There are going to be times as a caregiver in which you don’t know what to do at all. That’s okay and there are ways to cope.
Sit Down and Visualize the Situation Working out Perfectly
Sometimes you don’t know what to do, but you know how you want the situation to work out. In those cases, it can help to take a few minutes, to sit in a quiet place, and visualize that perfect ending. Get as detailed as you possibly can, because that’s going to add to your belief that this situation will work out exactly the way that you want it to. You may even find that you spot solutions in your visualization that you didn’t think about in any other format.
Tell Yourself that You’re Doing Great
Most caregivers don’t hear that they’re doing a great job. You might hear a lot of complaints, both from your aging adult and from other family members who have other ideas about what you should be doing. But you’re doing a great job as a caregiver. If no one else is being your cheerleader, then you need to be your own biggest cheerleader. Make it a point to tell yourself several times a day that you’re doing a fantastic job, because you are.
Give Yourself an “E” for Effort
Even though you’re doing a great job, you’re not perfect. You’re human, so that’s to be expected. And those situations that don’t work out well don’t mean that you’re doing a terrible job. Think about how you’d respond to your best friend. You’d probably tell her that she’s still doing a fantastic job at being a caregiver, even when things don’t work out. You deserve that “E” for effort.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
When you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out and to ask for it. If you don’t have support from family and friends, reach out to elder care providers. Another excellent source of help is also caregiver support groups. These groups can put you in touch with other people just like you who can help you to solve problems because they’ve been there, too.
Those times when you don’t know what to do are going to feel more common in the beginning of your caregiving journey. As you gain more experience, you may find that you experience these types of situations less and less often. No matter how often you feel this way, you need a plan to manage it.
