As a caregiver, you work tirelessly to provide quality care for your loved one. While this can be very rewarding, it can also be demanding and exhausting. It is important to ensure you are taking care of yourself to maintain your own good health and a positive outlook. At Home Care Assistance, we’ve found all healthy and happy caregivers, from hourly caregivers to those providing post-stroke care, share a few common habits.
Eating Well
To effectively take care of someone else, you need to make sure you are first taking care of yourself. Eating a healthy diet will provide you with the nutrition and energy you need to meet the demanding responsibilities of being a caregiver.
Exercising
Not only will exercise help you stay healthy, it also helps reduce stress. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Short strolls, working in the garden, and swimming are just a few examples of relatively easy daily physical activities you can participate in.
Getting Plenty of Sleep
Another way to keep stress levels at bay is to ensure you are getting plenty of sleep. Sleep deprivation causes stress and anxiety even without the added demands of caregiving. Getting plenty of rest can also help you maintain a positive attitude.
Managing Stress
While we know exercise and sleep can help reduce stress, look for other ways to actively manage stress. This could include socializing with friends, practicing a hobby, writing in a journal, or countless other activities. The key is to find something relaxing you can enjoy on a regular basis and sticking with it.
Staying Informed
Staying informed is particularly important when caring for a senior with an advanced condition, such as caregivers who provide dementia or Parkinson’s care in Vancouver. Knowing what symptoms accompany various stages of the disease and knowing the side effects of medications will help you better understand why your loved one may at times display challenging behaviors and attitudes.
Maintaining a Support System
Consider joining a support group for caregivers. This support system can provide you with a safe place to share feelings and frustrations. Encouragement can often be found in knowing you are not alone with the challenges you face as a caregiver.
Asking for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Set realistic expectations for what you can handle, and ask for others to help when the job becomes too demanding.
Although rewarding, being a caregiver is also tough. Turn to Home Care Assistance to find resources and the support you need to ensure the quality of care your loved one receives remains high. As a leading provider of elderly care in Vancouver, our expertly trained caregivers can help your loved one with a wide variety of daily tasks, ensuring comprehensive quality care for him or her while you take the time needed to recharge. To learn more, call a Care Manager at (778) 279-3634 and schedule a free in-home consultation.