Many of us volunteer to care for senior family members. But we don't necessarily consider ourselves as caregivers. We are simply glad to be of assistance. Unfortunately, the demands of being family caregivers become overwhelming over time.
On top of our caregiving roles, we also have busy work and family schedules. We become exhausted and stressed. And yet, we feel guilty as our stamina declines. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, caregivers are more likely to suffer from multiple chronic diseases. This is because they neglect their personal health while they care for their senior loved ones.
Thankfully, there are ways to care for yourself. Remember, when you're healthy and happy, you're more able to provide support and assistance to your loved one.
Family Caregivers: Simple Self-Care Practices
Create Boundaries
It's important to set boundaries, especially when you have a job and other family schedules.
Take this situation as an example. Because of the pandemic, you're now working from home. And when you're done, you jump right into your caregiving duties after work. This can take a toll on your physical and mental health over time.
That said, consider creating space for yourself. For example, before your caregiving duties, you can take a walk outside. Or exercise or maybe talk to friends. Doing so will help ease your stress. And as a result, you'll have a healthier relationship with your senior loved one.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
With a busy schedule, most caregivers are tempted to simply grab fast food. But this could lead to health problems in the long run.
You can't care for others if you have poor physical health. So find the time to plan and prepare your meals. Take care of your physical health as you would your senior loved one. A healthy diet can keep your energy level up.
Need snacks? Consider munching on nuts, veggies with hummus, or fruits. It's also advisable to exercise at least twice a week. Exercise will improve your mental state as well. A 10-15 minute walk can greatly improve your health.
Get Enough Sleep
Nothing can beat a good night's sleep to feel fully recharged the next day. It's best to sleep 7 to 9 hours every night. If this isn't possible, then try taking a short nap during the day. When you're fully rested, you'll have more energy to assist your aging family member. Additionally, you'll also be in a much better mood.
Seek Assistance from Professional Caregivers
As a family caregiver, it's also a good idea to plan some days off. Doing so allows you to care for yourself. With enough rest and relaxation, you will be fully present and provide the best care the next time you're with your loved one.
But what if your senior loved one requires daily assistance?
Then the services of professional caregivers may be beneficial. These caregivers can provide in-home senior care. This means, your loved one will be in the comforts of their home. And while these caregivers provide assistance, they will still encourage senior independence.
Is It Beneficial To Hire Professional Caregivers?
Professional caregivers are trained to provide assistance for seniors. From safety to companionship, their services will definitely be beneficial for seniors. The services they provide include:
Routine housekeeping to keep the senior's home clean and safe
Assistance with planning and preparing meals
Transportation to appointments, groceries stores, and more
Changing bed linens as well as doing the laundry
Provide companionship when playing games
Help Maintain Senior Independence: Caregivers can provide extra assistance so seniors can age at home. These professionals provide personalized care without taking away a senior's confidence and independence.
Caregivers Have Flexible Availability: Whether your senior loved one requires assistance for a few hours or around the clock, caregivers will be there. Caregivers from Unified Pledge can provide assistance approximately 4-8 hours a day.
But if your senior loved one requires extra assistance with daily activities and mobility, then the services of a home health aide will be more beneficial. A home health aide can assist with:
Daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, toileting, and continence.
Basic medication management and administration
Measuring blood pressure, temperature, and more.
Light exercise and range of motion
Mobility devices such as wheelchairs or walkers.
Hiring Professional Caregivers
Caregiving is a very rewarding role. However, it can also become overwhelming and stressful, especially when you neglect to care for yourself. That said, be proactive about your own well-being. By staying healthy, happy, and resilient, you'll be able to provide the best care for your aging family member.
So when you need to take a day off, consider hiring professional caregivers. Meeting new people and interacting with them may also be beneficial for your senior parent
If you're considering hiring professional caregivers during your days off, Unified Pledge Home Health provides a FREE consultation.
Don't be afraid to ask all your questions. Discuss the assistance you or your loved one may prefer.
A reputable home health agency will also perform a complementary in-home care assessment. This is usually done by a registered nurse. With this assessment, you can decide what's best for your aging family member.
Hiring professionals from Unified Pledge comes with the following advantages:
Level II FBI background checks of all staff
Driving history checks
Companions, health aides, LPNs are our direct employees and not independent contractors
Constant communication to patients, family, and care team
Registered Nurse supervision is ongoing with every care plan
Contact us today for a FREE consultation by a Supervisory Nurse at 561-910-8770.
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