If you’re among the 8% of Americans who actually realize their New Year’s resolution goals, well done! However, if you are like the majority of us, you’ve quit well before even turning the calendar page to February. Although obviously it’s commendable to attempt to better ourselves by resolving to get rid of 10 pounds or eat much healthier, for a busy family caregiver, there are some truly meaningful, achievable goals that will improve life throughout the year.
Consider these suggestions:
- Find joy. Caring for somebody else is a labor of love, but may bring about challenges that make it difficult to focus on the daily positives which can kindle joy. Take some time on a daily basis to pause to find a reason to smile. Bring humor into the daily caregiving tasks to share laughter with your family member. Take pleasure in the feeling of the sun shining through the window as you’re folding laundry. Phone a relative who lifts your spirits for a brief chat.
- See the bigger picture. Make an effort to take a step back from the busyness of your to-do list, and look at the impact your caregiving is making. Because of you, a loved one is able to continue living in the comfort and familiarity of home. Thanks to you, life is the very best it can be for a senior loved one. Your contribution is priceless and it is making a difference.
- Compartmentalize. It is really important to make mental health a main priority, and one effective way to handle the numerous different responsibilities that come with providing care is to be fully focused on the present. Visualizing different rooms for different concerns can be helpful; if you start to worry about an impending medical procedure a loved one is facing while watching a show with your kids, imagine placing that concern in its appropriate room until later, and being focused on the present.
- Be kind to yourself. It is very easy to end up in a pattern of dreaming you could do more for a family member, or worrying about mistakes you have made which you wish you could change. Remind yourself that you are human, and that you are doing important work for the individual you love. Truly appreciate the sacrifices you are making, just like you would notice and appreciate them in another family caregiver.
- Seek – and accept – help and support. Trying to be a superhero who manages each and every thing independently can easily contribute to burnout and depression. Partnering with other people to assist your loved one is the best strategy to make certain his or her needs are fully met, while helping you realize the healthy life balance you need and deserve.
Amy’s Helping Hands, the Windsor-Essex senior care experts, is the ideal partner for family caregivers, offering highly skilled, professional, and compassionate care for seniors based on each person’s specific needs. Allow us to help! Call us at 519.915.4370 or contact us online and together we can create a plan of care to make 2020 the best year yet – both for the senior in your care, as well as yourself.
