Caring for an older adult as a caregiver on the go can be quite preoccupying, especially during summer when it's time for trips and vacations. The increased physical and emotional demands due to summer activities and hotter weather can make caregivers forget or lack the time or energy, to care for themselves.
Nevertheless, caregivers must practice self-care daily instead of waiting for when they will have enough time and energy to perform an entire self-care routine. The five summer self-care tips below should help caregivers on the go maintain a work-life balance, maintain good health, and provide the best possible care while simplifying their caregiving job.
1. Focus on summer-specific concerns
It is common for caregivers to neglect self-care. And while they can get along just fine with minimal self-care other times of the year, it is dangerous during summer. Without proper summer-specific self-care, the high temperatures can lead to ruined skin, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
To prevent these heat-related illnesses, caregivers should:
- Dress loosely
- Drink water regularly instead of waiting for thirst
- Eat water-rich vegetables and fruits
- Don't go out when it's too hot
- Be aware of signs of dehydration and what to do when they appear
2. Talk to someone
Sometimes, the best way to deal with feelings is to talk to someone who understands or can relate. That is why caregivers need to reach out and find support from time to time, whether they feel overwhelmed or not, to care for their mental health.
But because summer trips can land them in unfamiliar locations where they don't know anyone, searching for local or internet support groups could work. They could also attend virtual or over-the-phone therapy.
3. Take regular breaks
No one can work around the clock, which is what the caregiver role sometimes demands. To avoid burnout, caregivers should schedule regular breaks for little activities such as meditation, walking around the block, attending a weekly yoga class, etc.
4. Set realistic goals
Caregivers should set realistic client care and self-care goals to avoid overworking or stretching too thin. Goals can help them improve and measure progress, but they don't guarantee success, especially when unrealistic.
Caregivers on the go should set realistic goals, which they can achieve with their mindset, motivation level, skills, abilities, and timeframe.
5. Take care of mental health
A job as mentally taxing as a caregiver on the go can easily lead to mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, addictive behaviors, etc. To prevent these serious conditions, caregivers should perform mental care exercises such as:
- Guided meditation and breathing exercises
- Taking mental health breaks
- Staying hydrated
- Sleeping and eating properly
- Walking, running, or yoga
Give Older Persons in the Greater Westford Area the Best Care
If caregivers don't care for themselves as they care for their older patients, they risk putting themselves in their patient's positions in the future. It increases the risk of depression, chronic illness, and drug abuse. Therefore, caregivers must prioritize self-care to provide the best care.
If you or a loved one requires in-home older persons care in Westford, Tewksbury, Lowell, or Concord, Senior Helpers Westford offers tailored home care services ranging from companion care for older people who need daily assistance to in-depth specialized care for those with Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's and other chronic diseases.
Contact us today for high-quality care for you and your family.