Tips for Refreshing Your Outlook as a Caregiver

Tips for Refreshing Your Outlook as a Caregiver

 May 9, 2019

Elder Care in Squirrel Hill PA: Caregiver Refreshers

 

Being a caregiver can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be one of the toughest things you’ll ever do.
There may be days when you feel exhausted and like you can’t give another ounce of yourself. That can leave you feeling frustrated and wondering how you’ll get up and do it again the next day. If you’re feeling burned out as a caregiver, it can help to refresh your outlook. The best way to do that is to practice some self-care.

 

Below are some tips caregivers can use to re-energize and face the next day with a new perspective.

 

Reduce or Eliminate Negative Self-Talk

In other words, be nice to yourself! When something goes wrong, don’t chastise yourself for it. Instead, focus on the ways you help your aging relative and what you got right. Remember that without you, your loved one may be unable to continue living at home and would most certainly have a poorer quality of life. Stop telling yourself you’re a bad caregiver and remember how amazing you truly are.

 

Focus on Breathing

Learning some deep breathing techniques can alleviate stress and give you an instant boost. There are several different breathing exercises caregivers can try. You can find more information by performing an Internet search. One of the best things about breathing techniques is that they can be done anywhere and take just minutes.

 

Plan Something Fun

Consider doing fun things with your aging relative instead of following the same old routine day after day. Go out for lunch together, see a movie, or take a trip to a museum. Doing things together that aren’t just about caregiving can help you to regain some of your former relationship with your loved one and remember why being their caregiver is so important.

 

Spend Time with Friends

Take some time to be around other people who make you happy. Go out for coffee with a friend, take your children to the park, or even just enjoy a long chat on the phone. Spending time with others can cheer you up and allow you to return to your caregiver duties feeling ready again.

 

Consider Home Care

If you feel consistently overwhelmed by being a family caregiver, think about contacting a home care agency for some help. Home care providers can come to the older adult’s home to stay with them when you cannot be there. They can do things like clean the house, do laundry, and make meals as well as attending to the senior’s personal needs.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Squirrel Hill, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today.
Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-520

 

Sources
Dailycaring.com
Health.harvard.edu
Caregiver.org