The following are 5 tips on how to be a healthy caregiver, when caring for elderly parents.
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Set boundaries
It is important to set limits after deciding what you will, won’t or can’t do. Setting limits does not mean that you are a bad caregiver. It means you are conscious of the responsibilities of being a caregiver. Being an effective caregiver means that you are able to take care of yourself so that you can care for others.
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Live in the moment
Avoid negative thoughts such as “what if” and do what is right for you. Accept that you cannot control others all the time. Avoid unnecessary worry.
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Cope with what needs to be done.
Find ways of dealing with the tasks that need to be completed. This includes the decision to delegate the tasks (with friends or other family members), utilize outside resources (skilled nursing, senior day care, etc.), and assert your own limits.
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Avoid emotional blackmail
Do not give into intimidation, tantrums, anger, etc. If you give in to negative efforts to get you to respond, you are likely to feel resentful.
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Avoid useless feeling of guilt
Be clear about what you are doing and why you are doing it. Recognize and accept your own limitations. Do not self-criticize.
