Caregivers need to take care of themselves
U.S. News & World Report wrote about how important it is for family caregivers to care for themselves too.
In the article, Frank Blood shares his personal story. He’s 69 and has been caring for his 78 year old wife for 15 years. She has multiple serious health conditions: two bouts of cancer, advanced COPD, and some memory problems.
Unlike many caregivers, Frank doesn’t feel beaten down, isolated, or depressed and isn’t in poor health.
He says that a strong commitment to self-care is what keeps him healthy and in a positive state of mind.
As Frank says, “We have to maintain our attitude and good health, or the person we’re caring for will suffer.”
Why self-care for caregivers isn’t just a nice-to-have
The article talks with experts and looks at research studies to understand why self-care is so important for caregivers.
There are three main reasons, but we think the most important one is: if you don’t, one day, you may no longer be able to care for your loved one.
If you don’t take care of yourself, your own health could become so poor that you’re no longer physically able to care for someone else.
5 ways to care for yourself while caregiving
Ok, so now you’re convinced that taking care of yourself is an important part of being a caregiver.
But with all your responsibilities, how do you make it happen?
We summarize 5 practical tips from the article and share suggestions for how to make them happen.
1. Hold family meetings
Talk with siblings and family members to assign clear responsibilities and set expectations so everyone is on the same page.
Include your older adult in these meetings, if possible, so they know the plan too.
Even if someone can’t contribute directly with hands-on care, they can help in other ways, such as paying for in-home help, managing finances, or dealing with health insurance claims.
2. Find a support system
Even if you don’t have family who can help, there are other ways to get support.
Get help from friends, neighbors, or your faith community. Or, find local caregiver support groups.
It’s worth the effort to find resources that increase your options.
3. Make healthy living a priority
We all know that it’s essential to eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Of course, that’s tough to do when you have limited time and energy.
In this article, we share 6 ways to get help with caregiving so you’ll have the time you need to take those well-deserved breaks to rest, recharge, and keep going.
4. Schedule regular breaks
Taking breaks gives you a way to recharge, both emotionally and mentally.
Talk with a supportive friend, read a book, take a nap, work on a hobby, or take a walk.
Be creative to find ways for you to take more breaks.
For example, Frank Blood says he can get some time for himself because: “I have taped television programs for [my wife] so I know she’s OK for a short while.”
5. Look for available resources
Doctor’s offices, local health organizations, and your local Area Agency on Aging have educational materials and connections to local caregiving resources.
There are also many helpful caregiver resources online (of course, we think DailyCaring is one of the best!).
Here are just a few:
Next Step Read the full article at U.S. News & World Report
Recommended for you:
- Caring for the Caregiver: 6 Ways to Get Help and Improve Your Health
- Area Agency on Aging: Local Resources for Seniors
- Affordable Home Care: 8 Ways to Lower Senior Care Costs
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.
Marathon John D Gaffney
It s easier said then done; these 5 steps mean nothing bcause the problem doesn’t go away it s there forever & it doesn’t change ;it only gets worse!!
DailyCaring
It is definitely easier said than done to care for yourself while caring for someone else. But it is also a very important part of continuing to be able to provide care. The person you’re caring for is going to require care for a long time. But if the caregiver ignores their own health and well-being, their own physical and mental health will suffer. Chronic severe stress does serious damage to the body. If caregivers neglect themselves, they may become too ill to continue providing care for their older adult. Self-care helps your own health and allows you to care for your older adult as long as it’s needed.