So, you’re a family caregiver. You’re probably a bit stressed. You’re juggling a lot of responsibilities, and you may be tired, cranky, depressed or even physically ill. If that’s the case, then you need to reduce your stress with these caregiver self-care tips, because you can’t provide the best possible care to a loved one if you aren’t taking care of yourself.
I’m here to tell you that self-care isn’t a luxury that you should feel guilty about. It’s a necessity. If you are having trouble figuring out how to take better care of yourself, here are a few ideas.
Start by blocking out some “me time” in your daily routine. Schedule some time for the activities that you enjoy and allow yourself to relax and have fun.
If a friend or family member offers to help with something, take them up on their offer and ask them to do something that really helps.
Get regular exercise, eat nutritious meals to keep yourself fueled throughout the day, and try to get the sleep you need.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, learn to say, “No.” Caregivers are hardwired to put others before themselves, but sometimes you need to draw a line in the sand.
When you reach the point where you believe you’re feeling overwhelmed or nearing burnout, consider respite care. That’s when someone else–either another family member or friend or a professional caregiver–takes over as primary caregiver, giving you a break.
Professional caregivers have the know-how and the emotional capacity to provide the best possible care that you know your loved one deserves. With the help of these services, you don’t need to second guess your caregiving practices, and you can confidently step back without feeling guilty.
Bringing in respite caregivers can also allow you to go back to being a friend or family member to your loved one.
We strongly encourage family caregivers to pause and prioritize themselves with these caregiver self-care tips. Remember, putting yourself first isn’t selfish; it’s necessary to be the best caregiver you can be. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, click here.
___________
SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
