Supporting Family Caregivers in Hamilton, ON

Learn how you can support family caregivers in Hamilton, ON, and the surrounding area

Being a senior’s primary caregiver can be demanding and stressful. Many others are in the same situation. According to the survey, one in three Canadians age 45 to 60 reported being caregivers to aging family members. 80 percent of senior care is provided by friends and family. 

It doesn’t matter how much affection you have for the person you are caring for, you need proper breaks from caregiving. Nonstop caregiving will drain your energy. It will mess up your mental health. After a break, you will come back with your battery recharged. it makes you feel better refreshed.

A recharge could be anything. It can be just a day away with your close friends, an afternoon of personal time, or an exercise break. Or it could be a getaway or going away from all of it. Following ways helps you to get refreshed yourself,

• Relatives and friends
• Comfort Keepers® Such as professional in-home caregivers
• Churches and other volunteer organizations
• Adult daycare centres
• Organizations such as the Canadas Alzheimer society 

Family and friends want to help. They just do not know-how. As a caregiver, you can make it easy on yourself and with them as well by always having a list of assignments ready, like preparing meals, picking up a few things at the supermarket, going for a walk with the senior, or staying with him or her from time-to-time. Guide your loved one to accept the idea, be sure to involve him or her in making the arrangements.

How to be secure Yourself and stop you from Caregiver Burnout

Other than scheduling regular respites, Comfort Keepers® suggests you to follow any of these in your life,

• Exercise: It will keep you healthy and motivated.
• Proper REM sleep —6-8 hours.
• Have well-balanced meals.
• Keep in contact with your friends. It is really needed for the mental health.
• Involve in hobbies and participate in social activities.
• Visit your doctor regularly and explain what is happening with your health.
• Take time to reward yourself— a warm bath, manicure or anything you like.
• Don’t forget to laugh. Keep your stress level down.
• Keep a manual to record of your thoughts and feelings.

How a Support Group Can Help You

Community Support Groups…

• Go out and socialize and get your energy back to prevent isolation
• Sit with like-minded people and with other caregivers who know what you are dealing with. From their experience, they would be able to provide you some good advice. They may convey things about the local resources.
• Open the opportunity for new friendships.

Internet Support Groups…

• Enable you to get support and advices as needed at your convenient time
• Get your support without leaving the house, which could be helpful for those with limited transportation or mobility.

Caregiver Support and Advice on the Web

Find these online resources for caregiving support and advice.  

•  Family Caregivers of BC·   Lotsa Helping Hands,·   Canadian Caregiver Coalition·   Online Guide to Caregiving,·   Helpguide.org