Family caregivers are the most selfless and caring individuals. Often, they set aside their personal needs to cater to the sick and the elderly in the family. The situation becomes worse if you are caring for an Alzheimer’s patient. However, these caregivers need to take care of themselves. Here is a guide on how caregivers can prioritize self-care.
Take Your Time Off and Breathe
Since family caregivers spend most of their time taking care of others, they often neglect themselves. Research indicates that caregivers have a high propensity to fall into depression, anxiety, stress, and substance abuse.
Therefore, it will not be a crime if a caregiver takes some time off. Asking another family member or a close family friend to take up some responsibilities while you rest will go a long way into ensuring you are in the right mental state and physical health to provide care. The tasks may be something simple, like asking them to cook or take the person for a walk.
Exercise and Eat Healthy
Most caregivers suffer from poor eating habits and sleep deprivation as they are on 24-hour duty. Take some time off to exercise; about 10-30 minutes a day will make the difference and keep you energized. Exercise reduces stress levels, discourages depression, and promotes sleep.
Although it might be easier for a caregiver to prepare or order out fast food, this may prove disadvantageous in the long run. Find time to prepare and eat a healthy meal.
Communicate
Ask for help when the need arises and communicate with the physician on matters concerning the care recipient. Ensure that your needs and those of the care recipient are met. There is a need to express how you feel constructively. Suppose you are feeling overwhelmed, then it is high time to ask for assistance. That does not make you a bad person; it is only a form of coping mechanism.
Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita is the largest provider of home care services in the Santa Clarita Valley, with over a decade of experience with senior home care. It is our mission to support families in need by offering services that range from part-time to long-term. Your aging senior deserves to stay in the comfort of their own home, and with our help, you can rest assured knowing that they are in safe hands. Each trained caregiver is a professional making sure your loved one is safe & happy. One of our Care Managers would love to answer any questions you may have, so give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our wide range of services for both you and your senior loved one.
Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita
23900 Lyons Ave
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
(661) 417-0904
www.homecaresantaclarita.com
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