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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Yes, it’s so underestimated. Caring for the caregiver is super important.
Carol Cassara (@ccassara) recently posted…Did you have a past life?
That’s so true Carol and then as the caregiver you feel guilty for needing the break!
It sounds like training for a marathon. Hoping you can follow your own advice, Rena!
Anne @MidlifeBlvd recently posted…Flying With My Father
Thanks Anne! I try although it’s not always possible.
These are all so important, and hard to remember when you’re in the midst of caregiving. Such a good reminder!
Lana recently posted…Monday Motivation XI
Thanks so much Lana! I always appreciate your support so much!
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.
Carol Graham recently posted…World’s Greatest Con Job – Week 4 – It Gets Scarier
That is so very true Carol, I know I am guilty of this sometimes.
Such useful advice, Rena. I think it applies to all long term caregivers. I just had to share it.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…In Praise of Napping #MondayMusings
Thanks so much Corinne! I really appreciate it!
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
Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com recently posted…Do My Hearing Aids Make Me Look Fat?
Thanks so much Kathy! It’s not always easy to follow my own advice but I do try!
I know you are good at #6 Rena – and I hope you are taking your own advice for all the rest!
I try Susan, I really do!
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.
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…“gurukulam” movie review
Very true!
Boy, is THIS true. Something not given much thought by many. Why respite is so important.
Carol Cassara recently posted…Making decisions with the heart
Even I didn’t see the importance of it in the beginning but boy do I now.
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.
Thank you, It is a very tough job but someone has to do it!
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.
Kimba recently posted…I’d Spray Paint the Cat If She’d Let Me
Happy to help, thank you for the support.