Caring for anyone whose health is declining presents challenges. Caring for people whose memories are affected is a more challenging task. Being the caregiver for memory care patients requires patience, empathy, and motivation. With so many responsibilities caring for a memory loss patient, caregivers sometimes find themselves burnt out and overwhelmed searching for the motivation to keep going. These tips are designed to motivate caregivers when self-motivation isn’t working.
1- Celebrate Small Wins
Motivation is often found in the celebration of small wins. When a memory care patient has a particularly difficult day, it’s helpful for their caregivers to celebrate any small win that day. Rather than focusing on the difficulties, finding one small victory in the day motivates them to keep going.
2- Encourage Caregivers
Encouragement is one of the most effective motivational tools. When a caregiver is given verbal encouragement, they’re more likely to continue succeeding in their work. Encouragement on a difficult day is more rewarding, but it’s also wise to encourage caregivers regularly.
3- Compliment Caregivers
A genuine compliment goes a long way, and it’s not inclusive of caregivers. Memory care patients are among the toughest on a hard day, but a compliment from a team member, boss, or stranger can encourage a caregiver to keep up the good work. The trick to using compliments as motivation is to make them genuine. Most people can tell the difference between a genuine compliment and one that’s insincere.
4- Book Motivational Speakers
A motivational speaker has the knowledge and experience to tap into something inside caregivers. Booking a speaker allows caregivers a chance to recharge while also listening to someone familiar with the ins and outs of memory care patients discuss the things that motivate them. It’s often finding motivation in a room filled with like-minded people that helps the most.
5- Encourage Personal Time of Reflection and Self-Care
A caregiver who is not taking time to reflect on their own life is one who is more likely to suffer burnout. A caregiver who is not taking the time to practice self-care is also more likely to suffer burnout. Self-care is often misconstrued as spa days and massages, but it’s much deeper than that. Self-care is getting adequate rest, moving your body, and spending time doing things and with people who make you feel good. When caregivers are given adequate time to care for themselves and their own lives, they’re often more motivated at work.
6- Show Appreciation for Caregivers
Working with someone who isn’t always capable of remembering who they are, what they are doing, and the people they love is a challenge. Being a person who often feels trapped inside their own mind when their memory isn’t working is frustrating, and it’s usually the caregivers whom memory care patients aim their frustration. One way to motivate a memory caregiver is to show appreciation for all they do. Small gestures such as an unexpected gift, kind words, and a genuine thank you are all ways to show appreciation for someone who often feels unappreciated in their line of work.