by Jill Ruff
This post is the second of two posts on how tips to care for yourself as a caregiver or care manager. These tips are adapted from the Medicare Alzheimer’s Project in Broward and Dade Counties in Florida.
In part one, we talked through how laughter, rest, eating healthy, exercise and asking for help can all help you, as a caregiver, take care of yourself. Below are a few more tips to keep in mind for caring for yourself:
- Reduce daily caffeine intake. Caffeine-crashes will make anything more challenging.
- Get professional help if you feel your support system isn’t adequate or if you feel overwhelmed. There are some aspects of caregiving that you may not be able to talk with friends and family about. In those situations, a professional may be able to help you talk about, and work through, your feelings.
- Take a break every day, even if it’s only 10 minutes alone in the backyard.
- Explore community resources and connect yourself with them. You don’t have to do it all alone, and there are all kinds of resources to help you with everything from transportation needs to your energy bill.
- Listen to music. It is amazing how much music can affect our moods. Find something that makes you happy and listen away.
- Learn relaxation techniques. We have a post here, on breathing techniques that can help you relax. You can also try meditation. Whatever works best for you.
- Regularly attend one or more support groups and education workshops. Getting others perspectives can prove to be invaluable.
- Know your limitations. You aren’t expected to do everything. Feel free to ask for help,
- Be kind to yourself. Being a caregiver takes selflessness and for that, you deserve a little kindness.
- Give yourself a treat at least once a month: an ice cream cone….a new shirt or dress….a night out with friends….flowers or a flowering plant. Anything that makes you smile.
We would love to hear what works for you too. Leave us a comment and share other ways that you have found to be helpful when caring for yourself.
Caring for an 87 year old with C.O.P.D., no dementia and little confusion; of course dealing with breathing issues as well as weakness and levels of pain. Under Hospice care. Currently, quality sleep is the big issue. My charge sleeps most of the day and, thus, nighttime he is up and down… So my quality of sleep is suffering very much. Yes, I try to sleep when he does, but the best he can seem to do is 2 hours at a time; while I toss and turn listening to the baby monitor. I am desperate for a decent night’s sleep. We are starting a sleep aid for him but he resists taking most any pill. What do I do to care for myself? A couple of hobbies in my room and attempt to enjoy my 8 hours off a week.
Lee, thank you for your comment. In addition to talking with the hospice team members about your concerns with your charge, have you also expressed your need for respite? Also, talking with your own healthcare provider may offer additional assistance and support for what you are going through.