When caring for this type of patient. There can be a lot of items on your to-do list. You are expected to act as a normal caregiver and as a fill-in for the patient when they are having an off day and struggle to remember things, such as taking their medications.
Add these things in with your already hectic schedule of serving as a home care provider elsewhere and your obligations to yourself and others, and you have a recipe for stress.
When you have so much going on in your mind, it can feel daunting. It can also feel as though there is never enough time in the day to complete the tasks required of you, or it can feel like you are not good enough. What can you do to help remedy this feeling of inadequacy? There are a few things.
Remember that you are human
As much as you want to be and as much as you try, you will never be superhuman. It just isn’t going to happen. You, like everyone else, have your limitations. This is okay! It is okay to be limited in what you can do, and it is okay to know where your abilities end.
It may seem counterintuitive to remind yourself that you will fail to get everything done all at once, but it will help you keep your expectations realistic. By remembering that you can only do so much, you’ll be able to embrace the things you can accomplish fully. You can’t be the best at everything, so be the best at what you’re able to do!
Remember your number one priority
The safety of your patient will always be your priority. Caring for them, loving them, and making sure they have what they need is what you are called to do. Anything outside of that is above and beyond.
It is okay to do more if you have the time and energy. However, your patient and their family need you to be fully present with them. This is ever so important anytime you are a home care provider, but it is essential when your patient has dementia.
Make a list of what you need to get done that day
If you feel like you have an overwhelming amount of things you need to accomplish during a visit, it may be helpful to put those items on a list.
It can sometimes be challenging to stay on task if your patient has a day to need extra assistance. Having a list can help you feel like you have control over the shift, even when everything feels out of control.
When families begin searching for “dementia care homes near me,” they often are unsure what they are getting themselves into. It can be a terrifying time. Keeping yourself organized will genuinely provide peace of mind to your patient, their family, and yourself.
Dementia can be daunting and scary for everyone involved. Being a caregiver can be as well, but it does not have to be. Taking some time to organize your thoughts and actions can make a massive difference in your work’s quality (and even the quantity). Organizing your time effectively allows you to hone in on the essential things during your shift and gives you the time and energy to serve your patient better.
At TLC Homecare, we strive to equip you with what you need to feel organized and energized and help your patient feel cared for. Apply with TLC Homecare today and begin your journey to feeling adequate and able while working with your dementia patients. We are here for you in your journey of service.