|
§
Caregiving
Information
§ Caregiving
in the workforce. §
Eleven
Reasons Why I Joined a Support Group §
The
Common Bonds of Caregiving §
Caregiver
Tips
§ Support Groups§
Resources
§
General
Information
Barber, Barton,
Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell,
Hodgeman, Kearny, Kiowa, Lane, Meade, Morton, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush,
Scott, Seward, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Wichita |
Caregivers Giving Loving Care
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
“More
people enter nursing homes because of caregiver burnout, rather than because
of a worsening of their conditions.” – It is
said that to live a balanced healthy life, one needs to keep a balance
between one’s physical health, emotional health and spiritual health.
If one of those three areas is out of balance, it will affect the other two. Caregiver
burnout is common among most caregivers at some point in their caregiving
experience. Many times the caregivers don’t even recognize the stress
and emotions they have been under and that they are headed for burnout. One
way to divert burnout is for the caregiver to take care of themselves. PHYSICAL HEALTH
Physical
health is a significant concern for the caregiver. ·
Are you eating a well-balanced diet? A proper diet can help establish
a cycle of good health, maintain your energy and ward off illness. ·
Are you getting some physical exercise? Regular exercise can
strengthen you for the rigors of caregiving. Exercise is also known to be a
great stress buster. ·
Are you getting enough rest every night? A restful sleep period is
imperative to your health. You can not function properly and on a continual
basis if you lack a good night’s sleep. ·
Are you getting prompt and appropriate treatment for your own physical
illness? Regular visits to the doctor or health clinic are important for you. Remember,
when you are ill or out of commission, the person you care for is also
affected. EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
Many
times our emotional health is overlooked. By doing so you place yourself and
the one you care for at great risk. Almost every caregiver needs to talk
about the emotions that are stirred up by the job of caregiving. Emotions
can be conflicting and confusing. There are no “good” emotions
and no “bad” emotions. Emotions are there, accept them and put
your efforts into dealing with them in a healthy manner. It may
help to have a friend or family member to talk with on a regular basis.
Remember to include conversations on topics other than the illness or
caregiver concerns. Social workers, clergy or counselors may also be able to
help you talk about your situation and feelings. Talking with others in
support groups can also be helpful. Let
family and friends help. Provide them with written materials so they can
better understand your situation. Give them a chance. There are
many coping techniques, just pick something that works for you. Exercise,
chopping wood, cleaning, cooking, working on a hobby, listening to music, reading,
meditation or getting a massage are ways others have found to deal with their
frustrations. Learn relaxation techniques and practice them daily. Know your
limitations; you can’t give more than you have. Quote:
“I thought I was pretty tough, but caregiving sort of knocks the props
out from under you.” Give
yourself permission to have a good cry. Tears aren’t a weakness; they
reduce tension. Don’t
get caught with developing “tunnel vision.” Educate yourself on
your circumstances and on your care receiver’s condition. Keep your
mind open to other ways of dealing with situations and doing things. Many
times the way we used to do it no longer works. Instead of trying to force
the old way, revamp and develop a new way of doing the project. Step back, and
try to be objective. Contact others who can help you think about situations
clearly and ask for suggestions. Remember
your goal of caregiving – to provide comfort, safety and dignity for
the care receiver. Smile!
Your loved one’s attitude and emotions imitate your own. Laughter is an
important habit to cultivate. It reduces stress, tension and frustrations.
Look at the bright side or see the humor in the situation and laugh at it.
Smiles and laughter are contagious; share them with your care receiver! SPIRITUAL SUPPORT
Spiritual
health goes by many names. But it refers to the peace and inner strength we
all carry within us. Each day, take some quiet time where you collect your
thoughts and renew your inner-self. Many of the things we do for physical and
emotional health also is utilized for our spiritual health. Relaxation
exercises, listening to music or meditation works for some people. Others
find walking in a park or sitting in their yard watching wildlife to be
soothing. Perhaps reading inspirational quotes or religious readings is
reassuring to you. Whatever technique is best for you, remember that you are
seeking to be at peace with yourself! INTERPERSONAL WELL-BEING
Affection
is necessary for human survival. Just as the person you care for needs it, so
do you. Everyone
differs in how and when they show affection. Since some care receivers may
have difficulty expressing affection, you must find the desired care and
support you need elsewhere. This support can come from friends, family,
counselor or clergy. A support group or neighbor can often meet this basic
need. By taking care of yourself, you will be better prepared to care for
others. Taking
care of yourself is a gift you can give to yourself and your loved one. “There
are only four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been
caregivers Those who are
currently caregivers Those who will be
caregivers Those who will need
caregivers” --Rosalynn Carter, Helping Yourself Help Others |
|
|
|
SouthWest Kansas Area Agency on Aging,
Inc.
620-225-8230 • Older Kansan's Hotline 800-742-9531 • Fax: 620-225-8240 • SWKAAA@hotmail.com
Lostski Design Tuesday, June 12, 2007