May 27, 2022
Caring for an ill or disabled loved one at home can be rewarding, but it can also leave the caregiver feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and both physically and mentally exhausted. If you’re acting as a caregiver, know that it’s perfectly normal – and okay! – to feel this way. A caregiver is typically making a huge change to their lifestyle, daily routine, and level of responsibility. They may have had to leave a job, or give up activities they enjoy, in order to care for a sick child or parent. Caring for yourself will help to mitigate stress and negative feelings.
Why Caregivers Should Engage in Self-care
Don’t feel guilty prioritizing your own needs while caring for a loved one. Meeting your emotional and physical needs will help you avoid burnout, and will leave you better equipped to deal with the day-to-day challenges of caring for another person.
Self-care starts with being kind and compassionate toward yourself. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or anxious, and it’s normal to miss what your life was like before you had these responsibilities. Having these feelings, or taking time for yourself, doesn’t make you a “bad parent” or a “bad child.” Recognize the important role you play, and how your hard work and dedication have improved their quality of life. You are deserving of self-care, and caring for yourself is essential in order for you to be able to continue to care for your loved one at home.
Self-care Ideas for Caregivers
There are many ways to engage in self-care as a home caregiver, and each person’s ideal self-care plan will look different. Here are some ideas that any carer can adopt:
- Eat a balanced diet, and drink plenty of water. If the person you’re caring for requires a special diet, you don’t need to eat the same thing that they’re eating. Consider meal-prepping once or twice a week to avoid having to prepare multiple meals at every mealtime.
- Stick to your exercise routine as much as possible. Home exercise equipment is a good option if you’re not able to leave the house frequently. If you didn’t exercise before, try taking up short walks a few times a week. Exercise will help keep your body healthy and your energy levels up, which is important when caring for someone else.
- Make getting enough sleep a priority.
- Accept offers of help from family and friends. If no one has extended an offer of help, consider asking! Many family members may see what a great job you’re doing and assume you don’t need help. (A home nursing agency is also an excellent way to get help at home.)
- Don’t set yourself up for failure with overwhelming to-do lists. Only include items that you know you can complete in one day, and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t accomplish everything.
- Try meditation or breathing exercises when you’re feeling particularly stressed.
- Set aside brief periods in your day for fun activities that are just for you. This could include things like reading, listening to music or a podcast, doing a puzzle, painting your nails, calling a friend, or taking a break to do something fun and silly, like dancing or singing.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help: Home Nursing Agency in NYC
If you need extra help caring for a loved one at home, consider home care. JSP Home Care Services specializes in both adult and pediatric home care in NYC, and our services are often covered by health insurance. Contact us online or call (866) 860-2528 to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/self-care-for-caregivers
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2021/15-minute-self-care-ideas.html
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/res/VPTC2/4%20Care%20for%20the%20Caregiver/Taking_Care_of_You_SelfCare_for_Family_Caregivers.pdf
