Family caregivers often spend long hours caring for a loved one, leaving less time and energy for their own needs. November is National Family Caregivers Month, making it a good time to recognize their work and focus on family caregiver self-care.
It is also an opportunity to acknowledge your needs and make time for your well-being. Senior Helpers Dover, DE, shares a few ways to care for yourself while you care for someone else.
The Work You Do Deserves a Name
Many caregivers never use the word. They say they’re just helping out. That modesty can hide a heavy load. A typical week of caregiving may include:
- Driving to and from appointments.
- Managing insurance calls and paperwork.
- Cooking and meal planning.
- Helping with bathing and dressing.
- Keeping track of medication reminders.
These responsibilities can take up a significant amount of time and energy, much like a second job. Writing down the tasks you handle each week helps you see how much time caregiving requires. It also gives you specific examples to share when asking relatives to take on some of the work.
Family Caregiver Self-Care: Making Time for Yourself
When you care for someone else, your health needs can go unattended. Tiredness, aches, and frequent illness are worth mentioning at your next doctor’s visit. Keep your checkups, even when it means rescheduling around your loved one’s schedule.
If you feel hopeless or notice that a low mood persists, talk with your doctor or a licensed counselor. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 anytime for support.
For more advice on managing caregiver stress and protecting your health, read the Family Caregiver Alliance's guide to self-care for family caregivers.
Make Room for Something That Belongs to You
Making time for yourself is an important part of family caregiver self-care. Think about the activities you’ve set aside, whether a hobby, a group, or a quiet routine that was just yours.
Pick one and protect it. Even a short, regular break counts, and writing it on the family calendar in pen helps it stick.
Short breaks can come from several places, including:
- Relatives who trade off caregiving days.
- Adult day programs.
- Respite care.
- Friends or members of your faith community who offer to spend time with your loved one.
The National Institute on Aging has a short explainer on what respite care is and how to find it. If you ask someone for help, offering a specific day and time can make it easier for them to say yes.
Accept Help That Meets Your Needs
When someone offers to help, respond with a specific request. Others can often help by picking up groceries, handling online bill payments, or making phone calls. They can also provide a ride to an appointment. Specific requests can be easier for people to accept than open-ended ones.
The Caregiver Action Network offers tools and tips for family caregivers. These resources include guidance on asking for help with caregiving tasks.
Support for Delaware Caregivers
Family caregiver self-care includes finding reliable support to cover your responsibilities while you rest. Senior Helpers Dover DE offers in-home care that includes companionship, help with daily activities, meals, reminders, and transportation. It supports you to step away for a few hours while a trusted caregiver keeps your parent company.
Our team covers Dover, Middletown, Seaford, Georgetown, and Lewes. Contact us and we'll work out a schedule that gives you some time back this season.