support abound online and in good reads for inspiration. Skim the newspaper for local groups, or call a community center. Whatever tips you use to become a caregiver, remember a caregiver's duties are also privileges.
