A Positive Approach to New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers

As 2021 comes to an end, many people create resolutions (a decision or determination) to change something in their life. Often, it is a pledge to stop a negative behavior such as smoking, or to lose weight, but actually our brains respond much better to positive rather than negative concepts. 

Caregiving is stressful and can feel overwhelming at times. By practicing self-determination, self-care, and positive self-talk, your confidence level improves and helps you to believe in positive outcomes. Below are tips to help that may help you get off to a great start for 2022.

• Rather than trying to stop correcting or arguing with your loved one, perhaps resolve to “being more compassionate.”

• Instead of “wishing” your family member wasn’t so restless, bored, confused… find a holistic hobby such as yoga, art, music, dance, sensory stimulation, and reminiscence. These type of activities address the whole body and can help your loved one feel more comfortable and improve their quality of life. You could create a “gratitude” journal together. Studies show that people who practice gratitude are happier than those who do not.

• Practice positive self-talk. It can boost self-confidence and helps us to believe that we can create successful outcomes.

• Be kinder to yourself. Avoid the trap of thinking about all the imperfections as a caregiver, reflect “on the good things you do.

• Be intentional and write things down. Recognize the things you can’t control and tackle the things you can. This can help minimize stress.

• Spend time with your family members and friends that are supportive and let go of those who criticize you or never offers help. 

• Continue to learn new caregiving techniques to address any behavior change in your loved one.

• Assess all aspects of your life and focus on positive changes in each area. You are more than a caregiver to your loved one. Resolve to do “mother and daughter outings” or ‘husband and wife” activities, not just caregiving.

• Try respite care, whether in-home or in a local facility. A four hour or eight hour respite a couple of time a week, or a week end respite is key in avoiding burn out and maintain a positive relationship with your loved one. You can use an agency, or perhaps one or two friends could stay with your loved one to give you a break to do something for yourself.
• Join a support group. Belonging to a group that shares your same struggles and promote overall well-being