If you’re caring for an elderly parent or someone with a chronic illness or injury, you know it’s easy to get overwhelmed. What you may not realize is, you’re actually caring for two people – your loved one and you. So it’s important to take care of the caregiver too.
Here are some ways you can take care of yourself (and in the process, your loved one, too):
- Take Time for Yourself — Some caregivers find time to regroup when their loved one is resting. They might call a friend, pop in a ten-minute exercise DVD, snack on a nutritional energy bar, play with a pet or do another relaxing activity. You can only give what you have so it’s important to “refill your tank” when you can.
- Ask for Specific Help — It’s okay to ask for help when you need it. It doesn’t mean you can’t do the job; it means you’re doing a big job. Be specific when you ask. For example, ask someone to visit your loved one or prepare a meal on a specified date and time. Remember, some people may say no, so move on to another person.
- Join a Support Group — Search for “support groups for caregivers” in Google, Bing or Yahoo. The biggest advantage to joining a group is realizing you’re not alone. You get to talk to people who are going through the same thing you are and who can offer ideas and support.
- Use National and Local Resources — There are a number of free resource tools with information on items like respite care, adapting the home for care, and directories of local services available. Here are a few places to get started: caregiver.va.gov, usa.gov, eldercare.gov, medicare.gov.
You want to do everything possible to take care of someone who is special to you. An important part of the job is knowing that includes you, too. Give yourself a break and take care of the caregiver.
