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3 Big Ways to Take Care of Yourself to Ward off Frustration

January 12, 2017

Home Care in Jupiter Island FL

Home Care in Jupiter Island FLBeing a family caregiver means that you're spending a lot of time and effort focusing on the health and well-being of another person. But if you're not spending even a little time and effort focusing on your own self-care, you're going to find caregiving far more difficult than it has to be.
Get Outside Help of All Types No matter how hard you try, you just can't do everything on your own as a family caregiver. You do need outside help and that help can take many different forms. You might want to hire home care providers, bring in extended family members, and even work with senior agencies in your area. But there's more. Join a support group, find a therapist that you trust, and look for other ways to support yourself through your caregiving journey.
Take Care of Your Physical, Emotional, and Social Needs Caregivers spend a lot of time focusing on all of the various needs of their elderly loved one, but they have the same needs, too. If you're ignoring your social, emotional, and physical health, that's a recipe for disaster. Sit down and assess what you would be doing differently if you were your elderly loved one. Then make a solid plan to implement those changes. Your health will improve and you'll find that caregiving may not be as challenging as it has been.
Seek out Quiet Time Just for You Everyone needs a break now and again. While engaging in other activities can be fun, you may want to consider the joy in doing absolutely nothing for a little bit, too. Taking some quiet time in the afternoon for a nap or to meditate can help to quiet your brain and give you the space that you need to just exist for a few moments. It isn't selfish for you to have that time that is devoted to just you and to the pursuits of your choice. In fact, it's incredibly important for your own mental health that you do just that. Neglecting yourself is the fastest way for you to start to experience the negative effects of caregiving. Make yourself a priority so that you can be a more effective caregiver.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Jupiter Island, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.