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Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Practice Self-Care
Caregiving

Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Practice Self-Care

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

Caregivers have a difficult time getting away from caregiving to take a vacation or even a spa day. However, it is critical to a caregiver’s well-being to take time for themselves and practice self-care. So, how can you work self-care into your life to preserve your well-being? I’ve rounded up 20 easy self-care activities you can do at home that take less than 20 minutes.

While you may think, I can’t even take 20 minutes for myself, remember, it is crucial to your health that you take time for self-care. It isn’t selfish to practice self-care, it is necessary.

When you don’t set aside time for self-care, it can adversely affect your health. Living with constant stress can cause a number of health issues from obesity to gastrointestinal problems and heart disease. So no matter how much you have on your plate, squeezing in time to care for yourself benefits you now and in the future.

Simple Self-Care for Caregivers

If you have been taking care of other people for so long that you don’t even know how to start practicing self-care, here are some simple things you can do at home. I promise, they don’t take a lot of time or cost a lot of money so anyone can fit them in to their busy lives.

  1. Drink a hot cup of tea, alone, in silence.
  2. Keep a gratitude journal and write three things you are grateful for at the end of each day. (If you’re struggling to come up with things, here are some givens: You woke up today, your caree woke up today, someone in the world loves you).
  3. Create a music playlist of your 5 favorite songs and play it either in the morning to get pumped for the day or at the end of the day to relax. If that is too much work, download the (free) Pandora or Spotify app and find a relaxing station to listen to before bed. My favorite is the Spa station on Pandora.
  4. Look through old photos (either in an album or on your phone) to reminisce about happy times.
  5. Do some feel-good personal grooming – paint your fingernails, file your nails and put lotion on your arms, hands and feet or do a face mask or deep hair condition.
  6. Read a magazine, book or short story.
  7. Watch a YouTube video – pick a few funny videos, a TED talk or a meditative video.
  8. Pick up a coloring book, colored pencils and get to work on this soothing activity.
  9. Take a 20 minute nap.
  10. Do a crossword puzzle or play a game of Solitaire or an online game like Candy Crush or Chess.
  11. Write a letter to your caree or a friend.
  12. Read quotes by Rumi.
  13. Take a long, hot shower or bath.
  14. Sit in silence and just breathe for 5 minutes.
  15. Bake yourself an individual treat like a microwave mug cake (you can find recipes on Pinterest or through Google).
  16. Try progressive muscle relaxation.
  17. Have a private dance party.
  18. Clear out some clutter or make a clean space to feel less chaotic
  19. Make a list of books to read, movies to watch or places you want to visit.
  20. Get yourself organized – make a to do list or figure out how to accomplish a major project.

Taking just a few minutes for yourself at home will make a big impact on your health and well-being, so go ahead, be a little selfish a few times a week. Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Practice Self-Care

Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Practice Self-Care

Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Practice Self-Care Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Practice Self-Care Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Practice Self-Care Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Practice Self-Care Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Practice Self-Care Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Practice Self-Care Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Practice Self-Care

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Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
Caregiving

Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson
CONGRATULATIONS! In honor of your upcoming wedding anniversary, your spouse just surprised you with a romantic week-long trip. You know you are supposed to be thrilled but, there is no way that you can go. You are the primary caretaker for your aging parents, and a vacation is impossible. Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
Who will take care of Mom? Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
Who will look in on her in the afternoons?
How will she get to the doctor? Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
Who will set up her medications? Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
And… what happens if there is a real emergency? Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
These are the exact reasons that you NEED a vacation. Being the primary caretaker for aging parents is challenging and demanding, and it takes its toll on you. You need this for your heart and mind. Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation
Before you start packing for your romantic getaway here are some options to keeping your aging parents safe and well, while you are relaxing by the beach!

Home Care

The preferred option for your aging parents is to remain in the same environment. Remaining at home creates the least disruption, especially for seniors dealing with memory loss or if they require specialized medical equipment.
Ask a relative or a sibling can assume the primary caretaker duties and stay over at your parent’s house while you are away. If this is not an option, ask the daytime caregiver if they can work extra hours. A home health care registry can provide personalized service from regular calls throughout the day, to night shifts or if your aging parents requires it, complete 24-hour care. Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation

Residential Care Facilities

Although not ideal, if it is impossible for your aging parent to remain in their accustomed routine at home, rest assured they will be well taken care of at a residential facility. ARCH National Respite and Resource Center, provides a wealth of information and a national locator tool that can help caregivers find respite services in their community.

