Women’s Independent Press

 Caregivers Need Care Too: Tips for Managing Caregiver Stress!

Hello again!  For fifteen years, the Home Instead Senior Care^® franchise network has been devoted to providing seniors with the highest quality care in their own homes, and to arming families with the information they need to make the best decisions about caring for aging loved ones.

The “Get Mom Moving” campaign is part of that effort, designed to help seniors stay mentally and physically active, as well as emotionally engaged. In this issue of the Women’s Independent Press, Home Instead Senior Care would like to remind you that caring for a senior can sometimes be challenging for the family members responsible for giving aid.  It is true that caregiving can be a rewarding experience that allows you to bond with a loved one in ways you never thought possible. It’s also true that a caregiver who takes care of herself or himself – body and mind - will ultimately be a better caregiver to a loved one. We encourage you to explore these Helpful Tips so that you can fully enjoy your caregiving labor of love.  For more information, please visit www.caregiverstress.com.  Until next time…

·   Exercise: Walk, dance, bike, run, swim for a minimum of 20 minutes at least three times per week. Consider learning stress-management exercises such as yoga or tai-chi, which teach inner balance and relaxation.

·   Meditate: Sit still and breathe deeply with your mind as “quiet” as possible whenever things feel like they are moving too quickly or you are feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities as a caregiver. Many times you will feel like you don’t even have a minute to yourself, but it’s important to walk away and to take that minute.

·   Ask for help: According to a national survey by Home Instead Senior Care of adults who are currently providing care for an aging loved one, 72 percent do so without any outside help. To avoid burnout and stress, you can enlist the help of other family members and friends, and/or consider hiring a professional non-medical caregiver for assistance. There is no need to feel guilty for reaching out.

·   Take a break: Make arrangements for any necessary fill-in help (family, friends, volunteers or professional caregivers). Take single days or even a week’s vacation. And when you’re away, stay away. Talk about different things, read that book you haven’t been able to get to, take naps, whatever relaxes you and makes you happy.

·   Eat well: Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, including nuts and beans, and whole grains. Indulging in caffeine, fast food and sugar as quick “pick-me-ups” also produce a quick “let-down.”

·   Keep your medical appointments. Make sure you get your annual check-up. Being a caregiver provides many excuses for skipping your necessary check-ups, but don’t do it. A healthy you is worth more to your aging loved one than a sick, weak you.

·   Indulge: Treat yourself to a foot massage, manicure, nice dinner out or a concert to take yourself away from the situation and to reward yourself for the wonderful care you are providing to your aging relative. You shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting to feel good.

·   Support: Find a local caregiver support group. They will help you understand that what you are feeling and experiencing is normal. This is a place to get practical advice from people who are in your situation and to bounce off those feelings of stress, since everyone is likely to be in the same situation and can empathize.

As Virginia Morris puts it in her book, How to Care for Aging Parents, it’s important for you to take part in “indulgent necessities.” Everyone needs some pampering occasionally, for both physical and mental health. So don’t feel guilty if you treat yourself once in a while…you deserve it and you need it.

If you, or any organization of which you are a part, is interested in learning more, please contact our office.  We would be happy to speak to your group free of charge about this subject, our services, and even employment opportunities. 

Sincerely,

Rebecca Champagne, Human Resource Coordinator

Home Instead Senior Care

1102 S Braddock Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15218

Phone: (412) 731-0733

Rebecca.Champagne@HomeInstead.com