No matter what you’ve done for yourself or for humanity, if you can’t look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished? – Lee Iacocca, American automobile executive
November is National Caregiver’s Month. According to Caregiver Action Network (CAN), this year, the theme is “Take Care to Give Care.” This means that caregivers have to remember to take care of themselves first in order to care for other, more vulnerable members of their family. As more baby boomers enter their golden years, their children have to step up and take care of elderly parents as well as their own families. It’s very stressful.
From the 2015 Presidential Proclamation:
“Day in and day out, selfless and loving Americans provide care and support to family members and friends in need. They are parents, spouses, children, siblings, relatives, and neighbors who uphold their unwavering commitment to ensure the lives of their loved ones shine bright with health, safety, and dignity. During National Family Caregivers Month, we rededicate ourselves to making sure our selfless caregivers have the support they need to maintain their own well-being and that of those they love.”
If you’re caring for a family member, you’re not alone. CAN estimates that more than 90 million Americans are family caregivers. You’re doing a job for your loved one, and you’re mostly likely doing it out of love instead of financial gain. You may even have had to give up a well-paying job in order to take care of someone. When you are a caregiver, you have to remember that it is not only physically demanding, but emotionally and spiritually demanding as well. You have to pay attention to your own health to make sure you are strong enough to care for loved ones.
Eight Tips for Caregiver Self-Care
- Remember that caregiving is stressful. You have added responsibilities that contribute to busyness.
- Don’t put yourself last when it comes to your physical health. One study shows that about 20 percent of caregivers neglect going to doctors, dentists and other healthcare providers because they’re too busy caring for another person.
- Eat healthy to maintain stamina, strength and energy. Make sure your diet is well-balanced with lots of lean proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables. Your immune system will thank you. When you eat healthy, it’s easier to make sure your loved one is getting healthy meals. It makes care much easier.
- You need time to recharge. Ask for help and time off. You cannot be on call 24 hours a day. When caregivers do not take time off, it creates a higher risk of health issues.
- Be open to new ways to care for your loved one. Use the available technology to help you find better ways.
- Get organized. Know where the medical and legal information is. Keep it up to date.
- Communicate with the doctors. Make a list of questions before the appointment.
- Be kind to yourself and give yourself credit for doing the best job you can. No one is perfect. Caregiving is a very hard job.
Caregivers Need Support
If you know someone who is caring for a family member, step in to help. Caregivers might be reluctant to ask for help. Sometimes, in the middle of a storm, you just forget to reach out for a helping hand. Ask what you can do to assist the individual. Offer to spend two or three hours in the person’s place to let a caregiver have time to get a manicure, a massage, or a haircut or to go somewhere alone. Bring dinner one evening to give the caregiver time off from cooking. Give caregivers support this month, and every month, because they are doing an overlooked job.