Think back on your teen years. Remember how important it was to locate a safe spot to be by yourself, to shut out the world, turn up the music, and record your most secret thoughts in your journal?
The need for privacy that began then may become overshadowed when providing care for another person. Yet it is still vitally important to be able to separate yourself both physically and mentally from your caregiving role to take time for yourself.
How Can a Caregiver Prioritize Privacy?
Honestly, it really isn’t always easy. You may feel as if you need to always have at least one eye and ear open to the needs of the individual in your care. There are some steps you can take to help, however. Try:
Designating a spot of privacy both for yourself as well as the older adult. After all, they need privacy just as much as you do. Agree that whenever either of you needs some alone time, you can retreat to your chosen spot and only interrupt one another in the event of an urgent situation.
Determining house rules. In shared living spaces, put together some basic rules of etiquette which are fair for everyone. For example, take turns choosing television shows to watch, so one person isn’t monopolizing the remote. Compromises similar to this are likely to make together time less stressful for everyone.
Considering emotional privacy. Make sure to take regular breaks from care that allow you time to disconnect completely from your caregiving role. Go on vacations, attend activities and events with other close friends and family members, take a novel to the park for a stress-free afternoon. The Care Company's care experts are always on hand to fill your caregiving shoes as you devote some time for self-care.
Special Factors to Consider for Dementia
If the person in your care is struggling with the challenges of dementia, finding privacy becomes more challenging – and much more vital to obtain. The individual may require around the clock oversight to ensure safety, but this doesn’t mean that you should (or can) provide that level of care yourself.
We frequently hear from primary family caregivers that there is not anyone within their circle of friends and family who knows the loved one or the requirements of dementia care well enough to assist. This is when our specially trained and experienced dementia caregivers are an invaluable part of your care team. We can partner with you to guarantee the seamless, reliable, skilled care a person with dementia needs, while you take the regular breaks from care you need.
Contact us online or call us at 416-422-2273 for further caregiving tips and assistance in finding a healthier life balance. Our customized home care services are available in Markham, North York, Toronto, and the surrounding areas.
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