Caregiving can take its toll on the mind and body. Over time, caregivers can feel burnt out from the stressors this job holds, so it is important to remember that the caregiver has to care for themselves as well. Stress can manifest from a variety of sources, so taking the time to recalibrate or simply take a deep breath is a key to longevity. Assisting those battling cancer, recovering from a stroke, or dealing with a chronic illness can be overwhelming. A few things to watch for with caregiving stressors is the effect that being the primary outlet brings, how the caregiver manages their own time, diet, etc., and also maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Being an outlet can take the form of being the elder’s primary source of information to the outside world or simply assuming the role of a counselor to allow the elder to vent, gossip, or simply get advice. Sometimes, all the elder needs to do is vent to their caregiver, getting out a frustration or two is something that all humans can benefit from. There are too many times where people allow things to bother them and they bottle it up; there is no difference when it comes to an elder that is in the custody of a caregiver. Being that source for the latest news and what’s happening in the world is one way an elder can keep their mind fresh. If they know what’s going on in the world, that can lead to fresher conversations, which can benefit both the caregiver and the elder.
When the caregiver looks out for the elder, it is extremely important that caregiver is looking out for themselves as well. Caregiving can follow a set schedule each day while on the clock, but it is still important to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Making sure the elder’s diet is consistent is important but making sure the caregiver’s diet is intact is as equally as important. The caregiver can’t help the elder eat healthy and then turn around and do the opposite. This is where the phrase “practice what you preach comes in.” Maintaining a consistent diet gives one more energy and helps maintain a healthy body composition which in turn leads to long term success.
Maintaining a healthy social life is also key to help the caregiver battle to stressors their job holds. Disconnecting from the world because the caregiver might have had a bad day or experience fatigue will not lead to a healthy lifestyle outside of work. Respite care is an effective way to give the primary caregiver a break. Allowing work to interfere with life outside of work results in being stressed out all the time as well. It is important to plan activities or get out and live life to offset the challenges of being a caregiver.
If you need help as a Caregiver, give Rosewood a call today at 770.800.0923.
