Supporting Those Who Care for Others



Balancing Acts





A Checklist for Caring for Others and Yourself



Caring for someone else is a rewarding and inspring act, but it can also be incredibly challenging. Whether you're a caregiver for a family member, a friend in need, or a professional in the healthcare field, the demands of tending to others can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed and neglected.


It's a delicate balancing act that requires mindful attention to both the needs of the person you're caring for and your own well-being.





In this post, we recognise the intricate balance of caring for someone else while also ensuring you take care of yourself. So we've put together a simple checklist that should serve as your guide, helping you navigate the often complex terrain of caregiving.


We really hope that, by providing you with these helpful checklists, you'll have the tools and insights you need to make sure you've got all the essentials covered, not only for the person in your care but for yourself as well.



( YOU CAN FIND THE LINK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY THESE CHECKLISTS. PRINT THEM OFF AND KEEP HANDY AS A REFERENCE.)



Caring for a loved one checklist





*CHECK IN TO SEE HOW YOUR LOVED ONE IS DOING

Taking the time to connect with your loved one is important even if they're no longer verbal or have a cognitive decline.


*SCHEDULE NEEDED MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS

These may change from month to month or week to week.


*ENCOURAGE YOUR LOVED ONE.

Make it a habit to speak words of kindness and affection over the one you’re caring for.


*ADMINISTER MEDICATIONS

Depending on your loved one’s health, you might be in charge of administering daily medications.


*LISTEN

Don’t simply nod along with what your loved one is saying. Take the time to listen and let them vent if they need to.


* HELP YOUR LOVED ONE TO EXERCISE

If possible, try to get your loved one to exercise outside in the fresh air and sunshine. This can improve their mood and help them to rest at night.


* PLAN SOMETHING FUN TOGETHER

Don’t get caught up in an endless cycle of appointments. Make plans do something fun with your loved one this week.



PRACTISING SELF-CARE





*ASK FOR THE HELP YOU NEED.

Ask for the help you need. You can’t do everything yourself. It’s OK to lean on others during this time.


* EAT AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE.

Try to reach for foods that will nourish your body and give you long-term energy.


* LET GO OF THE BAD DAYS.

As a caregiver, you’ll have a lot of bad days. Remind yourself that it’s normal to mess up sometimes, It’s a part of being human.


* NAP WHEN YOU CAN.

It’s OK to leave things undone and let your body rest.


* TAKE TIME TO RELAX.

Even a few minutes spent coloUring or knitting can refresh a weary spirit.


* PLAN TIME TO RETREAT

Carve out some quality time to escape. switch off, and leave the demands of caring aside for a time. Respite time is important.


* BE KIND TO YOURSELF.

You’re doing something amazing and wonderful by caregiving but that certainly doesn’t make it easy. Remind yourself that you’re human and you’re doing the best you can.



DOWNLOAD THESE FREE CHECKLISTS AND KEEP HANDY AS A HANDY REFERENCE.





FREE CHECKLISTS


DOWNLOAD

SO MUCH MORE TO DISCOVER





You'll find so many more resources and ideas that will help you in your role as caregiver.
Use the links below to discover more.



careR help services



0421 700 255 | 405 Hinterland Dr, Worongary, 4213

A Community Service of Hinterland Baptist Church