Are you a caregiver? Do these 4 things every day.
Date: 09/25/20
The care you give is priceless. You do chores, provide emotional support, coordinate medical care and help with finances. That’s a lot!
Helping someone in need is rewarding, yes. But it is hard work. The responsibility comes with stress. At times you may feel guilty or overwhelmed. Make sure to care for yourself every day, too. You may not feel you have time, but it’s important to make time. Caring for yourself is the first step in caring for others! Take these four actions every day:
- Follow a schedule. Having a daily schedule for the person you’re caring for will form routines. Routines allow you to leave some time to care for yourself. It may take some time to figure out what works best for everyone. Some people need a strict schedule to follow each week, while others prefer a simple list of items to do each day. This list might include medication reminders, social activities, doctor appointments and exercise.
- Take care of your body. How you treat your body has a major impact on how you experience the world. Exercise, healthy eating and regular, quality sleep are crucial. These affect your sense of well-being.
- Have compassion for your experience. Learn what to expect while caring for someone. Depression is common. So is making mistakes. You may have to learn how to set boundaries and accept help from others. Know that you have options even when you feel stuck.
- Confide in someone. Find a friend who is going through a similar experience and talk on the phone. Sharing your feelings with someone can alleviate stress.
Superior has resources to help. We offer webinar trainings for caregivers. These trainings are led by licensed providers with experience in addressing the behavioral health needs of children. Our Caregiver Journal offers valuable tips and a place to record vital information, as well as a journal to write down your feelings and concerns.
| Organization | Contact |
|---|---|
| AARP | aarp.org |
| Eldercare Locator | 1.800.677.1116 Eldercare.gov |
| Caregiver Action Network (CAN) | Caregiveraction.org |
| Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) | POLST.org |
| Stroke | Stroke.org 1-800-STROKES (787-6537) |
| Brain Injury Association of America | BIAUSA.org |
| Serious Mental Illness | NAMI.org 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) |
| Texas Health and Human Services | hhs.texas.gov |
| Medicare | Medicare.gov |
| Medicaid | Medicaid.gov |
| Disability | Disability.gov |
| U.S. Living Will Registry® | uslivingwillregistry.com |
| MedlinePlus: End of Life Issues | Medlineplus.gov/endoflifeissues.html |
| Dementia/Alzheimer’s | ALZ.org 1-800-272-3900 |
| Family Caregiver Alliance | Caregiver.org 1-800-445-8106 |
| National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD) | Nasuad.org |