Who Will Care for the Caregivers?

Brought to you by Harvard Pilgrim

Caregiving can be rewarding. It can be a privilege. And it can be exhausting, physically, emotionally, socially, and financially.

Every year, millions provide unpaid care to loved ones including children, older adults, or anyone in between. Most caregivers would say that they know it’s important to relax and recharge. And yet, research shows that most caregivers are on the fast road to burnout.

During February on our Living Well platform, Dr. Melanie P. Merriman shares a lesson on caring for yourself while caring for others. Here’s a quote from her lesson:

“Caregiving goes on 24/7. When you’re not actually delivering care, you’re on the phone with the doctor’s office, or working at your other job – the one that pays the bills – or trying to find someone to cover, so you can catch your son’s hockey game. Meanwhile, you’re worrying about what might happen next. And everyone keeps nagging you to ‘take care of yourself.’ It’s a lot. And the worst part is, you know it’s true that you need some TLC. But the idea of caring for one more person, even if that person is you, is too much. I’m here to tell you you’re right. You can’t do it all. You need a team.”

If you are a caregiver, you can probably relate. Taking care of yourself is critical because it helps you to be a better caregiver. And people do want to help – but they don’t know how to offer, and often, caregivers don’t know how to ask.

If you are a caregiver, one strategy is to be prepared to tell people how they can help. Maybe you can write out a list of groceries you need on a repeat basis, and have it at hand, ready to share with anyone who asks what they can do. Or you might pencil into your calendar specific blocks of time for things you wish you could do (a weekly yoga class, an hour out shopping alone, etc.). That way, you are ready with specific dates and times when someone offers to cover.

If you’re not currently a caregiver, think about how you can help the caregivers around you without asking them what they need. Offer to bring a fully cooked meal on a specific day. Set up a specific day and time for a weekly call with the caregiver, where to you talk about anything except caregiving.

If you’re in a caregiving situation, or want to provide help to the caregivers you know, check out the caregiving activity during February on the Living Well platform for some valuable tips on how to reduce the burden of caregiving and avoid burnout.

For more free resources go here:
https://tuftshealthplan.com/member/employer-individual-or-family-plans/tools-resources/overview