Caregiving is a deeply fulfilling but demanding responsibility. In meeting the daily needs of your senior loved one, it’s easy to lose track of your own. You barely have time to eat lunch standing up. Between meals, meds, and appointments, your own needs tend to be put in the background. It doesn't have to be. Caring for your physical and mental health provides you with the fuel to care more for others.
Prioritize Personal Well-Being
Start with your daily routine. Protect a few parts of the day that already exist. The five minutes with coffee before the household wakes up. The twenty minutes in the car on the way back from a grocery run.
Eat regular meals. Keep healthy snacks for busy times when you can’t sit down for a full meal. Drink water. Keep a bottle nearby to stay hydrated. Aim for a regular bedtime for winding down. Take short 10-minute walks or stretches.
Mental and emotional breaks are important. Spend relaxing time with family or friends. Connect with other caregivers or join a support group. Set boundaries. Learn to say no to additional responsibilities you cannot handle. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as yoga or tai chi.
Asking for Help
Accept outside assistance. Let family members help with specific asks. "Can you sit with Mom Thursday from 4 to 6 so I can get a haircut?" "Can you drop off a rotisserie chicken on Tuesday?" "Can you drive Dad to his 10 a.m. cardiology appointment next Friday?" People say yes to specifics.
The AARP caregiver support pages offer information about family caregiving. Check out the Family Caregiver Alliance, too. You are not the first person in this seat, and other caregivers have written down what works.
At some point, self-care needs to take priority. A rested caregiver comes back fresh and ready for the caregiving role. It’s a win-win situation.
Respite care, whether a few hours a day or a full weekend, is not a luxury. It's a way to keep going for the long stretch—the people who use it last the longest. It is important to realize that it is okay to take a break from caregiving responsibilities.
We Can Help!
Our team at Senior Helpers Kanawha Valley works with families in Charleston, Culloden, Dunbar, East Bank, and Winfield to give caregivers short-term breaks to relieve stress and restore energy. If this September is the month you finally look after yourself, contact us any day.