If you’re neglecting yourself as a caregiver, then your caregiving journey is likely to feel pretty bumpy. Here are some ideas for you to consider.
Remember Caregiving Is a Job
It’s tough for some caregivers to frame the situation this week, but being a caregiver truly is a job. It’s often unpaid and it’s usually much longer hours than a full-time job. At a job, you’d get a break, you’d get rewards, and you’d get some time to recharge yourself. Give yourself the same, because you need those things.
You Don’t Have to Cross off Every To Do Item
If you’re hung up on getting everything done every single day, you might need to rethink that. Sure, there are some days when you might be able to hit every checkbox. But other days aren’t as cooperative. Give yourself the grace on those days when you don’t get everything done that you need and don’t be so hard on yourself.
Nap When You Can
Sleep can be a big issue for caregivers and odds are good that you’re not getting nearly enough. If your senior takes naps, that’s a great time for you to take one, too. It’s highly likely that you’ll be able to get some shut-eye while she is, too. If sleep is really difficult to come by, you might want to consider hiring home care providers to take the night shift so you can sleep. Then you’ll be fresh and ready to go for the day shift.
Ask for and Accept Help
You don’t have to do everything yourself, regardless of what you might believe about that, if other family members are offering help, learn to accept it. Some might want to help but are uncertain what they can do for you. If no one is offering help, then you might need to learn how to ask for help. The alternative is to bring in elder care providers who can tackle quite a bit and make life easier for you and your senior.
Listen to Your Gut
Your intuition can lead you the right way if you listen to it. It takes some practice to learn to listen to your gut, though. Start out by keeping track of what your intuition is telling you and the results. You’ll start to see that listening to that still, small voice can really pay off.
When you start taking care of yourself more effectively, you start to realize that being a caregiver actually becomes a little bit easier. This seems counterintuitive, but it’s because you’re nurturing yourself and that gives you space and energy to be able to nurture the people that you love.
If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Senior care in Wayne, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC. In-home senior care servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today (973) 427-3553.
I started my career as an ICU nurse over 30 years ago. I have functioned as an educator and preceptor mentoring new nurses in the clinical arena. I have sat on many Patient Care committees authoring a variety of patient care protocols.
In 2007, I saw an opportunity to improve the delivery of patient care services in the home and founded Caring Solutions Home Care. Over the last 10 years I have functioned as the Director of Nursing overseeing all client care, administrative and personnel operations.
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