Kindness Matters as a Caregiver - How to Be Kind When It's Increasing Hard to Do So

The most important thing you can do as a family caregiver is stay kind. You’d want someone caring for you to be kind. You have to be kind to your parents when providing their care. The thing is, it can be challenging to be kind all of the time.

Home Care Nashville TN – Kindness Matters as a Caregiver – How to Be Kind When It’s Increasing Hard to Do So

All it takes is one bad afternoon with your mom being particularly stubborn or moody. Your dad might ignore your requests and drive you crazy. Being kind in those situations can seem impossible. When your parents are acting like toddlers, you may be tempted to shout back or leave, but kindness has to be your immediate response.

De-Stress on the Move

You can’t stop and walk away. You can use some methods to help relax and de-stress while you’re doing things for your parents. Is your mom’s agitation leading to tantrums that remind you of the terrible twos? Wherever you are, relax your body and take a few deep breaths to help reduce stress.

The goal of this deep breath is to get your lungs fully inflated. If you’re not seeing your belly extend, you’re not getting a deep enough breath. While taking the breath, aim to get the air all the way to your abdomen and have it extend with each deep breath.

Turn on Some Music

Music has a way of helping people relax. Play music that will calm your mom and help you calm down too. If you need to, burn off some angst by dancing around as you mop, vacuum, or dust. Sing your heart out. It doesn’t matter if your parents can hear you, singing can help you relax and be ready to get things done.

If you have a smart speaker or wireless speaker, head to I Heart Radio and play Classic American Top 40. This free station only plays Casey Kasem countdowns from the 1970’s and 1980’s. Your parents will likely recognize some of the older tunes and stop what they’re doing to listen. That can change everyone’s mood to a more agreeable one.

Take Breaks Before They’re Necessary

One of the easiest ways to avoid a meltdown of your own is to make sure you’re taking breaks. Look into a home care service known as respite care. A home care aide enters your parents’ home and takes over. While you have someone caring for your parents, you’re free to go out with friends or family members, travel, or unwind in your own home.

Would you like to learn more about respite care? It’s easy. Call our home care agency to talk about your parents’ needs and how a caregiver can help you take a break.