Make Sure You Care For Yourself, Too
Take a look at some of the facts about being a family caregiver. Family members who care for an older adult spend an average of 22.3 hours providing that help. The top three activities of daily living tasks are:
- Helping a family member get out of bed or stand up after sitting
- Helping a family member get dressed
- Helping a family member get to the toilet
It’s even more likely that you’ll be helping your parents with instrumental activities of daily living. These top the list.
- Driving your parent around
- Helping your parent shop
- Doing the housework
You’re helping with some or all of these tasks. If you’re working full-time, helping your parents, and also managing your own household, how much free time do you have left? The term self-care applies here. You need to take care of yourself, too. Learning that balance is important.
What is Self-Care?
Home Care Highland Park, IL: Self Care
Self-care is exactly as it sounds. You spend some time and take care of yourself. Think about the things you’ve been putting off or avoiding. Get those things checked off your list, and it helps you relieve stress.
You haven’t seen your doctor in five years because you’re always taking your parents to their appointments and helping them at their home. It’s time to catch up. Don’t be embarrassed. You’re not the first patient to avoid the doctor for several years.
Take a weekend and do something fun. See your friends, go shopping for things for yourself, or sleep late and have a lazy day at home. You love photography but haven’t had time to take pictures in years. Bring your camera on a day out exploring somewhere you enjoy.
Come Up With a Way to Balance Your Needs and Your Parents’ Care
Sit down and think about the best ways to balance your self-care and your parents’ needs. Talk to other family members about stepping up to help out. If you’re working 24 hours a week and spending another 24 hours at your parents’ house, see if your sister can take over some of the things you help your mom and dad complete.
If you don’t have siblings, reach out to aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends. Even an hour off every now and then is an improvement.
Arrange Home Care and Take Breaks
Do yourself and your parents a favor and talk to a home care specialist. When you’re tired and out of patience, the help you offer your parents often leads to tension. Avoid inadvertently hurting their feelings by being snappy. Let a home care aide help them out while you take a day or two off to relax and return with a fresh, positive attitude.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Highland Park, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
Sources:
https://www.caregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AARP1340_RR_Caregiving50Plus_508.pdf
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