iSavta | 29.08.2022

The moment you start your job as an overseas live-in caregiver, you are taking on responsibilities and roles that might be completely new to you. 

Whether you will be starting your job soon, or you have plans to become one in the future, here are the top 5 major rules to live by as an overseas live-in caregiver. 

 

1. Don’t Let Caregiving Affect Your Relationships

Your friends can get scarce when they think you are too busy or stressed. Your family members might not understand the idea of you caring for someone who isn’t family at all, and old arguments might surface as you fulfill your duties to your employer and your own family at the same time. 

Make sure you nurture and maintain your family relationships and friendships. While it might take some effort on your part, you can be sure that it will be worth it. 

 

2. Practice Stress Management

Caregivers are prone to falling into the cycle of stress and depression. Higher levels of stress can lead to more depression, and as a result, it can lower your ability to deal with stress. 

It is critical to pay extra attention and focus on your emotional health so that you can continue working as a caregiver. 

One of the best ways to manage your stress levels is to always make time for yourself. Take some time off from your caregiving job to re-energize and decompress. 

 

3. Avoid Pushing People Away

It is all too easy to get so involved in your caregiving job to the point that you feel alone and isolated. However, make sure you never push people away. Try to socialize and ask for help so you can stay connected to those around you.

Make an effort to call your friends. They might not be caregivers like you, but they can still offer critical support. Reach out to other caregivers. More than anyone else, they understand what you are going through that others won’t. 

 

4. Take Care of Your Physical Health 

Overseas live-in caregivers usually set aside their own health needs while caring for their employers. Don’t forget to pay attention to your health. Taking it for granted and ignoring it might only make you sick to the point that it might affect your work as a caregiver. 

Engage in physical activities and take regular exercise. Don’t skip your medications, health screenings, and medical appointments. 

 

5. Seek Help When You Need It

Your family and friends might offer help that might not be helpful at all. They might not even offer you any help at all. It could be because they don’t know how to help, or they assume that you got everything in control. Others might also worry that you request them to do something that might cause them discomfort. Ask for help when and if you feel like you need it.

 

Working as an overseas live-in caregiver isn’t easy, but as long as you live by these five major rules, you will be on your way to an easier and happier caregiving experience.