Every now and then, caring for someone who is sick can be physically and emotionally exhausting. You might have other responsibilities to handle such as taking care of your children, your job, or taking care of other daily tasks. Many family caregivers often become stressed-out and overwhelmed, so it is important for you to take care of yourself right from the start.
At Galaxy Home Health Care LLC, a leading provider of Home Health Care in Alexandria, Virginia, we have several recommendations on how you can take care of yourself, even as you are taking care of your loved one:
- Tip #1: Know your limits.
First and foremost, it is important for you to know your limits. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and compare them to the needs of your loved one. For instance, if you are small in stature and your loved one requires constant assistance with getting in and out of bed and other mobility tasks, you may have to request help from someone else.
Remember, you can’t do everything on your own and you shouldn’t have to. Learn when you should ask for and accept help. Rely on other family members or consider getting Home Health Care assistance.
- Tip #2: Stay organized.
Your life can suddenly get very busy once you take care of your sick loved one. From keeping up with their medical appointments to making sure that they are drinking medications on time, you have to pay attention to a lot of details. To avoid confusion and mix-ups, make sure that you stay organized.
Make a list of what needs to be done, what medications they have to drink when their appointments are scheduled, and so on. Making a list allows you to prioritize your tasks and it can serve as an important reminder so that you don’t forget important details as well.
- Tip #3: Take some time out.
Many caregivers often feel guilty about taking a vacation; however, this is actually encouraged to avoid caregiver burnout. Common signs of caregiver burnout include chronic fatigue, increased susceptibility to illness, changes in appetite and/or weight, increased irritability, and indifference.
Taking some time away from your caregiving responsibilities allows you to get some much-needed rest and it can help you gain a new perspective on your tasks. If you are still hesitant about leaving your loved one, you should consider Respite Care – this provides you with the peace of mind knowing that your loved one will still be cared for even as you take a few days to yourself.
Caregivers are also encouraged to join support groups where they can talk to people who can understand their struggles, share their experiences, and gain useful insight. Joining a support group has proven to be a very useful way for some caregivers to relieve the stress they feel.
Still feeling overwhelmed with your tasks? If you are looking for Health Care Services in Virginia, don’t hesitate to call us at 703-945-1565.
