How to Help a Friend Who Is a Caregiver
Caring for a senior loved one can be a full-time job, often filled with emotional, physical, and financial stress. If you have a friend who is a caregiver, whether for a parent, spouse, or relative, you may be wondering how you can assist them. It can be difficult to figure out just what they want or need, especially if you haven’t been through a similar experience yourself.
Caregiving can be isolating and lonely. If your friend is like many people who take on this role, they might be hesitant to ask others for help. But the support of a friend can make a huge difference in a caregiver’s personal well-being.
Ways to Support a Friend Who Is a Caregiver for a Senior
Here are ten meaningful ways you can help a caregiver friend:
- Listen Without Judgment
Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply listen. Caregivers often feel overwhelmed and may just need to vent. You can create a safe, nonjudgmental space where your friend can talk about their frustrations and feelings without fear of criticism or “fix it” advice.
- Offer Specific Help
Instead of saying “Let me know if you need anything,” suggest something concrete. For example, ask “Can I come over Tuesday afternoon so you can take a break?” or “I’m going grocery shopping around 10 o’clock this morning, what can I pick up and drop off for you?” Specific offers are more helpful and easier to accept.
- Give Them a Break
Respite care is one of the greatest gifts you can give a caregiver. Offer to stay with their loved one for a few hours so your friend can take a nap, go for a walk, or enjoy some alone time. Even short breaks can provide vital relief. Ask your friend if it would be helpful for you to research local, professional respite care options, such as in-home care or a short-term stay at an assisted living community.
- Help With Household Tasks
Caregivers are often swamped with daily chores. Many times, they are trying to keep up with their home, as well as their older family member’s house. You might offer to clean the kitchen, rake leaves, do laundry, or even get their car washed. Helping them check off even small tasks from their long to-do list can reduce stress.
- Prepare or Deliver Meals
Maintaining good nutrition can be a real challenge for busy caregivers. Providing home-cooked meals or dropping off healthy takeout can be a lifesaver. You could even organize a Meal Train with mutual friends to provide regular deliveries. Make sure to ask about dietary needs for both your friend and the senior.
- Stay in Touch Regularly
Isolation is common among caregivers. This is especially true for people who are caring for a spouse or parent with dementia or a mobility challenge—it may not be safe to leave them alone, even for short periods of time. Having friends who check in on a regular basis can make a difference. A quick text, video chat, or visit can remind your friend they’re not alone.
- Include Them Socially
Caregivers may stop attending social events due to time constraints or emotional exhaustion. Keep inviting them. Even if they say no, receiving the invitation itself is meaningful. When possible, consider adapting social plans to accommodate their caregiving situation, like having your friend group bring lunch to their home for a visit.
- Support Their Self-Care
Urge your friend to prioritize their own health. Caregivers often feel guilty when they take time out to tend to their own mental and physical well-being. You could gift them a massage or a journal, or encourage them to learn to meditate—even 10 minutes a day can help beat stress. Or you could offer to stay with their loved one so they can go for a walk, attend a yoga class, or simply rest.
Help Your Friend Connect With a Mobile Monitoring Device
One final suggestion is to share information on mobile monitoring devices with your friend. This discreet unit can be slipped in the pocket or purse of the care recipient. In the event of an emergency, they can press a button to be connected with help. The device can bring peace of mind for both the caregiver and the person they are caring for. Call 1-844-203-5617 today for more details!