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2008 March
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This is the best benefit
-- a participating
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Caring Workplace Monthly Article: November 2007
National Caregiver Month:
Honoring Caregivers Your general well-being affects how you view life and your ability to cope with the daily challenges of caregiving. Taking care of yourself is important and involves:
These things may sound simple enough but in today’s hectic world it can be difficult and seem unrealistic to follow through on these suggestions. After a long day of juggling our work life and family life it may be much easier to grab some fast food on the way home rather than worrying about shopping and cooking for ourselves and our families. However, keeping the fridge stocked full of fruits and vegetables and easy to prepare dishes can help provide the fuel we need to get through those busy days and feel better in the process. The same problem applies to trying to find time to exercise when the last thing a caregiver may feel like is exerting more energy. However, being physically active can provide a much needed outlet that is relaxing and allows you to handle stress more effectively. Stretching, walking, jogging, swimming, or bicycling are examples of revitalizing exercises. Start small and build up a program over time. If you don’t feel you have a half hour to spare start with ten minutes. After you work this into your daily routine you can make gradual increases over time. Consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine. One of the most important things for our health is getting adequate rest and allowing our body and mind ample time to recuperate each night. Sleep restores and allows you to perform at your optimal level throughout the day. If your loved one is restless at night and disturbs your sleep, consult your doctor and fellow caregivers on possible ways to handle the situation. You may need to have outside help in the evenings to allow you time to sleep. If you are unable to sleep because of tension, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualizing pleasant scenes can be helpful. Continued sleep disturbance may be a sign of major depression, which needs medical attention. Many caregivers report that they no longer have time for themselves. Everything they do is in an effort to meet the needs of others. This can lead to severe depression and a host of other problems. It is important that caregivers have time to themselves that is about themselves and doing something they enjoy. This gives time to reflect on feelings and to work through emotions when there may not be many opportunities to do so. Having time to read a book, visit a friend, or watch TV can also bring enjoyment and relaxation, and break the constant pattern and pressure of caregiving. At times there may simply not be enough hours in the day to complete all the tasks at hand. This is why it is so important to ask for help when needed. A caregiver may rely on an informal support network of friends and relatives to help out when needed. If this support is not available there are many community resources such as in home services, adult day services, residential care, along with many other sources of respite and assistance. The important thing is realizing that help is available and asking for it when needed. Everyone needs a helping hand at times, often we just need to be reminded that it is there. It is true that those who care for other people can do a better job of caregiving if time and attention also are given to their own personal needs. In other words, if we can’t take care of ourselves how can we take care of someone else? However, it is important to recognize that despite an individual’s situation their own needs must be a top priority in their life regardless of the type of demands they have upon them. This is something we all deserve, but the fact is that sometimes it is a challenge to make the time to do so. Meeting your own needs will satisfy you and give you additional strength and vigor to bring to all aspects of your life, including the challenges related to caregiving. Caregiving can be a joyous and wonderful venture, but in order to reap the benefits it is necessary to achieve balance. For all of you caregivers out there, thank you for your hard work and dedication, and be sure to reward yourself this month and throughout the year. Please contact your ElderCare Specialist at 314-802-5106 or hobrien@standrews1.com. |
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