These 5 Caregiver Support Tips Will Make New Caregivers Worry-Free and Prepared

Do not panic – a common advice many new caregivers get, for a good reason. It happens to pros with caregiving experiences and beginners who tend to be distracted, especially when their patients suffer.

Many family members in Singapore are looking for nursing homes, caregivers of persons in need of constant monitoring, or caregiving tips to make it easier for them to adapt to the role of family caregivers. It comes as a result of Singapore’s rapidly ageing population and low birth rates.

Caregivers need better stress management they can easily implement. They have to seek assistance whenever required and know how to obtain it. They must be part of caregiver support groups, peer-led groups, and community partners to understand the importance of self-care and emotional support.

You can lean on a caregiver support group comprised of other fellow caregivers, caregiver support networks or online support groups.

The idea here is to learn tips and ask for help when confused and in the same way, reach out to fellow caregivers in need of what these support groups offer.

Here’s to cheering your confidence on your caregiving journey. This article unravels tips and support caregivers can use to manage stress and sustain physical and emotional needs despite their immense responsibility.

Let’s begin.

Practical Tips And Useful Resources for New Caregivers

Support groups give caregivers a safe and comfortable platform. They equip caregivers with confidence and valuable resources for handling their patients and most, especially themselves.

A caregiver will benefit from a support network of support groups, social workers, and other caregivers. It will enlighten them about the new caregiving tips on how to be efficient with the job and avoid falling into caregivers experiencing burnout.

Here are some tips you can use for future planning and in easily adapting to the role of a caregiver without easily getting distracted and without panicking:

1. Plan for a long-term caregiving strategy

Sustainability or planning how to live your life as a caregiver while being efficient with the job will make it easier for you to enjoy the job despite the challenges. Once you have joined a caregiver support Singapore group or several support groups, you can talk to them to gather ideas about the responsibilities of caregivers and what is expected from you.

Keep in touch with your support groups via online forums, online communities, or social media platforms. You have to know how to get in touch with them fast when you need to handle emergencies or search for updates regarding the different aspects of the job.

You also have to learn to be organised in noting milestones and keeping the medical appointments of the persons living under your care.

The process may sound a lot, but you can do it faster using many healthcare and caregiving apps. For example, you can use the app of Red Crowns Caregivers, one of the leading elder care providers in Singapore, to connect you with the right facilities or people. Through the app, you can easily navigate information about new measures, search online for virtual forms, receive support regarding training fees to improve necessary skills, and other aspects elderly caregivers in Singapore must know.

2. Know the roles of caregivers and their implications

There are many aspects to being a caregiver, and one of the most challenging is managing finances. Family members must gather and be open about who will handle the expenses. They have to get the personal thoughts of each member if they can manage the finances on their own.

If the family is struggling to pay for the services of caregivers or caring for the persons living with them in need of constant monitoring, they can seek help and financial support. In this case, they must first check the government website for caregiver support. Any assistance can help defray caregiving expenses, unloading heavy burdens to the patient’s family.

On the other hand, you need to determine the caregiving skills the patient requires. The skills vary depending on the condition of the care recipients. For example, if they have issues with mobility, you may be required to lift them to transfer them from one place to another or change their positions. If you are handling pulmonary hypertension patients, you must understand the best way to help them breathe easier and monitor their meds.

Caregivers must take their role to heart because whatever you do can impact your life and that of your patient. You need to determine the emergency symptoms of the patient. This way, you can get help immediately once you see the signs they need professional help.

3. Be part of a team

Caregivers undergo much stress, so you will need as much support as possible from your inner circle and caregiver support groups. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a family member or a foreign domestic worker; you need a support group to gather strength, especially when you’re feeling low. Such interaction can relieve you of too much thinking and emotional burden. Likewise, you can offer support to other caregivers going through the hassles of the job.

You can gather help from caregiver support groups online and community-based. For the latter, you only have to find a caregiver support group whose physical location is nearest to where you are.

Online Support Groups:

• Community Networking Projects
• Caregiver and the Elderly and Life After Stroke in Singapore and other similar Facebook groups
• Silver Caregivers Co-operative
• Singapore’s Society for Continence
• PH Singapore – for caregivers caring for patients with pulmonary hypertension

Community-Based Services and Support Groups:

• Caregiver Support Network
• Dementia Helpline
• Filos Community Services
• Health Hub
• Club Heal
• Dementia Singapore
• Caregiving Welfare Association
• Caregiver Alliance Limited

4. Get a list of important hotlines essential for caregivers

Here are the five most important helplines, which can be a lifeline for caregivers and their patients in cases of emergencies:

• Seniors Helpline 1-800 555 5555
• AWWA Caregivers 1-800 299 2992
• Police 999
• Ambulance (emergency) 995
• Ambulance (non-emergency) 1777

You can click this link to read our article about the other important hotlines for caregivers and seniors.

5. Place importance on self-care

Despite your huge responsibility as a caregiver, remember that you can only give your best when you are in good shape in all aspects. Eat right, get enough rest, and take a breather whenever needed. Gather all the support you need to help you deal with all the challenges and surpass them with flying colours.

Final Thoughts

So don’t panic; regardless of the hurdles caregivers face, you will get through them with the help of support groups and people who care. Moreso, you can rely on a caregiving agency, RC Caregivers, to guide you through the other aspects of the job, including training fees, integrated care, financial support, and more.

You are not alone, so reach out whenever you feel trapped or overburdened. Take a breather, and seek help.