If you haven’t set up your own self-care plan yet as a caregiver, you need to go ahead and do so. This is a plan for how you’re going to manage taking care of yourself while you’re taking care of your elderly loved one.
Define What Taking Care of Yourself Means
Taking care of yourself means different things to different people. For you, it might mean that you really need to focus on remembering to eat the right foods regularly, get a little bit of exercise, and make sure you’re sleeping well. All of these are important to your well-being. If you have health conditions of your own, you need to make sure that you incorporate caring for those conditions within your self-care plan.
Set Aside the Time to Care for Yourself
The truth is that taking care of yourself takes time. Not only that, you have to have time just for you to do whatever else you want to do. This factors into your emotional well-being and your social health. If your loved one is at a stage that being alone is not an option for her, figure out respite care options so that you’re not worried while you’re away. Hiring elderly care providers is an excellent respite care option, as is having family members pitch in if they are able.
Seek Outside Help and Support When You Need It
Just because it’s called a self-care plan, that doesn’t mean that you have to do it all on your own. Many family caregivers aren’t comfortable at first worrying about their own care and well-being. Having someone in your corner to remind you that you’re important too is key to making a successful self-care plan. Seek out a counselor or therapist that you can trust. You might want to find one who has experience helping family caregivers. Another source of excellent support is to join a support group because these are folks who have been exactly where you are.
Remember that your self-care plan doesn’t have to be perfect. You merely need to have a good start on one. Your plan is going to change and grow as your own needs as a family caregiver change and grow.
SOMETIMES A LITTLE HELP AROUND THE HOUSE AND A REGULAR COMPANION CAN BRIGHTEN A SENIOR’S LIFE. IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED-ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME CAREGIVERS IN AVONDALE, AZ, CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY (623) 748-3301.