Maintaining a Strong Marriage While Caregiving
It is normal for family caregivers to feel like they are pulled in multiple different directions. With caring for an elderly loved one, raising children, and maintaining a good relationship with a spouse, family caregivers are faced with the task of fostering healthy (and very different) relationships with many loved ones all at the same time. In addition, the demands of caregiving can often be physically, mentally, and emotionally consuming. For this reason, it is often difficult for family caregivers to maintain a strong marriage. Although it is an important relationship, it can be one that gets ignored when caregivers get overwhelmed with the stresses of raising children and giving care to a loved one. For caregivers seeking to strengthen their relationship with their spouse and maintain strong marriage, here are a few strategies to try.
One-On-One Time
One aspect of a healthy marriage is closeness and one way a couple can become closer, strengthen their bond, and enjoy each other is by spending alone time together. With the demands of caregiving and having children, it is often very difficult for caregivers to fit this special time with their spouse into their schedule. For this reason, it is important to make it a priority and schedule it in. Agree on a time and arrange for babysitting and/or help with caregiving and then commit. Even if it is only a short amount of time, spend it doing something you both enjoy like having dinner, taking a walk, or visiting a park.
Be There to Listen
If you find that you often vent to your spouse about the stress you are feeling in your life, it may be time to start focusing on listening to their feelings, as well. They may also be feeling stress from the demands of their career or even as a result of your multi-faceted role. Be there for them just to listen and let them vent to you when they need to, as well.
Say “Thank You”
If your spouse supports you in all that you do as a caregiver, parent, and/or employee, remember to thank them as often as you can. Let them know that their support never gets forgotten or under-appreciated. If you struggle to find the words to say, write them a note to tell you how you feel. A “thank you” is always impactful, even when it is for the small things like picking up children from school or making dinner.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Worcester, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.