December 9, 2019
If you’re a caregiver, these five resolutions can be life-changing.
If you’re among the 8% of Americans who actually accomplish their New Year’s resolution goals, well done! However, if you’re like the majority of us, you’ve quit before even turning the calendar page to February. Although without a doubt it’s commendable to strive to better ourselves by resolving to lose 10 pounds or eat more healthy, for a busy family caregiver, there are a number of truly meaningful, attainable goals that will improve life throughout the year.
- Find joy. Taking care of another person is a labor of love, but can also result in challenges that make it difficult to concentrate on the daily benefits that can spark joy. Devote some time each day to pause and discover a reason to smile. Bring a sense of humor to your daily caregiving tasks to share laughter with your family member. Take pleasure in the feeling of the sun’s rays shining through the window as you are sorting laundry. Contact a relative who lifts your spirits for a quick chat.
- See the bigger picture. Attempt to take one step back from the busyness of your to-do list, and view the overall affect your caregiving is making. Thanks to you, a loved one is able to continue living in the comfort and familiarity of home. Thanks to you, life is the absolute best it can be for the senior. Your contribution is priceless and is making a big difference.
- Compartmentalize. It is extremely important to make mental wellness a priority, and one effective way to cope with the many different responsibilities associated with providing care is to be fully focused on the present. Visualizing different rooms for different concerns can be helpful; when you start to be concerned about an impending surgical procedure the senior is facing while you’re watching a film with your kids, visualize placing that concern in its appropriate room until later, and concentrating on today.
- Be kind to yourself. It is easy to succumb to a pattern of wishing you could do more for a loved one, or worrying about mistakes you’ve made that you wish you could change. Remind yourself you are human, and that you are undertaking worthwhile work for the senior you adore. Truly appreciate the sacrifices you are making, just like you would acknowledge and appreciate them in another family caregiver.
- Seek – and accept – help and support. Trying to be a superhero who deals with every single thing independently can quickly contribute to burnout and depression. Working with others to assist the senior is the best approach to be sure his or her needs are completely met, while helping you realize the healthy life balance you need and deserve.
Continuum, experts in home care in St. Louis and the surrounding areas, is the perfect partner for family caregivers, delivering highly skilled, professional, and compassionate care for older adults based on each person’s specific needs. Allow us to help! Give us a call at (314) 863-9912 or (636) 861-3336 and together we can develop a plan of care in order to make 2020 the best year yet – both for the senior in your care, and yourself with the help of the Continuum in home care experts.