Losing Patience With Your Aging Loved One? 3 Tips to Restore Balance.

Many aspects of caregiving are full of joy and connection, but other interactions can be frustrating or overwhelming.

While it’s easy to feel discouraged and break down during these stressful times, understanding and implementing proven coping methods can lead to better outcomes for both you and your aging loved one.

Let’s count down three simple ways to restore balance to your life when patience is at a premium.

1. Remove Yourself From the Situation

This doesn’t necessarily mean physical removal, but instead using relaxation techniques which can help you refocus and recharge. Breathing exercises are particularly effective at settling nerves and quelling anxiety -- in fact, both Harvard Medical School and the American Institute of Stress recommend deep breathing as a beneficial stress management technique.

Just how effective is taking a deep breath? Doing so has been linked to decreases in blood pressure to muscle relaxation. Don’t have time for a 30-minute deep-belly breathing session? Try counting from 1 to 10 instead.

Unfortunately, no amount of deep breathing will fully eliminate a particular challenge or stress in some situations. In this case, ask another member of your caregiving team to step in while you step out for a break to take a walk or see a movie. Or, look into local respite care services which offer temporary relief for caregivers.

2. Focus on What’s Good in Your Life

You and your aging loved one have shared a lifetime of memories and experiences. Think of a particularly special or meaningful time that you experienced together, and focusing on the positive can help you get through the difficult task at hand.

Don’t underestimate the importance of using humor and laughter to lighten the mood or ease a stressful situation. Being able to relax in this way can help both of you cope with difficult circumstances.

However, it's also important to have an outlet for negative emotions, so make sure you have a strong social network of friends and fellow family members with whom you can express your feelings and frustrations. Caregiver support groups also offer a valuable support network.

3. Accept What You Cannot Change

If you are dealing with an aging loved one with dementia, he/she may be unable to change frustrating behaviors. However, you can change your reactions. Would a change of subject or scenery help ease the situation?

What can you do to make your interactions better -- both for you and your aging loved ones? Sometimes, reversing negative behaviors can be as simple as a gentle pat on the back or a kind word.

At other times, your loved one’s frustrating behavior may be caused by a particular factor. Maybe he isn’t feeling well, or she’s upset about something outside her control? The more you can empathize with and really try to understand your aging loved one, the better equipped you’ll be to rise above the challenges of caregiving.

Take advantage of caregiver support and education that can provide you with information and practical tips for managing behaviors and the changes that come with the aging process. The right information can often provide a great deal of support in and of itself.

Above all else, remember the golden rule: no matter how difficult the situation may become, treat your aging loved one as they would like to be treated.

Key Takeaway

• Implementing the right coping methods can help you rise above the stress and reconnect with your aging loved one.

• Deep breathing and other relaxation techniques are proven stress reduction methods.

• Focusing on the good aspects of your relationship can help you overcome negative emotions.

• Accept that you may not be able to change your aging loved one, and instead focus on how to alter your own responses to promote peaceful, positive interaction.