What Else Can Family Caregivers Do to Take Better Care of Themselves?

One of the last things that family caregivers might think about is how to care for themselves. They’re typically so wrapped up in caring for other people that it’s impossible to focus on what they need. But the irony is that neglecting themselves means that it’s going to eventually become impossible to keep being a family caregiver. Respite care can be a huge part of better self-care for family caregivers.

Set Better Boundaries

It’s so important for family caregivers to have a better and more realistic understanding of what they can actually do and where their boundaries lie. Facing up to reality means that family caregivers start to determine where they can get extra help and possibly reach out to home care services to get assistance.

Focus on Eating Well

Proper fuel through eating well is part of what helps family caregivers keep going and doing the things they do. The problem is that they often opt for what’s easy or available, which might not meet their body’s nutritional needs. Focusing more on actually eating whole foods that are nutrient-dense can make a huge difference in terms of energy levels and overall well-being.

Make Daily Movement Goals

When family caregivers aren’t getting the exercise they need, they might not sleep well, they can lose mobility, and they might find they’re not as healthy as they want to be. Getting back to moving more often can help family caregivers to feel better overall and to regain some of the energy they might have lost along the way. Respite care can be there with seniors to allow family caregivers to take time away to exercise without guilt or worry.

Ask for Help More Often

Family caregivers can find it incredibly difficult to ask for help with daily tasks and caregiving duties. They often feel as if they are the only ones responsible for doing these tasks, which doesn’t have to be the way things go. Delegating tasks and asking for assistance isn’t a bad thing to do, and it can make room for the things that family caregivers need to do.

Take Time Away

Caregiving can’t be the only thing that family caregivers do. If that’s all that they’re focused on every day, that’s going to take a toll eventually. Family caregivers need to be able to do activities they enjoy, spend time with other people, and do whatever it is that helps them to feel fulfilled. Respite time ensures that family caregivers can do this easily and as often as possible.

Consider Support Groups

Being a family caregiver is a huge responsibility. Talking with other family caregivers through online and in-person support groups can be a big piece of the self-care puzzle. It’s empowering to talk to other people going through some of the same things.

If family caregivers aren’t taking the best possible care of themselves, that’s going to make everything more difficult. Respite care providers can help family caregivers find the time and space to try more of these activities more often.

If you or an aging loved one are considering respite care in Mamaroneck, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Care Pairing for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.