Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, or any aging individual, is often overwhelming. You may not feel like you are doing it “right”. Even more important, you may be forgetting to practice self care. Caregiving is a huge undertaking when most of us have busy lives of our own. Remembering to practice self care is key to successful caregiving.
Self care for caregivers may seem counter intuitive. Aren’t you supposed to be devoting your time to helping others? The answer is yes. However, if you forget self care, you will likely not be able to care for another as effectively. This National Institute on Aging article describes some ways to make sure you care for yourself.
There are many ways to practice self care. Eating healthy, exercising, and enjoying your hobbies all contribute to more effective caregiving. But how do you find time to do all these things? Asking for help from trusted friends, family or agencies is so important. Friends and family can help give you breaks to go do the things you need to do for yourself. Furthermore, companies like Arizona Elder Care can help you take care of your parents or loved one so that you have time for yourself. Companies like Arizona Elder Care offer a variety of services (Case Management, bill pay, medication management, caregiver support) to make your life easier and your loved one’s more comfortable.
Caring for yourself means reducing your stress levels. Not knowing what will happen to your loved one should something happen to you is a huge source of stress. Planning with professionals to set up a trust, durable power of attorney, and other estate planning is imperative. As a result, you will have peace of mind knowing that they will be taken care of if you were not able to.
In addition, remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. Sometimes things will happen that are out of your control. Enjoy and acknowledge the moments of peace and connection with each other.
Following these guidelines can make care giving a little less stressful and more rewarding and enjoyable. After all, as the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself too”.