Care for the Caregiver
| An unexpected event like a fall, accident, diagnosis, hospitalization, or decline in functioning may trigger the need for caregiving. It may be temporary or ongoing. While care, willingness to support, and good intentions are the foundation, care giving can become overwhelming and exhausting. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritation, confusion, and burn-out are common with caregivers. While the person you are caring for becomes the center of attention, self-care may be lessened or ignored. The better you care for yourself, the better care you can provide for your loved one. Here are tips to keep in mind: Do something every day for your self-care. Remember you are not alone. Seek support from friends and family. Seek support from professionals skilled in stress management, trauma, anxiety, or depression. Share the care with friends, family, and professionals. Take a respite to renew and nurture yourself. Examples include going to a movie, meeting a friend for lunch. Questions of the Month What is your experience of caregiving? What is satisfying about caregiving? How do you care for yourself while caregiving ? Practice of the Month Self-Observation: Care for the Caregiver Spend time reflecting on your experience with caregiving, now or in the past. How does caregiving impact your actions, thoughts, relationships, emotions, and well-being? What activities support your self-care? What is the quality of your self-care? What do you need? What best supports you in this service? |
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