For family caregivers, it's easy to get bogged down in the details and to feel frustrated and stressed when providing care for an older loved one. There are days when the negative aspects of caregiving are all you can see. You got frustrated with Mom and snapped at her. Dad just didn’t want to eat today and nothing you did helped. These events can make it feel like every day is an uphill battle.
However, in the midst of challenges, there are often little accomplishments to celebrate too. Instead of focusing on what went wrong or what to improve, celebrate your caregiving accomplishments by acknowledging what worked and what went right.
What Are the Benefits of Celebrating Caregiving Accomplishments?
If you’re waiting for others to thank you or recognize you for your caregiving accomplishments, you may be waiting a while. That’s why it’s important to recognize them yourself! And, there are benefits to giving yourself some much-needed positive recognition too. In fact, celebrating your successes can:
- Increase positive emotions like happiness, self-respect, and confidence
- Reduce stress levels
- Boost your mood
- Help you have the confidence to overcome challenges in the future
How to Keep Track of Your Success
Often, it seems that negative moments overshadow positive ones. That’s why it can be hard to recognize when something has gone right or when you’ve accomplished something. Writing down accomplishments can help you reflect on your day or week and celebrate your wins. It also gives you a positive space to come back to when times are hard.
A simple notebook or journal is a great place to track your caregiving accomplishments. Remember to write down all wins, even the smallest ones. Your accomplishments could be:
- Shared a laugh with Mom while having breakfast
- Got Dad to eat a healthy dinner despite some fuss on his part
- Stayed calm when Mom got agitated and helped her get changed for bed
- Made it to Dad’s doctor’s appointment on time
- Stayed hydrated and ate well yourself
Each day as a caregiver can look different, and some days will be better than others. Looking back over your accomplishments can help keep you going during the tough days and encourage you to do even more on your good ones.
How Can Home Care Help?
The good news for family caregivers? You don’t have to do it alone! A referred care provider from American, Advocate, or Whitsyms In-Home Care can provide respite care to help you take some time to rest, recharge, and remember just how great you are at caring for a loved one.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how a referred care provider can help you find the respite care you need. To get started, click the link to the location nearest you below:
- American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
- Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
- Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661
