No one is more selfless than a caregiver. They make themselves available to their disabled loved ones and make adult disabled care their priority. But what about caregiver self care? Is there such a thing as care for the caregiver? Or is it just a caregiver myth? Here’s some advice for caregivers of elderly so they don’t have to feel that their care doesn’t exist.
Caregiver Myth: Caregivers Won’t Need Care
Yes, it is truly okay for a caregiver to ask for help or to have a moment to take care of themselves. Take some time to recover your emotional and physical strength to better care for your loved one.
What are the effects of not having self-care?
While all the things a caregiver does are important and wonderful, they do have some effects on a caregiver’s health and wellness. Certain symptoms include:
- Poor eating habits
- Failure to exercise
- Failure to make doctor appointments for their own health
- Sleep deprivation
- Failure to rest while sick
These symptoms can have lasting effects, which could keep a caregiver from completing their duties because they are now in need of care.
Self Care Tips for Caregivers
It is completely okay to ask for help
Caregivers feel they are the only person that can give disabled adult care. They may feel that because they are the primary caregiver, they aren’t allowed to ask for help. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
It is completely okay for a caregiver to ask for any form of help to care for themselves a little. You can set up a time for your loved one to visit an annex program or an adult day center. This will allow some time for the caregiver to care for anything they need even if it is to just sit down and recover.
It is also completely okay to make your self care a priority
The health and wellness of their loved one is a caregiver’s priority, but how can their loved one be taken care of if the caregiver is not in their own best health and wellness? Caregiver self care is the best way to handle the stress a caregiver may experience.
Here are some tips for caregivers to prioritize their health and wellness:
- Make a doctor’s appointment: It’s a good idea to set up an appointment with a doctor to let them know you’re a caregiver. They can provide you health advice and monitor your health in order to keep you in good health for caregiving.
- Set up health goals: Make a list of goals you’d like to start doing, such as improving your sleeping routine or eating healthier. It’s good to re-fuel your mind and body.
- Seek support groups: It feels better to know that you’re not the only one who may be going through caregiver stress. Joining a support group will allow you to talk through what you may be feeling. It could be the emotional support you need.
Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers Can Help with Caregiver Self Care
If you need some time to regain your strengths, consider bringing your loved one to the Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers. With multiple programs available, we will make sure your loved one is in the best care. Visit us today!
