Nurturing the Caregiver: A Guide to Self-Care for Family Caregivers
Taking care of a loved one is beautiful, but it can also be very demanding, both emotionally and physically. Caregivers often get so focused on the care of their loved ones that they forget to take care of themselves. Self-care may sound like a trendy term, but it is essential to ensure that you stay healthy — mentally and physically. Only when you care for yourself can you provide the best possible care for those who depend on you. Just like flight attendants advise on planes, you need to put on your own oxygen mask first to be able to help those around you.
Here are some tips to help you prioritize your own well-being as a family caregiver:
1. Take care of your own health. Make time for regular check-ups, exercise, meditation and nutritious meals. Remember, you cannot care for others if you are not well.
2. Seek and accept support from others. Delegating tasks and asking for help is crucial. Overworking yourself can lead to burnout and resentment. Knowing your limits and saying no to other things and requests for your time is also okay.
3. Take breaks. Schedule regular time to rest, relax and take part in activities you enjoy. Read a book, go for a walk or take a warm bath. It is okay to take a break from caregiving responsibilities. Find what helps you recharge and make it a priority.
4. Practice self-compassion. Caregiving can be emotionally challenging, and being kind to yourself is important. Remember that it's natural to make mistakes or feel frustrated at times. Show yourself the same understanding and compassion that you offer to others.
5. Stay connected. Maintain connections with friends and interests outside of caregiving. Socializing and engaging in hobbies can provide a much-needed break from caregiving responsibilities and help prevent feelings of isolation.
6. Seek professional help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Therapy can provide valuable support and coping strategies for managing the stress and emotional toll of caregiving.
7. Effectively communicate with your loved one’s physician. It is important to prepare a list of the most essential questions ahead of time before going to a medical appointment. It is also helpful to bring someone along to take notes. When talking to healthcare providers, use assertive "I" statements to explain your needs and the needs of your loved one. For example, you might say, "I need a way for my daughter to sleep at night as I am now exhausted from the lack of sleep getting up frequently to care for her," or "I need to know more about my husband's diagnosis; I will feel better prepared for the next steps if I know what's in store for us."
Caregivers often take on multiple responsibilities, including household chores, transportation, and medical care. If you administer medication or medical treatments to the person you care for, discuss your comfort level with the doctors, make sure you understand instructions, and get any tips they may have to make these tasks go smoothly.
8. Consider finding additional caregivers to provide much-needed relief. Respite services provide temporary care for your loved one, allowing you to take a break and recharge. Similarly, hiring paid caregivers can offer additional support or assistance with caregiving duties, easing the burden on you.
9. Don't hesitate to explore the options available to you. Contact local resources to learn more about accessing the assistance you need. You do not have to navigate this journey alone. Here are some helpful resources to get you started:
- Caregiver Action Network.
- Disability Hub MN .
- Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota’s Caregiver Support & Respite.
- MinnesotaHelp.info®.
- Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line.
- The National Alliance for Caregiving.
Remember that taking care of yourself is necessary, not selfish. Prioritizing your well-being will improve your quality of life and ability to provide compassionate care to loved ones. Seek support and take time to recharge. Practicing self-care and exploring available resources benefits both you and your loved ones in the long run.
How PICS supports caregivers
PICS offers several programs to support individuals with disabilities and older adults. Caregivers through Individualized Home Supports without training provide support through reminders, guidance, assistance, and/or supervision. Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS), a service that uses Medicaid funds through a waiver, and Consumer Support Grant (CSG), a state-funded alternative to Medicaid to provide goods and services, include paid caregiving.