Assisted Living Residence

This is ideal for independent seniors that require less help. The expectation is that your parents are mentally alert and can dress and feed themselves. Your parents can live in their own apartment while sharing communal living and dining areas.

Nursing Home

These facilities are intended for seniors with greater personal and medical requirements. Care is available day or night and constant nursing can be provided if it is deemed necessary.

Stress Busters

In order to go on vacation safe with the knowledge that your parents will be comfortable and safe until your return, start planning early. Depending on their mental capacity try and involve your parents in the decisions related to their care.

Finances

  • Understand the finances.
  • Add the costs of elder care into your vacation costs.
  • Research veterans benefits, Medicaid, foundation grants, and state funding.

Paperwork

No matter where your parents will be staying, organize a folder containing important paperwork.

  • List of primary and secondary emergency contacts
  • List of family contacts
  • List of physicians- with phone numbers and addresses
  • List of preferred hospital and pharmacy
  • List of all medications and which doctor prescribed them
  • Important documents: power of attorney, living will, advance directives, DNR orders
  • insurance cards

Enjoy Your Vacation

Relax! You are ready to enjoy a stress-free vacation. You have made arrangements for your aging parents and you have seen to the last detail. Now, is your time to take a break from the stress of being the primary caretaker.
Focus on the milestone of your wedding anniversary and enjoy the romantic getaway. BON VOYAGE!

Y.Feinerman is the digital marketing manager for Family First Home Health Care. Yocheved is passionate about family and is known to be the “go to person” for family life cycle events and FUN!
Family First Home Health Care is a consumer directed private care registry, with the purpose of putting our client in control. We are comitted to referring those caregivers who can provide high quality, innovative care and who strive for excellence. Caregier screening and referral care our business. Each of the caregivers on our registry unergo a rigorous background screening and a credetial verification. Click Here and F1HH will be in touch with you within 24 hours.

Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation

Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation Setting up Care for Aging Parents while on Vacation

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Respite Care for Family Caregivers
Caregiving

Respite Care for Family Caregivers

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

When Is Respite Care Needed for Family Caregivers?

America is filled with unrecognized heroes. One group whose selflessness is consistently overlooked is family caregivers. Over 15 million Americans support family members through at-home care and assistance, providing over 17 billion combined hours of unpaid care each year. But even if that care is unpaid, it still comes at a cost, as any caregiver who’s suffered from caregiver stress syndrome can tell you. Respite Care for Family Caregivers
Too often, family caregivers find themselves overtaxed, over-stressed, and overwhelmed. This puts caregivers at risk of burnout and can lead to high levels of mental and physical strain. One solution is respite care by family members, home health care professionals, or non-medical home care agencies.
Respite care gives family caregivers a way to make time for self-care, even while remaining their loved one’s primary caregiver. If you think you might benefit from respite care, consider the following…

Are You at Risk of Caregiver Stress & Burnout?

Family caregivers tend to go above and beyond when caring for their loved ones, but this can often result in caregivers stretching themselves thin — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Many family caregivers spend more time on care than they would at a full-time job, and it can sometimes feel like your loved one’s care has taken over your life. Respite Care for Family Caregivers
This results in what is called caregiver stress or, in the most extreme cases, caregiver burnout. Some of the signs of caregiver burnout include:

  • Anxiety, anger, and depression
  • Exhaustion and lack of sleep
  • Sudden changes in eating habits
  • Fluctuations in weight and physical fitness
  • Over-reliance on medications, alcohol, or other drugs
  • Feelings of resentment toward the care recipient

While steps such as meditation, therapy, or a healthier lifestyle can relieve caregiver stress, sometimes these changes aren’t enough. When this is the case, you may need another person who can help share the load and give you the time you need to take care of yourself.

Options for Respite Care

There are a few different types of respite care available to family caregivers, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Respite Care for Family Caregivers
Before turning to professional respite care providers, see if family members can assist with care. While family members won’t have the experience or training of a professional caregiver, they will have a pre-existing relationship with your loved one. That relationship is often invaluable when caring for an elderly person.
Other options include medical and non-medical respite care. Which kind of care you choose will depend on your loved one’s specific care needs. If your loved one relies on you for help with taking medications, for instance, then medical home care will be your best choice. On the other hand, if your loved one does not need medical assistance, then non-medical home care is often the more affordable option.
If you’re looking for non-medical respite care, you may wish to consider your local Visiting Angels home care agency. Visiting Angels caregivers offer flexible care plans, including respite care, to help share the load with family caregivers.

Respite Care for Family Caregivers

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