Moving to a New Home as a Caregiver
When moving yourself or moving your parent(s) to a new home as a care giver, putting your needs first is priority so that you can effectively care for your elderly parent. Just like the rules of aviation travel; always put your oxygen mask on first before helping others. Below are ways to care for yourself when you are moving into a new home as a caregiver.
Combat the physical and mental strain of moving as a caregiver by following these steps prior and during the move.
1. Prioritize tasks.
Prioritizing tasks is essential to avoid feeling overwhelmed when moving your parent(s) and yourself as a caregiver. Breaking tasks up will help ease the stress and anxiety you may be experiencing
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• Focus on one task at a time and understand your limits. Create a check list.
• Do not over extend yourself; Do what you can, when you can do it.
• Having trouble formulating a caregiver strategy for your move? Ask for help.
2. Set attainable goals.
It is important to set goals that are attainable. Accomplishing your goals one at a time may help you feel a sense of control and accomplishment as well as keep you more organized.
• Make a check list and prioritize those goals according to your schedule.
• Short term goals- organizing and packing boxes one room at a time
• Long term goals- plan for the actual move to your new home and keeping your mom/dad comfortable during the move.
3. Locate a support group in your area.
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Support groups bring together caregivers facing similar issues. Often times, members of support groups will also share strategies and advice on how to cope with being a caregiver to an elderly parent, relative or friend. It can be helpful to talk with other people who are in a similar situation and can also help improve your;
• Feelings of empowerment and control
• Coping skills and sense of adjustment
• Willingness to discuss openly and honestly about your feelings
• Feelings of distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue
• Understanding the realistic expectations related to your situation
• Knowledge on available resources for care givers
4. Take time for yourself.
Distancing yourself from the situation and the person you are caring for, for a short period of time can be a positive way to give yourself the attention you need. Whether you enjoy reading a book at the library, or taking a stroll in the park, there are many benefits to taking time to yourself.
• Relieves Anxiety
• You Learn to Slow Down
• You remove yourself from unnecessary information
• Allows you to reflect on your weaknesses and strengths
• Helps you to stay focused
• Helps you prioritize
Being a caregiver to an elderly parent can be a rewarding experience when you focus on your needs first. While preparing for a move, It can often times become too much to bear with the additional stresses and responsibilities. With our senior moving services we help make your move easy. Focus on your needs by utilizing the resources below and let us handle the rest; click here to contact us for your free move consultation.
Call Moves for Seniors today at (800) 227-0515