The busy holiday season is here in the Houston area; it is when people typically take a breather from work. Our caregivers will spend time with others, taking a much-needed break from their busy days caring for their senior clients. Changes in care can be upsetting, particularly if your favorite caregiver is planning on time away. Your caregivers need to take care of themselves to take good care of you. Here are some suggestions to help you get through while your caregiver is taking a hiatus.
A Positive Approach
Your caregivers enjoy their time with their clients and want to help them live their best lives. You want them and need them to be their best; they must also care for themselves. You don't want them to feel guilty for doing so.
Encourage them to enjoy their break and share your understanding that they have been working hard for you and their other clients. Be excited with them and ask them to take pictures and share them when they return. This encourages communication and a better relationship. With this positive approach, you can easily work together in planning your alternative care while your primary caregiver is on a break.
Write It Down
With the help of your caregiving team here in the Bellaire area, write down what your carers do for you; whether it is meal prep, medication management, or assistance with hygiene, write it all down. Include your regular schedule so your care remains as consistent as possible during your primary caregiver's break. Consider including your preferences, from what you prefer they call you to any choices in food or other items that your regular caregivers take care of for you. Capturing everything your caregiving team does will ensure your care will go uninterrupted.
Teamwork
Make a plan with your caregiver to include other teammates filling in for them while they are away. Together, your regular caregiver can walk them through your routines, and you can get to know them. They are there to help you and want to learn from you and your primary caregiver, so be sure to help them along the way. Meeting the caregiver standing in for your regular carer will put your mind at ease and help them too.
Be Flexible
No caregiver does the same task the same way. Stay flexible and consider the goal rather than the steps to get there. Another caregiver may, for example, prep your meals a little differently than your favorite carer; in the end, your meals will still be ready for you. A different perspective might bring about a better way to do something! Your schedule might also change a little, so be flexible with your routine. The change may be difficult, but understand that it is temporary and everything will return to normal soon.
Additional Resources
With your caregiver's leave, consider adding to your caregiving team, if even for this short period. Senior Helpers is Pearland's premier in-home care provider, serving Houston, Pearland, Bellaire, and Harris County; whether providing respite care or adding to your caregiving team, we can help. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist.