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Home » Blog » CAREGIVING » AWARENESS » The Physical Toll Of Caregiving

June 24, 2016 By Rena McDaniel 22 Comments

The Physical Toll Of Caregiving

The physical toll of caregiving can be quite high if you are not prepared for it. Being a caregiver is both a physical and an emotionally challenging role and it can last for many years. Keeping yourself healthy is one of the best things you can do for you and your loved one.

There are several things you can do to keep your health in tip-top shape for both of you.

  • EAT HEALTHY. Eating well-balanced meals goes a long way in providing the necessary vitamins and nutrients your body will need.
  • EXERCISE. A good exercise regimen is not only good for the caregiver but also for the patient. Exercise has been shown to not only provide the necessary energy, but it can also put you in a good mood and make you feel good as well.
  • REST. A good night’s sleep is paramount. You can’t do an effective job if you are sleepy all the time. You need a good 8 hours of rest every night. As the disease progresses this will get harder and harder. A person with Alzheimer’s seldom sleeps through the night, but exercising and eating right can help with bad sleeping habits.
  • TAKE BREAKS. Respite care is necessary to avoid caregiver burnout. Taking time for yourself and other family members will help you be a better caregiver. A couple of hours every day or a day a week can make a huge difference in how you feel and how effective you are as a caregiver.
  • GET SUPPORT. Caregiving is not a job that can be done single-handedly. You need help. Getting a great support team assembled whether they are family, friends or professionals is a must.
  • EDUCATE YOURSELF.  Being a knowledgeable caregiver will make you more confident and secure in what you are doing. It will minimize feelings of desperation, insecurities, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

Being a caregiver is the hardest job you will ever do. It is grueling. There will be times you will think that you just can’t do it another day and that’s exactly why respite care is so important. This isn’t a sprint it’s more like a Strongman competition, only there are no trophies or slaps on the back. Our prize is knowing that someone we love spent their last years happy, loved, and safe.

Staying healthy will be an added benefit to both you and your loved one. Following these tips will go a long way in helping you to be able to do all that you will be called on to do. Taking care of your emotional self will also greatly impact your physical self.

Did you know that caregivers are twice as likely to suffer from depression and other illnesses? Keeping physically and emotionally healthy can change EVERYTHING!

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You can find “10 Things That Can Save Your Sanity When You Are A Caregiver” & other great resources in our Brand New Resource Library!

Appreciate the good, laugh at the crazy, and deal with the rest. ~The Diary of an Alzheimer's Caregiver.

 

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Filed Under: AWARENESS, Content Upgrades, RESOURCES, RESOURCES, TIPS Tagged With: Alzheimer's Awareness, Alzheimer's resources, Caregiver awareness, caregiver health, Caregiver survival, Caregiver tips, caregiving, Caregiving resources, caregiving tips

About Rena McDaniel

I'm a recovering Alzheimer's Caregiver, a former loving daughter, a current wife, mom, and grandma who remembers all too clearly what it is like on the front lines of Alz Caregiving. I provide real advice, pro tips, or excellent tools from my own experiences and other experts I find along the way. A community of caregivers supporting each other!

« The Emotional Toll of Caregiving
Having The Alzheimer’s Conversation »

Comments

  1. Carol Cassara (@ccassara) says

    June 15, 2015 at 8:15 am

    Yes, it’s so underestimated. Caring for the caregiver is super important.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 23, 2015 at 8:17 am

      That’s so true Carol and then as the caregiver you feel guilty for needing the break!

      Reply
  2. Anne @MidlifeBlvd says

    June 15, 2015 at 9:38 am

    It sounds like training for a marathon. Hoping you can follow your own advice, Rena!

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 23, 2015 at 8:17 am

      Thanks Anne! I try although it’s not always possible.

      Reply
  3. Lana says

    June 15, 2015 at 7:51 pm

    These are all so important, and hard to remember when you’re in the midst of caregiving. Such a good reminder!

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 23, 2015 at 8:18 am

      Thanks so much Lana! I always appreciate your support so much!

      Reply
  4. Carol Graham says

    June 15, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    I think one you should add to your list is “Don’t beat yourself up” A lot of caregivers I know are always thinking they should do more, be more, care more, etc.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 23, 2015 at 8:19 am

      That is so very true Carol, I know I am guilty of this sometimes.

      Reply
  5. Corinne Rodrigues says

    June 16, 2015 at 1:44 am

    Such useful advice, Rena. I think it applies to all long term caregivers. I just had to share it.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 23, 2015 at 8:20 am

      Thanks so much Corinne! I really appreciate it!

      Reply
  6. Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com says

    June 16, 2015 at 10:09 am

    Hi Rena! Once again you’ve done the world a favor by pointing out the incredible toll that being a caregiver can be. And thank you for reminding us all that there are things we all need to do to stay healthy and strong regardless of what it going on in our lives–but especially when we are dealing with challenges! ~Kathy

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 23, 2015 at 8:20 am

      Thanks so much Kathy! It’s not always easy to follow my own advice but I do try!

      Reply
  7. SusanF - of everymoment says

    June 16, 2015 at 10:49 am

    I know you are good at #6 Rena – and I hope you are taking your own advice for all the rest!

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 23, 2015 at 8:21 am

      I try Susan, I really do!

      Reply
  8. Lois Alter Mark says

    June 25, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    These are such important tips. Like the flight attendants always tell us, put on your own oxygen mask before helping someone else put on theirs.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      July 7, 2016 at 1:26 pm

      Very true!

      Reply
  9. Carol Cassara says

    June 25, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    Boy, is THIS true. Something not given much thought by many. Why respite is so important.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      July 7, 2016 at 1:28 pm

      Even I didn’t see the importance of it in the beginning but boy do I now.

      Reply
  10. LISA CARPENTER says

    June 25, 2016 at 1:31 pm

    I so admire you and all others who serve as caregivers. My sister-in-law cares for my MIL (outside of what those in the nursing home do for her). It’s such a tough job. Yes, caregivers must first care for themselves. Wonderful tips here, Rena.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      July 7, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      Thank you, It is a very tough job but someone has to do it!

      Reply
  11. Kimba says

    June 26, 2016 at 9:38 am

    Thx so much for the reminders. I’ve seen caregivers let their own health decline because they are so focused on the person they are caring for. Sharing this with some good friends.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      July 7, 2016 at 1:31 pm

      Happy to help, thank you for the support.

      Reply

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