Learn how to prioritize privacy and the importance of taking time away as a caregiver.Think back to your teen years. Remember how important it was to find a safe place to be by yourself, to shut out the world, turn the music up, and write your most secret thoughts in your journal? Taking time away as a caregiver and prioritizing privacy are just as important now, if not more so.
The desire for privacy that began then, however, can become overshadowed when providing care for another person. It’s important to learn how to once again separate yourself both mentally and physically to take the time to yourself that you need.
How Can a Caregiver Prioritize Privacy?
Truthfully, it isn’t always easy. You may feel as though you need to always have at least one ear and eye open to the needs of the person in your care. There are some steps you can take to help, however. Try:
- Determining house rules. In shared living spaces, put together some basic rules of etiquette that are fair for everyone. For example, take turns selecting TV shows to watch, so one person isn’t monopolizing the remote. Compromises such as this can make together time less stressful for everyone.
- Designating a spot of privacy for both yourself as well as the older adult. After all, they need privacy as much as you do. Agree that whenever either of you needs some time alone, you can retreat to your selected spot and only interrupt one another in case of an urgent situation.
- Considering emotional privacy. Be sure to take regular breaks from care that enable you time to detach fully from your care role. Go on getaways, attend events and activities with other close friends and family members, take a book to the park for a relaxing afternoon. JFS Care’s professional care staff are always readily available to fill your caregiving shoes as you devote some time to self-care.
Special Factors to Consider for Dementia
If the person in your care is having difficulties with the challenges of dementia, finding privacy becomes more difficult – and even more vital to obtain. The person may require around-the-clock oversight to ensure safety, but this doesn’t mean that you should (or can) provide that level of care yourself.
We often hear from primary family caregivers that there is not anyone in their circle of close friends and family who knows the loved one or the requirements of dementia care well enough to assist. This is when our highly trained and experienced dementia caregivers are an invaluable component of your care team. We can partner with you to ensure the seamless, skilled, reliable care a person with dementia needs, as you take the regular breaks from care you need.
Contact us online or call 213-383-2273 for further caregiving tips and assistance in finding a healthy life balance. Our customized home care services are available in Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.