Being a caregiver can be an overwhelming duty, and the pain of seeing your mother or father become less able may be difficult to handle, which is why it’s important to take time for yourself. Here are some of the things you can do when taking a break from caregiving.
Put Together a Support System
Taking time off from your caregiving duties is important for your physical and mental health. To ensure you’re able to relax and take some time away, work out your support system as early as possible. Hire a professional caregiver for a few hours a week or enlist the help of a relative or family friend to provide some respite care.
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.
Develop Hobbies of Your Own
When you finally get some time to yourself, you need something to look forward to. Maybe you have some hobbies you enjoyed long ago that you could start again, or perhaps it’s time to learn something new. Reading, doing puzzles and crafts, and gardening are all popular hobbies you can consider. If you don’t know what you want to do, look at your local community college or community centre. These places often offer adult education classes for minimal cost, and you can learn about many different topics.
Take Time for Self-Care
Sometimes even a small break from caregiving can make a big difference. A long hot bath at the end of the day may relax you and help you prepare for the next day. Exercising for half an hour in the morning is a great way to start the day, and taking a few minutes to paint your nails or read a favourite book may provide the relaxation you need and deserve.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to take a break from your caregiving duties to focus on self-care. Homecare services professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Cultivate Friendships & Relationships
Being a caregiver can be stressful and isolating. Don’t get so busy and stressed that you forget about the other people in your life. When you have time off from caregiving, go out for dinner or coffee with your friends. If you have a partner, make time for date nights.
Watch Out for Your Own Health
When you’re overwhelmed with caregiving responsibilities and worrying about your parent’s health, it can be easy to let your own health slide. Make sure you’re looking out for yourself as well. Keep appointments for regular physicals and dental checkups. If you need any medications, make sure you take them as prescribed.
Caring for an aging adult can be a difficult task, especially when managed alone. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Waterloo elder care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (519) 954-2111.