Caring for an elderly loved one can be both challenging and fulfilling, and it requires a great deal of time and dedication. Family caregivers who also hold full-time jobs, have families of their own, and want to maintain some semblance of a social life often find themselves stressed and exhausted. The staff at Victoria Home Care Assistance understands balancing your loved one’s care with your personal life and overall wellbeing can be difficult, but you can prevent caregiver burnout by employing the following strategies.
Ask for Help
You cannot assume family or friends will understand the stress you are feeling or know when you need help. Speak up if you are feeling overwhelmed or have concerns about your loved one’s current caregiving arrangement. You should also be willing to say yes if someone offers assistance, which may mean giving up control and allowing a friend or family member to take a different approach to your loved one’s care.
Share Your Feelings
It is important to have an avenue for expressing your feelings and frustrations. Releasing your emotions may not change your situation, but it can be cathartic and keep you from resenting your loved one or venting frustrations inappropriately. Some resources to consider include:
- Local caregiver support groups
- A trusted member of the clergy
- Close friends
- A therapist or other mental health professional
Take Care of Your Physical Health
Family caregivers can’t provide the in-home care Victoria seniors need if they are physically unhealthy. Make sure you keep up with your own doctor’s appointments, and make an effort to get 30 minutes of exercise a day. Focus on eating a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and you also should do your best to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.
Give Yourself a Break
Set aside a little time on a daily or weekly basis to do things that make you happy, which may include watching a silly movie, taking a long bath, or going for a walk in the park. Seek out respite care in Victoria from a trusted in-home care agency so you can take a short break from your caregiving duties and return to them fully recharged.
If providing care for your loved one has become too challenging and you need help, don’t let yourself burn out. Instead, turn to Home Care Assistance and allow the professionals to step in. Our experienced and compassionate caregivers can help your loved one with a wide range of tasks, including exercise, cooking, and cleaning, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, post-stroke, and Parkinson’s care Victoria families can rely on. For more information and to schedule a free in-home consultation, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (250) 592-4881 today.