When you're taking care of someone you love through a serious illness, they are your first priority. You're concerned with their comfort, their health, and their needs. Caring for yourself as a caregiver, however, is just as important as caring for the elderly loved one in your life.
Don't feel guilty for needing a break. Stress is one of the primary challenges of taking care of the elderly. This is particularly true if you're trying to balance the demands of work and home simultaneously. Instead, give yourself a break once in a while. Whether it's taking a minute on your drive home to pick up your favorite beverage or allowing a paid caregiver to sit with your loved one while you go out for an evening with friends, acknowledge that it's alright for you to take the break you need.
Find someone to talk to. You're likely the sounding board for your loved one. You'll listen to them any time, but you're unwilling to burden them with your own fears and problems. Whether you turn to a trusted friend, a pastor, or a professional counselor, it's important for you to take the time to talk through your own feelings instead of burying them. Be sure that you're sharing your concerns with someone that you can trust. It's hard watching a loved one go through a serious illness, and you shouldn't have to feel as though you're bearing that burden alone.
Don't neglect your own personal care. If you find yourself skipping meals, not showering for days, or going too short on sleep for too long, you're not providing the best care you could for your loved one. It's tempting to feel as though those sacrifices are worth it when made for their well-being, but when you don't take care of yourself, you're not able to care for someone else as well, either. Take the time for your own personal care. That includes eating healthy meals (which can be done with your loved one), getting plenty of sleep, and paying attention to your own regular medical care.
Get plenty of exercise. That hour at the gym might feel like too long to be away from your loved one, but it's also a necessary part of your day. Find a way to work exercise into your regular routine, even if it's just a walk on your lunch break or a quick stop at the gym before or after work. Exercise will help you burn stress and stay more energetic and better able to handle the demands of caring for your loved one.
Accept help when it's offered. Chances are, there are plenty of people around you who care about both you and your loved one. They're looking for opportunities to help, but they might not know how. Sit down with your loved one and make up a list of things that others can do to help the two of you. That might include running errands, preparing meals, or even taking your loved one to and from appointments during the day. Do you need help keeping up with the housework, getting kids to their regular activities, or handling other daily tasks? If so, reach out to your friends and family!
Remember that you aren't in this alone, and you aren't responsible for taking care of everything by yourself. When someone offers to help, never turn them away. Instead, choose the item from the list that you most need.
Caring for the elderly can be very overwhelming. Complete Care At Home is here to help! We'll provide caregivers to stay with your loved one when you aren't able to be there, which is a real weight off of your mind.
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