At St. Andrews Resources for Seniors, we know the importance of remembering these simple tips when caring for elderly, and we wanted to share them with you. Take a few moments to ensure your caregiving reaches it full potential each and every day!
- Work off stress. Exercise regularly.
- Give yourself positive reinforcement
- Take daily, weekly, monthly and yearly breaks.
- Let your friends help you.
- Give yourself permission to have a good cry.
- Laugh about something everyday
- Eat 3 balanced meals daily
- Choose to take charge of your life. Don’t let your loved one’s illness or disability always take center stage.
- Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor and value yourself. You’re doing a very hard job and you deserve some quality time, just for you
- Seek, accept, and at times demand help. Don’t ever be ashamed to ask for help.
- Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
- Stand up and be counted. Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
- Trust your instincts. Most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.
- Grieve for your losses, allow yourself to feel the way you feel, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
- Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition. Information is empowering.
- Watch out for signs of depression and or illness, and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
- There’s a difference between caring and doing. Establish Your Limits. You have the right to set limits on what you will or can do.