FIVE TIPS TO MAINTAIN CAREGIVER SANITY

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With a veritable aging avalanche occurring in America—an estimated 10,000 baby boomers reaching age 65 each day—families are pressed into caregiving roles that, at best, are challenging, and at worst could even prove to be deadly. Damaging health effects for those between the ages of 66 and 96 who provide care for a loved one include a 63% higher risk of dying than those who are not providing care. There’s also an increased risk of developing a chronic health condition or depression, or an impairment to the immune system.

Whether a family member evolves into a caregiver role as a result of a sudden crisis—such as the heart attack of a parent—or more gradually over time through the natural deterioration of independence in aging, a common thread of decreased self-care becomes apparent. Caregivers often experience feelings of helplessness, believing there’s no one else capable of providing the care their loved one needs, as well as feelings of guilt just in thinking of taking a break when their loved one is struggling.

The following tips can help ease these feelings and allow caregivers to take better care of themselves in order to provide the best care for their loved one:

  1. First and foremost, stay healthy: eat a balanced diet, keep up with immunizations and regular check-ups.
  2. Take time to relax and recharge with a favorite calming activity – reading, gardening, soaking in a bath, knitting, prayer or meditation.
  3. Laughter really can be the best medicine! Share a humorous story with a friend, watch a comedy, or seek out a group offering laughter yoga.
  4. Exercise each day, whether simply taking a walk with a neighbor or participating in an exercise video, or by joining a group exercise class such as Zumba or dancing.
  5. Never be afraid to ask for help, which includes contacting a professional home care agency. Providing care for a loved one can be a 24/7/365 requirement, and it’s impossible to manage the responsibility alone.

For more ideas on managing the ups and downs of caregiving, check out this article from PBS. And for professional respite care services, contact Responsive Home Health. Our fully trained, compassionate Ft Lauderdale caregivers are experienced in sharing in the journey of aging care, and can allow family caregivers some much needed time away to rejuvenate.