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Caregivers: Prioritize Yourself

We all know that providing care is difficult. We’ve discussed the various challenges one faces while working as a caregiver and how personal care is important. Sometimes, when working, we may lose sight of how we are doing physically and mentally. This happens when we become completely focused on the job. When providing care, it is important to be focused on the client, but when we lose sight of our own life we lose our ability to help others enjoy theirs. Lets face it: you’re starting to get tired. It’s time to find the problem and the solution.

Problem

Self-care is important, but how can we look after ourselves when we have a loved one that can’t take care of themselves? The first thing we need to do is remove the barriers that keep us from taking care of ourselves. Here are some common obstacles to a caregivers self-care:

  1. It would be selfish if I took care of myself first.
  2. I promised my parents I would take care of them.
  3. If I don’t do it, no one will.

These are just a few of the many reasons that a caregiver will give when someone suggests that they take a break. But recognizing what excuses we may have to overcome is the first step to solving the problem. Please remember, when we’re tired we are more stressed and less likely to do a satisfactory job.

Solution

Now that we’re thinking about the reasons we deny ourselves care, we can talk about things we can do to take care of ourselves.  This is not an all inclusive list, but it will give you some ideas and ways to take care of yourself.

  • Spend time with friends.
    • This suggestion may seem self-explanatory, but it is always important to remind ourselves of the simple things. Grab a bite to eat or some coffee; watch a movie; go for a walk at the park. Whatever you and your friend decide to do, it is important that you can do it with a someone that you can talk with about the problems you face. It’s important to vent our frustrations.
  • Find an online support group.
    • No matter how well our friend listens and consoles, they will not know exactly what you’re going through. An online support group is a great way to connect with others who are dealing with the same problems and to get tips for any situation you may face.
  • Take a break each day.
    • This is another simple idea, but it is one of the most important suggestions we can make. Take 10-15 minutes to breath and relax is a good way to stay focused throughout the day.
  • Keep up with your hobbies.
    • Whether it’s painting, reading, exercising, or whatever else, your hobbies are important. It provides a way to escape the monotony and difficulty of care giving.

We encourage you to explore these options. If you find yourself needing help, Generations Home Care can meet those needs. Give us a call today.