A Caregiver’s Guide to Taking Care of themselves
A Caregiver’s Guide to Taking Care of themselves
Taking care of seniors is not an easy feat. As your parents or relatives grow older, you realize that there are a lot of challenges that will come your way. If your loved one is suffering from a debilitating disease, you will have to take them to the hospital and back to the house. In case they have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you will have to deal with sudden mood shifts and tantrums. All these will surely make you feel tired.
Yes, you have to be patient. But it is always easier said than done. There may be even times when you feel frustrated about the situation and sometimes about your capability. You may even question your love for your elderly family relatives. However, there is one thing that you should never forget. You will have to take care of yourself first. Here are some of the things that you might want to keep in mind. We put together a caregiver’s guide to taking care of themselves.
Do not think that you are being selfish
One of the roadblocks to self-care in this context is the feeling of selfishness. People who care for their seniors have the impression that they are being selfish when they put themselves first. This will bring about feelings of guilt, which will keep you from actually taking care of yourself. You are not being selfish. Remember that you are still a human born with limits. You need to take some rest and recharge.
Have your “me time”
When you are already spotting some signs of stress, tiredness, and anxiety, that’s the time that you need to stop work and get some rest. Indulge in some simple pleasures such as taking a bath or watching your favourite TV series. Self-care may also mean getting enough sleep and pursuing your passion.
Be healthy
Between breaks, you have the opportunity to make yourself much healthier. You can start working out and eating right. Instead of eating out, cook your own meals. You have to be strong, and that can only happen if you build healthy habits. You may seek the help of a friend if you are looking fora support system. A trainer may help you in achieving your fitness goals.
Seek help
Speaking of a support system, it is only right that you seek help when it comes to taking care of your elderly loved one. In this case, you will need a professional-someone that specializes in adult care in Spanish Fork. Luckily, there are a lot of establishments that will help you out with this. A quick search online will give you a list of results.
When you are taking care of your seniors, expect that there are challenges that will come your way. When you feel frustrated, check yourself; you might not be taking care of yourself enough. It’s like being on an aeroplane; flight attendants instruct you to put on an oxygen mask before assisting others. You will be only able to take care of others if you take care of yourself properly.
