Returning Home: A Rested Caregiver

During the early days of your senior’s recovery, you will want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.

Family caregivers often suffer from debilitating stress that can endanger their own health and place the person they care for at risk as well. Anger anxiety, sadness, exhaustion and guilt are just a few of the signs that you will need assistance and support as a caregiver.

Make sure you’re doing the following:

• Work out: Exercise and enjoy something you like to do (walking, dancing, biking, running, swimming, etc.) for a minimum of 20 minutes at the least three times per week.
• Meditate: Sit still and breathe deeply with your mind as “quiet” as possible whenever things feel as if they are moving too quickly or you are feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities as a caregiver.
• Ask for help: According to a national survey by the Home Instead Senior Care network of adults who are currently providing care for an aging loved one, 72% do so without any outside help. To avoid burnout and stress, you can enlist the help of other family members and friends, and/or consider the services of the Home Instead Senior Care network’s Returning Home Care Program.
• Take a break: Make arrangements for any necessary fill-in help (family, friends, volunteers or professional caregivers.) Take single days or even a week’s vacation. Talk about different things, read that book you haven’t been able to get to, take naps, whatever relaxes you and makes you happy.
• Eat well: Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, including nuts and beans, and whole grains. Indulging in caffeine, fast food and sugar as quick “pick-me-ups” also produce a quick “letdown.”

Caring for you, the caregiver, ultimately provides your senior loved one with the support needed to make a successful transition home.