So many of us are caregivers for a family member, friend or other loved one.  Caregiving is a very important role.  It can be a short-term role, or it can be long-term.  Sometimes caregiving means simply checking in, escorting to a doctor’s appointment, or it could mean you are responsible for providing total care.  Most of us will be a caregiver to someone in our lifetime.  These caregiver tips will be a valuable resource.

No matter what degree of caregiving you are providing, it’s a big responsibility and one that takes strength, compassion and lots of patience.  It is mentally and physically demanding.  Caregivers can experience caregiver burnout.  You give so much to others that you run out of steam, and you end up neglecting self- care.  Make sure that you don’t lose sight of who you are and the things that bring happiness to you.  There are ways to find balance between taking care of someone else and taking care of yourself.

Try these 3 caregiver tips for self-care and reduce caregiver burnout:

CAREGIVER TIPS #1

Take care of your physical health by eating well, sleeping well, exercising and keeping your own doctor’s appointments.  If you aren’t medically well, you won’t be able to take care of others.  Your health has to be priority.  

Even though you may feel rushed at times to eat well, plan ahead so you have healthy meals to grab and run.  You can try meal-prepping once a week, so you have several meals available that need a quick heat up.  If you don’t plan ahead, you will probably reach for fast food which typically isn’t healthy.

If you are having trouble sleeping, make sure you try to attempt a normal sleep routine.  If you go to bed at the same time, and wake up at the same time, you will develop a routine that your body can adjust to, improving your overall sleep.  

At times, incorporating exercise into your day may be difficult.  If you are providing care to someone in the home and feel you can’t leave them unattended, take advantage of times when they are napping or watching TV.  Implement exercise in the home, whether it be walking inside the home or doing yoga poses.

Schedule your routine and follow-up medical appointments.  Ask a friend or family member to step in as the caregiver while you attend your medical appointments.

CAREGIVER TIPS #2

Take care of your mental health by taking breaks, don’t overbook appointments, reduce stress levels and engage in activity you enjoy.  If you aren’t mentally well, you won’t be able to take care of others.  Mental illnesses such as depression can cause someone to isolate themselves.  Your loved one is counting on you to be there.

CAREGIVER TIPS #3  

Acknowledge that you don’t have to do it all.  Develop a plan so you have help.  Ask family and friends to lend a hand by providing respite care or making meals.  You can also hire a private caregiver when you need a break.   

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.  Caregivers tend to feel guilty if they require assistance, and that’s a normal response because you want to provide the best care for your loved one.  Just remember that you can’t provide the best care if you aren’t feeling the best.  No one expects you to be a superhero.  Follow these caregiver tips and seek out additional resources when you need them.  

Interested in learning how to achieve a healthier lifestyle while still being a great caregiver?  Learn more about health and wellness strategies services.  https://wellnessstrategiesgroup.com/services/

If you are in Howard County, MD, check out this link to caregiver support.  https://www.howardcountymd.gov/aging-independence/caregiver-support-program