As a family caregiver, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily demands of caregiving and lose sight of your own personal goals and aspirations. However, setting goals and making New Year’s resolutions as a caregiver can help you stay focused and motivated, and can also help you feel more in control of your own life. If you have spent a good part of the last year feeling lost, stressed, behind, or overwhelmed, goal setting is a surprisingly underrated tool to help you better manage. Let’s talk about it.
Why You Should Set Goals as a Family Caregiver
Goal-setting can be a powerful tool for caregivers, as it allows you to set specific, achievable targets that can help them manage the challenges of caregiving and improve your overall well-being.
Research has shown that goal-setting can have a number of benefits for caregivers, even if you don’t actually reach all of your goals. For example, a study published in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing found that caregivers who set goals for themselves had higher levels of self-esteem and reported feeling more in control of their caregiving role compared to caregivers who did not set goals. Another study published in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work found that caregivers who set goals for their loved one with dementia reported higher levels of well-being and lower levels of caregiver strain.
Overall, setting goals can be an important mechanism for family caregivers looking to improve their own well-being and manage the challenges of caregiving. It’s important to set realistic and achievable goals, and to review and reassess them regularly to ensure that they are still relevant and effective.
Goal Ideas & Tips for Caregivers: 2023 New Year’s Resolutions
Here are some tips for setting goals and making New Year resolutions as a family caregiver:
Make time for yourself
Caregiving can be all-consuming, and it’s important to make time for yourself and your own needs. This could include setting aside time for self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies, or socializing with friends.
Set realistic goals
It’s important to set goals that are realistic and achievable, given the demands of your caregiving role. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting goals that are too ambitious or unrealistic right off the bat.
Seek support
Caregiving can be a challenging and isolating experience, and it’s important to seek support from others. This could include seeking support from family and friends, joining a caregiver support group, or hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care.
Take breaks
It’s important to take breaks from caregiving to recharge and refocus. This could include taking a day off, hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care, or seeking respite services through a local agency.
Set goals for your loved one
In addition to setting goals for yourself, consider setting goals for your loved one as well. This could include goals related to their physical or cognitive function, or goals related to their overall quality of life.
Review and reassess your goals regularly
It’s important to review and reassess your goals regularly to ensure that they are still relevant and achievable. Don’t be afraid to adjust or modify your goals as needed.
Closing Thoughts
By setting goals and making New Year resolutions as a family caregiver, you can stay focused and motivated, and better manage the challenges of caregiving. Remember to be kind to yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. If you don’t have anyone in your life that understands, we recommend finding a support group in your area, or joining our California caregivers Facebook group in addition to these reads. Having someone who can relate to the complicated emotions and struggles you experience on a daily basis can make all of the difference.
If you’re providing care to a loved one, we invite you to check out our free resources. To get more information about the resources we have available to you as a California caregiver, contact us at the California Caregiver Resource Center nearest to you or join CareNav for free today.
Join our Facebook Group
If you’re looking for a community of caregivers that truly understands what you’re going through. A group you can turn to when you have questions, frustrations, or need advice? Join our California Family Caregivers Facebook group today.
Our California Family Caregivers Facebook group is a safe space for caregivers across different communities in California to speak about their caregiving journey and interact with one another. Join us today.
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