Caregivers.... Don't forget to take care of yourself!!

Caregiving Stress

Caregivers Need to Take Care of Themselves

When caregivers neglect their own health needs, their loved ones suffer too. It is crucial that family caregivers take a break from their caregiving duties and stay attentive to their own personal health. Family caregivers often find themselves worn down, depressed, fatigued, or overwhelmed with stress to the point where they are no longer any help to their loved one. Caregivers can take certain precautions to make sure that this doesn't happen, and that both their own health needs and their loved one's health needs are continuously taken care of. The more a caregiver takes care of them-self physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, the better they will be able to care for their loved one. 

There are some specific warning signs that indicate a caregiver is neglecting their health and letting stress devastate their life. Some of these signs include:

• A caregiver may feel angry, irritable, or enter into a state of denial about their situation.
• A caregiver may become more isolated and feel like they can't "waste time" on activities they once enjoyed.
• A caregiver may find it hard to concentrate, especially on anything else besides their love one's needs and what they need to accomplish next for their loved one.
• A caregiver may become overly anxious or depressed. 
• A caregiver may be exhausted, but have trouble sleeping.
• A caregiver may start to develop severe health problems of their own.

As a caregiver your world completely changes focus from your own needs to the needs of the one you are caring for. This shift causes new expectations, demands, and responsibilities for the caregiver. This new role will take time and energy, and will leave the caregiver in need of support and outside help. As a caregiver it is important to be educated about various ways to stay healthy during this time. 

There are specific ways that a caregiver can maintain their health while providing proper care for their loved one. Some of these include:

• Caregivers should continue maintaining a nutritious diet and regular exercise routine.
• Caregivers should not neglect their other relationships, and should set aside time to maintain friendships and relationships with other family members.
• Caregivers should continue to participate in their favorite hobbies or pastimes. 
• Caregivers should build a strong network of support that may include family, friends, or professional care services. 
• Caregivers should stay informed about their own health and attend regular check-ups. 
• Caregivers should educate themselves about the condition and needs of their loved one. 

Following these helpful tips will provide a healthy foundation for a caregiver. Caregivers should never be afraid to ask for outside help. The caregiving job is too demanding to be on one person's shoulders, and there comes a time when outside help is necessary. If a caregiver is experiencing any of the warning signs of extreme stress or depression, they should consider bringing in a professional agency to help with their loved one. There is no reason for any person to take on the task of caregiving alone. Comfort of Home Healthcare was established for this very purpose; to comfort and provide for families in their time of great need. Comfort of Home Healthcare is ready and available to make your loved one feel right at home and well taken care of in their own home. 

For more information on caregiving stress visit the following links:

Caregiving Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

Caregiving Stress: Warning Signs

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