In America, many family members have to step up to help their aging parents or family members. As a caregiver, you often make sacrifices to your own life to provide support to your loved one. But it is also vital to ensure that your needs are being met. Taking care of yourself is important, too. It is harder to care for others when you put your own needs on the back burner. This article will explore some important aspects of caregiver self-care.
Overcoming the Guilt of Self-Care
When you become responsible for your older loved one, taking time away from them can often lead to guilt. You want to make sure they are safe and taken care of. It is because of this guilt that many family caregivers end up in dire straits themselves. High stress, anxiety, and depression are common for adult caregivers. Providing care for yourself can help ensure that you can continue to provide support for your older family member. Overcoming that guilt is a vital first step.
Setting Limits as a Caregiver
It is important to set limits for yourself. Do what you can to help your loved one, but set boundaries too. And also, pay attention to your own needs. If you do not have the energy to help your loved one with a task, it is ok to say no. Make choices that allow you to navigate your needs as well as theirs.
Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is an important part of caring for yourself. Many caregivers do not end up getting enough sleep. Lack of rest can lead to added stress, increased irritability, and worsening health overall. It is also common for a caregiver not to go to sleep because they want some time at night to relax or destress. While that can be helpful, it is also important to get enough rest.
Caregiver Health
The added errands and support given to your older loved one can often take over your free time. This can impact your ability to manage your own health. Be sure to take time to see your own physician regularly. Balancing your own health needs is important to ensure that your health doesn’t degrade from caregiving.
Additional Caregiver Support
You don’t have to take care of your loved one by yourself. Work with other family members to lighten the load on yourself. Siblings, spouses, your children, and more can help support your aging loved one.
If your loved one needs more comprehensive care than you or your family can provide, consider looking for professional solutions. In-home care solutions can fill the gaps in your loved one’s care needs. A home health aide from Safe Harbor can provide support for your family. Home health aides can provide professional long-term care throughout the week, ensuring that your loved ones’ needs are met. From daily in-home care and support to travel assistance to doctor’s appointments, an HHA from Safe Harbor can help shore up your loved one’s care needs.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
