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If you are caring for your aging parent or loved one, it can be easy to grow frustrated or burnt out by your daily responsibilities. This can lead to a lack of patience in all types of situations. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to practice more patience as a caregiver, easing the relationship between you and your loved ones. The following are some tangible ways to find patience in difficult situations. 

3 Ways to Practice Patience as a Caregiver

1. Practice Self-Care

caregiverYou might experience a shorter fuse when you are burnt out, leading to a lack of patience and emotional encounters. By making time to take care of yourself, you can refill your internal resources and calmly handle any situation. Self-care can take on many forms. You might ask a loved one to help you, so you can take a full day off or go to therapy. You can also plan relaxing activities to enjoy in your free time, like reading a book or taking a walk. Over time, you will learn which types of self-care work best for you. 

2. Communicate Your Needs

As a caregiver, it’s easy to put your loved one’s needs above your own. This is especially true when they are your parent or other close family member. However, neglecting your own needs can only lead to frustration and a lack of patience. Speak with your other family members about how you are feeling about your situation, and be clear about what they can do for help. When you communicate clearly and effectively, they can help you come up with a solution to your issue.

3. Seek Social Support

Remember that you are not alone in your role as a caregiver. Other caregivers might be able to provide empathy and support, giving you more peace of mind in your daily life. You might set up a regular coffee date with a friend who is also caring for an aging parent, or you can find a formal caregiver support group. This network of like-minded individuals can give you tools and strategies to practice more patience toward your loved one and other family members. 

 

If you are caring for an aging loved one, the team at Deer Valley Home Health Services can take some of this burden off of your hands. These compassionate professionals have provided quality home care in St. Louis, MO, since 2005. Whether your aging parent needs help with household tasks or your disabled loved one requires frequent care, their team will match your family with an in-home care provider to match your needs. To view a full list of their care services, visit them online today. You can also call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your family’s needs. 

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