5 Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving or AARP’s report in 2015, nearly half of all family caregivers consider themselves “somewhat stressed” and more than a third are “highly stressed.” As their latest aging demographics have revealed that 1 out of 3 Americans is 50 or older, more and more caregivers rising up to the occasion don’t come as surprise.

Taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do as a caregiver. You can only be good to others when you are good to yourself. Aging may be inevitable, but caregiving burnout is very preventable. More to Life Adult Day Health Center, a provider of Senior Care in Nevada, shares with you some anti-burnout tips you can try:

1. Be organized.

   Learn to prioritize your responsibilities using helpful tools like to-do lists, alarms, journals, and calendars. By being organized in your day-to-day living, accomplishing your caregiving tasks will be easier and more convenient. It’s also a good idea to organize your loved one’s important documents beforehand – birth certificate, medical records, and SSS, to name a few.

2. Tap into your support group.

   While finding a shoulder to lean on from your closest circle heals your stress, relying on other caregivers who have experienced similar situations with you can relieve many of your anxieties and frustrations. Moreover, you can learn a thing or two about their personal experiences.

   There are many ways to find support in your caregiving process. AARP provides online chat services with other caregivers to streamline your support needs. Family Caregiver Alliance can help locate resources near you. U.S. Administration on Aging also has innovative tools like their Eldercare Locator services.

3. Build positive relationships.

   Caregiving is likely to bring out many emotions. Those dealing with so many frustrations and stress are like walking time bombs – sooner or later, they’ll take it out on their loved ones or the people around them. Remember to practice positive ways to handle your stress, reach out more to your loved ones, and cut off those who are toxic to your general wellness.

4. Stay healthy.

   Caregiving isn’t easy for anyone – not for you and not for your care recipient. But having a healthy body may be the best thing you can do to keep stride with your caregiving dilemmas. Learn to put self-care on top of your list and set realistic goals to ensure your overall wellness. Healthy habits like drinking water, eating a balanced meal, squeezing in a 30-minute workout and meditating can do wonders for long-term purposes.

5. Take some time off.

   Even with your best intentions, you can’t always be there for your loved ones 24/7. Unforeseen circumstances and irregular lulls make things harder for caregivers looking for respite. Ask your family members to look after your loved ones when you’re having a theater night, a massage day, or tea time with friends. Or, let the professionals handle their care needs by taking them to an Adult Day Care Health Center in Sparks, Nevada.

Need help?

Get in touch with us. Contact More to Life Adult Day Health Center at 775-358-1988 to know more about Adult Day Care and Senior Care Programs in Nevada.

Reference Sources:
Emling, Shelley. “7 Tips for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout That Really Work.” AARP, October 18, 2017, Accessed March 14, 2018. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2017/respite-care-plan.html.
National Institute on Aging. “Taking Care of Yourself: Tips for Caregivers.” Last modified May 2, 2017. Accessed March 14, 2018. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-yourself-tips-caregivers.