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Caregiving 101: Keys to Caring for Yourself

3/23/2017

4 Comments

 
Caregiving often creeps up on an individual. You may start by dropping by a parents house and helping with grocery shopping, maybe even taking them to a doctor's appointment. At some point you realize that you have made a commitment to take care of someone else other than yourself.

Caregivers can be spouses, partners, adult children, parents, other relatives or even friends and neighbors. Whatever the relationship with the person you are caring for, it is important to add the title of caregiver to the list of things that you are. If you do not identify yourself as a caregiver, it will be difficult to search for resources that can help you throughout this new role.
​

At many times a caregiver is playing other roles as well. You may be employed full or part-time. You may also be married and caring for your children, volunteering or have other family commitments that you cannot let slip behind. Adding caregiver to the list of roles you play can often times be frustrating and exhausting. It is important to remember while you may be a caregiver, you must also continue to take care of yourself. Some things to remember are:

  • You cannot be perfect, in fact, noone is.
  • Depression is the most common emotion of long-term caregiving.
  • Learn about the disease your loved one is battling that way you know what to expect.
  • Learn to say NO to the things you cannot do.
  • Learn to accept help from others when the help is needed.
  • You have the right to all of your emotions.
  • Remember the BIG THREE for successful coping:
    • Eat Right - Make sure you intake is good nutrition. Stress snacking is not good for situations like this. You should also limit your alcohol intake.
    • Exercise - While it may be hard to find time, it is the best cure for depression and increases endorphins.
    • Sleep - Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep is hard enough, but it is essential to staying refreshed and healthy. Be sure to admit when you are expecting caregiver burnout, respite care is an option.
​
Above all, remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of someone else. 
4 Comments
Larry Weaver link
5/31/2018 05:12:16 pm

I didn't realize that depression is the most common emotion of long-term caregiving. My dad has been taking care of my mom for years on his own, but I noticed that he doesn't seem all that happy anymore. Perhaps I'll look into getting my parents a professional caregiver so that they can still have a good life.

Reply
Vanessa Blair link
7/16/2018 10:52:19 pm

My aunt just had an operation and she's having a hard time moving around her house. It was explained here that a caregiver is committed to taking care of people, especially when sick. Furthermore, it's advisable to hire professionals as a private caregiver.

Reply
Sariah Meagle link
9/24/2018 08:17:38 pm

My aunt was diagnosed with a terminal disease and is fragile. It was explained here that caregivers play a big part in hospice care, we can employ a full time and part-time that can take care of her. Furthermore, it's recommended to hire professionals for quality hospice care.

Reply
Gillian Babcock link
4/11/2019 08:26:21 pm

My cousin was diagnosed with a terminal disease and my aunt wants to make sure that he will be comfortable. It was explained here that he should eat right, exercise and sleep. Moreover, it's recommended to consult experts when in need of hospice care.

Reply



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