Caring for an aging loved one can be a rewarding experience, but without the proper support and assistance, caregiving can also burn an individual out. Caregivers must assume a wide range of responsibilities, which can leave them overwhelmed and subject to fatigue, sadness, and even depression. It’s much easier to prevent burnout than it is to recover from it, so here are some simple things caregivers can do to reduce their stress and avoid burnout.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Sleep deprivation has a negative effect on the mind’s ability to stay alert and retain information. Not getting enough sleep also decreases the ability to enjoy relationships and have a good quality of life. You need to work with family, friends, and professional caregivers to ensure you get seven or eight hours of uninterrupted sleep several nights a week.
If you need assistance caring for your loved one, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Home care service professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Long-distance runners prepare for marathons by making sure their bodies are well nourished. The constant demands of caregiving require a similar mindset. Eat like you’re preparing for a marathon—not high-quantity but high-quality food. Friends and family members who can’t help in other ways may be willing to bring in an occasional meal.
Family caregivers don’t have to risk their own wellbeing to make sure their loved ones continue to receive high-quality care. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Barrie, ON, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
Don’t Forget to Laugh
Because taking care of an aging adult isn’t always the easiest task, it’s important to balance your life with laughter. Many researchers believe laughter reduces stress and helps people sleep better. When you can’t invite friends over, turn on your favourite sitcom or funny movie and laugh out loud. You’ll be protecting your mental and emotional health.
Maintain Your Social Relationships
Taking care of a loved one tends to be isolating. However, maintaining close relationships and social ties is important for overall health and happiness. Often friends and loved ones don’t know what to do, so they stop calling you. Call them. Use respite care services to make arrangements to go out with people whose company you enjoy. Invite people over even though you can’t be a perfect host. Your friends will understand.
Enjoy the Little Things
All anyone really has is the present. Nothing else is guaranteed. Take the time to enjoy the small things, such as sunshine pouring through the window, a warm cup of coffee, or a smile. Find joy and gratitude in these moments.
For family caregivers who are at risk for burnout, hiring a professional caregiver can provide a much-needed source of support. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Barrie families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at 647-970-3803.