Taking care of an aging or disabled loved one is one of the most caring and selfless things you can do. It’s a rewarding job, but it’s also an overwhelming, all-encompassing, and tiring job. If you aren’t careful, you will find that it can take over your life, and you can lose yourself in the process.
No matter how much care your loved one needs, you have to take time to take care of yourself. It’s the only way you’ll be there to provide your loved one with the care they need. Here are a few ways to give yourself the time and attention you deserve.
Consider Professional Care Services
It isn’t uncommon for caregivers think they can do it all on their own. For a while, you may find that you can, but eventually, you’ll discover that providing that kind of care can be exhausting. You absolutely shouldn’t feel ashamed if you want to look for ways to get a break while still providing your loved one with adequate care.
If your loved one requires a high level of care or if their condition is getting worse over time, you may want to consider professional care services. Just make sure you know the difference between all of your options. You may want to consider a skilled nursing facility or care center. Assisted living, in-home nursing, and services like delivered meals are all options that can help you share the caregiving load.
Reach Out to Friends, Family, and Neighbors for Help
Whether or not you decide to consider professional care services, you may also want to reach out to friends, family, and neighbors for help. Chances are, they would be happy to help!
Their help doesn’t have to be strenuous either. For example:
- Another family member can mow the lawn once a week
- A neighbor can put the garbage on the corner on garbage day
- A family friend can come over for lunch once a month
- Another family member can do their laundry on the weekends
No matter how small, every little bit helps. Having one or two other people doing tasks during the week may be all it takes to avoid caregiver burnout.
Schedule Time for You Every Day
Most caregivers have the intention of taking care of themselves, but it gets to the end of the day and there simply isn’t enough time. In this case, you have to schedule time for yourself daily and stick to it.
There are many things you can do to take care of yourself that won’t compromise the care you can provide to your loved one. Do things like go for walks, treat yourself to a massage once a month, and definitely leave on time at work every single day if you have a job in addition to your caregiving role.
Communicate Your Boundaries and Stick to Them
Just because you’re a loved one’s caregiver doesn’t mean you should be mentally and physically available to them and others every moment of the day. If you don’t make some boundaries, share them, and stick to them, caregiving won’t be sustainable long-term.
For example, know exactly what caregiving tasks you’re willing to do, and which ones you aren’t. That way your loved one can’t rope you into throwing away clutter on the counter or convince you to come back in the evening to put the garbage out.
Communicate your boundaries with others who care for your loved one too. For example, unless it’s an emergency, phone calls and text messages should wait until the morning.
Find Someone to Talk To
Many caregivers report feeling like they’re losing their identity as so much of their time is devoted to caregiving. You aren’t alone if you feel overwhelmed. Find someone to talk to.
That might mean speaking to a therapist or a friend who is outside the situation. Joining a caregiver support group is one of the best ways to find others to talk to who understand your caregiving role. They can support your decisions, encourage you to take time for yourself, and they may be able to provide you with tips that will make caring for your loved one easier.
Don’t let caring for yourself go by the wayside just because you’re also caring for someone else. With these tips, you’ll find it’s much easier to find time for you so you can continue being the best caregiver you can be.
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