Caregivers: 10 Tips for Helping Without Burning Out

Caregiving can greatly benefit individuals with reduced autonomy and disabilities. However, it’s easy to overlook that caregivers themselves may also need help and support.

So, if you are a caregiver, here are some tips to help you assist others without burning out.

1 - Learn About Your Loved One’s Needs

To plan effectively, avoid surprises in the future, and maximize your loved one’s quality of life, take the time to learn about their illness or specific situation. Understanding their needs, what to do and what not to do, will give you a better idea of where to focus your efforts. It may seem trivial, but caregivers can become exhausted by trying to help with inappropriate methods.

2 - Get the Right Tools and Equipment

If your loved one doesn’t have the necessary equipment for their daily needs, consider helping them acquire it. Whether it’s an adapted chair, a wheelchair, grab bars for the bathtub, etc., these items will not only aid your loved one but also make your daily life easier.

There are many tools and accessories available for helping individuals with reduced autonomy or disabilities. Borrowing or renting them is generally straightforward. Look into associations, hospitals/clinics, specialty stores, or check online resale sites (hello Kijiji and Marketplace!).

3 - Seek Help When Needed!

Just because you’re helping someone doesn’t mean you can’t sometimes need help yourself. It’s perfectly legitimate to seek external assistance. Whether for advice or concrete help, several options are available.

Here are a few examples of local resources/groups that can assist you:

The “Family Council”

Creating a supportive discussion space with other family members allows you to share challenges, get advice, brainstorm ideas, delegate tasks, etc. Sharing the situation with others who care about your loved one’s (or your) well-being prevents you from shouldering the entire burden alone.

Caregiver Assistance

Programs for caregivers—such as those offered by Bien Chez Soi—can also provide relief in your daily life. Whether helping with domestic tasks or medical care, these forms of support can help you breathe easier and refocus on what’s essential.

4 - Set Clear Boundaries

To avoid burnout, set clear boundaries early on regarding the help you can provide. Burning out by doing everything yourself will not keep you effective as a caregiver. Delegate tasks or seek external help when you feel your loved one’s needs exceed your skills or energy. Setting clear boundaries is not a weakness; it’s necessary.

5 - Seek Financial Assistance

Tax Credits

There are tax credits available both federally and provincially, in addition to employment insurance benefits and special leave. These aids for caregivers can help offset missed workdays or financial losses due to the assistance you provide.

Quebec Housing Corporation

The Quebec Housing Corporation offers financial aid to help adapt your loved one’s home to their reduced autonomy. For adding equipment or renovating projects aimed at making life easier, look into available resources.

6 - Join a Support Group

Many support groups exist throughout the province. To feel less isolated, get advice, and share your struggles, it’s always a good idea to talk to others. See if there’s a support group for caregivers or one specific to your loved one’s situation in your area. Discussing challenges with others can be incredibly beneficial.

7 - Take Breaks

It’s important to take occasional breaks to recharge. To maintain good mental and physical health, don’t hesitate to take time for yourself. You’ll be able to help your loved one better after taking care of your own well-being.

8 - Be Flexible!

Your loved one’s situation may change. Don’t be too rigid in sticking to a pre-established plan. Avoid unnecessary stress by adapting your approach as needed. This will ease the mental load.

9 - Share Your Emotional State

There’s no need to keep everything to yourself or bottle up your emotions. Sharing your feelings with a loved one or a health professional helps you acknowledge and process them. Discussing your emotions can help relieve tension and prevent minor anxieties from escalating over time.

Talking about your feelings helps you release and let go of them. So, never hesitate to share your emotional state. It will make you a better caregiver.

10 - Take Care of Yourself

To help others, it’s essential to feel good yourself. Make time for yourself and incorporate wellness practices into your daily routine. When you feel well, you’ll be more effective in your caregiving role and more willing to support your loved ones.

There’s no secret: a caregiver in good physical and mental health will always be better able to care for someone else. So, don’t forget to take care of yourself!