It’s important for caregivers to practice self-care and take extended breaks away from their daily duties. During your time off this summer, make sure to do more than sit at home and catch up on rest. Do some traveling, enroll in a fun arts and crafts class, or learn something new. Here are some of the things you can do when taking a break from caregiving in the summer.
1. Take a Cruise
Going on a cruise is a fun way to unwind and enjoy a summer break away from caregiving. There will be tasty cuisine to try out and a variety of activities and excursions you can enjoy. While on the cruise, you can socialize with other people and enjoy the different cultures when stopping at the ports. The purpose of taking a cruise is to relax, alleviate stress and anxiety, and recharge.
Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Waterloo families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
2. Attend a Music Festival
If you have always enjoyed music but haven’t had the time to attend musical events, use your extended break to catch up on what you’ve been missing out on. Attend one of the many music festivals that normally take place during the warm summer months. You can also attend different concerts and watch your favorite artists perform.
3. Work on Home Improvements
While on a summer break, consider painting the rooms in your home, doing a deep cleaning of the house, or working on certain home improvements. It is important to stay physically active while on a summer break, and doing home improvement projects can keep your heart pumping and your body in good shape. Finishing the projects will give you a sense of accomplishment and pride.
4. Go Swimming
You don’t need a pool in your backyard to swim. You can go swimming at a community pool, purchase a membership at a local country club, or visit a nearby beach. Swimming is a fun activity that relaxes the muscles, boosts energy levels, and alleviates stress. You can also sign up for swimming competitions, creating more opportunities to socialize with other people.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need a break from your caregiving duties. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional senior home care, Waterloo Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
5. Start a Garden
If you prefer to stay at home during your break from caregiving, you can start a garden or add more plants to an existing garden. Working in a garden may relax your mind and provide the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to function. You can plant flowers, fruits, vegetables, and more. Gardening is a fun activity that also boosts self-esteem.
6. Plan a Camping Trip
Caregivers who enjoy the great outdoors should head to the nearest camping site. Being out in nature relaxes the mind and decreases depression and anxiety. When relaxed, the body creates more serotonin, a chemical that makes people feel joyful. While on a camping trip, you can build campfires, go fishing and bird watching, take hikes, or play a variety of games.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Waterloo Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. To create a customized in-home care plan for your aging loved one, give us a call at (519) 954-2111 today.