When it comes to care, especially as the role of a carer, nurturing should be a two-way street. Elders get complete attention when their carers are equally taken care of.

If you’re caring for a parent or relative, the overwhelming duties can take a toll on your health. It is important to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing to not only ensure you are looking after yourself, but are able to care for your ageing loved one.

Wellbeing for carers

Seek help from other family members

You don’t have to be alone in caring for your loved one. Team up with other family members or relatives. Voice out your concerns and cooperate with those who are willing to help.

You can then jot down your priorities and work on a schedule to fulfil your own needs. Take turns on shifts with whoever is be available. Catch up with friends, try a new hobby or enlist in a class for your personal growth.

Join a support group

There are numerous caregiving communities in Brisbane. Carers Queensland is a good place to start. Sign up for one which fits your lifestyle, schedule and interests. Professional help can ease the strain on you and ensure your loved one gets the help they need.

You cannot give what you don’t have. Take time to care for yourself. If you are well-rested, you’ll be better equipped to give your attention to your ageing loved one.

Wellbeing for seniors

Most ageing parents don’t want to burden their children with having to cover their needs. It can get worse with caregiver burnout. As they see their children experience fatigue because of caring for them, their parents would prefer to be left alone. They’d choose this over seeing their sons or daughters feel trapped in the situation.

However, they shouldn’t feel guilty. It’s best to make them see the willingness of their loved ones to care for them. Here are two ways to encourage a positive outlook for your parents or grandparents:

Constant encouragement and acceptance

Ageing patients need quality rest since their systems can no longer bounce back as easily. If they’re always worried about being a nuisance, they may find it challenging to carry out even the simplest of tasks, such as getting some sleep.

Encourage a peaceful mindset through thoughtful conversations with your loved one. This depends on the level of communication you already have. Building rapport will take time but you can begin with neutral topics, such as the meals they’d like to have or television shows they’re fond of watching.

Take a cue from your loved one’s hobbies and build a daily program from there. They can have book or poetry reading days, music listening sessions or vintage movie viewing. Conversations should naturally flow from the program you prepared, so make sure to keep an open mind and heart to understand your ageing loved one.

Community involvement

Continuing to have community involvement and socialisation is just as important when we are older, especially considering the implications that loneliness can have on a person.

If seniors want to be in a circle with a generation similar to theirs, the option of a retirement living community, such as Seasons, might be worth considering. With vibrant social calendars, shared meals and always someone around to talk to, the benefits of moving to this type of community can be endless.

Another option may be that your loved one acquired industry expertise through the years, and  may find delight in sharing their knowledge to younger generations. If your parent was a renowned musician, they could look at giving classes or lessons to budding artists.