Caregiving
Enhancing the Caregiving Experience By Alex Trevino , Caregiving and End of Life Specialist
It is well known that caring for someone, at any level of involvement, may increase a person’s anxiety levels, stress, and other negative feelings. In turn, this may result in the caregiver becoming overwhelmed, and mentally and physically exhausted. Having said this, is there a way to improve the caregiving experience? And the answer is, yes. Having a healthy network of social connections may offer multiple benefits that can generate a positive impact. This has the potential to transform an arduous caregiving journey into a more manageable and fulfilling experience. One of the benefits of having a healthy network of social connections is possessing a steady source of emotional support. Caregiving can be emotionally draining over time. However, having strong social connections can surround caregivers with the empathy and understanding needed to continue their journey. These beneficial connections may come in different shapes and forms. It can be in the form of a friend lending a listening ear or maybe a group like the PCOA Caregiver Support Groups that offer a safe space for caregivers. Regardless, these social connections help caregivers manage their emotions, create coping skills, generate a healthy feeling of support, and boost morale. Social connections may also reduce a caregiver’s feelings of isolation. Some people find themselves dedicating the majority of their time to their care recipient. This action, while noble, may eventually lead to social withdrawal. Strengthening connections with friends, family members, support groups, service providers, and even online communities,
need reminders to take breaks, engage in activities they enjoy, and seek professional help when needed. Efficiently communicating with social networks can also lead to better coordination of care and a deeper understanding of the caregiver's own needs and challenges. In conclusion, social connections hold great potential for improving the caregiving experience in numerous ways. Some of which do not stop with the caregiver. By empowering them, caregivers are more capable, more prepared, and have a greater chance of providing a better quality of life to their care recipients. Similarly, as part of a support network, caregivers may help other caregivers succeed in their own journeys to create a better caregiver experience. For more information on PCOA’s Caregiver Support Groups, Caregiving Essentials training, or caregiving guidance in general, call our PCOA Helpline at (520) 790-7262 .
can help caregivers counter feelings of loneliness and help them maintain a sense of belonging in their communities. Maintaining strong social connections may also translate into having a network of support that can relieve the caregiver from the heavy weight of tasks and responsibilities. Caregivers may be able to share responsibilities, and even gain access to information and resources. Whether it is seeking advice, getting assistance navigating the application process for something like ALTCS, or receiving help in the form of respite, social connections lighten the load and prevent the caregiver from becoming overwhelmed. Good communication and availability of friends, family members, and other social supports may also help increase the caregiver’s well-being. Others can serve as a sort of wellness gauge and provide gentle reminders to practice self-care. Caregivers may sometimes
May/June 2024, Never Too Late | Page 17
Pima Council on Aging
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