How to care for a senior while caring for yourself. Are you doing too much? Find out here.
Caring for Yourself While Caring for a Senior
The rewards of caring for an aging loved one are many: a sense of fulfillment, feeling useful and needed, and the ability learn something about yourself, others and the meaning of life.
But these positive attributes have a flip side. Caregivers are often on call most of the time, which makes it challenging to juggle other parts of life, such as work, chores, caring for children and spouses. No wonder caregivers don’t feel they have any free time!
Are you doing too much?
If you identify with more than one of the following, you may be at risk of burning out:
1. Feeling overwhelmed, helpless or depressed
2. Anxiety or irritability
3. Anger toward the person you’re caring for, your family or yourself
4. Health problems (headaches, heartburn, viruses)
5. Insomnia or sleeping too much
6. Social withdrawal
7. Smoking and/or drinking to excess
Caregiving is Difficult & Often Underappreciated
Caring for an aging loved one is often a 24/7 job. Adding to the complexity is unpredictability. Your parent may occasionally not know who you are, not be able to follow simple requests, or may have behavioral challenges, such as yelling or wandering away from home. As a caregiver, you may feel sad, scared, lonely, angry, frustrated, stressed, exhausted, guilty or underappreciated. You may have difficulty recognizing your parent as the same person who raised you. All very normal!
Do you spend much of your time caring for others, but neglect your own physical and mental health? Lifting and bathing your loved one can be tough on your body. Do you avoid going to the doctor because you don’t have time or can’t afford the extra expense? Caregivers have an increased risk of serious health problems including substance abuse, diabetes, heart problems, pain, headaches and depression.
Give Yourself a Break!
1. Visit your doctor
Help prevent getting sick by catching any medical conditions early. Schedule time for those regular health screenings and vaccinations. Talk to your doctor about your stress levels. He or she can recommend support groups, medication or other resources to help you cope.
2. Learn about your loved one’s medical condition
Talk to their doctor, join a support group and search the internet to educate yourself about your parent’s condition. You’ll have a better idea of what to expect, and you’ll be less likely to take their behavior issues personally.
3. Stay organized
Make a schedule with your family and other caregivers. Schedule time for yourself to do things you enjoy – like visiting with friends, going out to dinner or seeing a movie. Relax! You’ll actually be fueling your inner batteries to go back to caregiving with a positive attitude.
4. Join a support group
Within a safe, confidential environment, you can share your feelings honestly with others who are going through the same journey. Together you can pool resources, problem solve, or simply listen. Online tools, forums and mobile apps can help you find a support resources.
5. Get help
Reach out to family members, friends, professional caregiving services and build a list of those who are willing to help. Have a plan to keep from being overwhelmed. Tap community services for meal delivery, transportation and financial counseling. Check with your church or synagogue for volunteers who can give you a much-needed break. Many assisted living communities offer respite care so that you can take a vacation or attend to other areas of your life, knowing your loved one is safe and well cared for while you’re gone.
6. Know your limits
Accept that there is a limit to what you can do. Identify the tipping point where your loved one will need more than you can provide. Tour assisted living and memory care communities NOW, before your loved one experiences a crisis. Having an experienced, affordable and comfortable future home for your aging parent will give you, your family and your loved one peace of mind.
Don’t wait too long before making a move to a supportive retirement community. Seniors with less impaired memories and fewer physical limitations often adapt better to new living situations. With the help of experienced staff, older adults often improve, because they are more willing to try new things and make new friends. And with the daily tasks of caregiving delegated to others, you can get back to being a daughter or son again, rekindling your relationship with your mom or dad.
Ready to change things?
Let’s talk about your loved one and his or her needs. Contact Springbrooke Senior Living at 303.331.6693 or marketing.springbrooke@elkco.net.