Did you know that family caregivers are more prone to getting sick? They are also highly vulnerable to what is called, “caregiver burnout” – a state of total exhaustion. This is because family caregivers are often on-call around-the-clock, and due to their responsibilities and worry for their loved one, they often end up neglecting themselves and their own needs.
As a concerned provider of non-medical home care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Angels of Care LLC wants to remind you that it is highly important for you to take care of yourself as well. After all, how can you take care of your loved one if you end up getting sick too? Here are some crucial reminders from our experts:
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Set realistic goals. Caregiving can often feel overwhelming, however, to help you feel less stressed out about your tasks, try to break down your large tasks into smaller ones. Make lists, prioritize, and tackle them one day at a time.
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Know your limits. While you strive to be everything that your loved one needs, you have to know your limits. Please remember that there is no “perfect caregiver”. Instead of feeling guilty or inadequate, focus on what you can provide and do your best every time.
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Stay connected. When you are taking care of someone, it can be so easy to just focus on them and ignore everything else. When you do this, you may find yourself isolated from your other family and friends. However, social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and even depression, so make sure that you still make time to socialize with other people.
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Join a support group. Joining a support group can help you talk to people who truly understand what you are going through. Moreover, support groups can provide you with encouragement and you can ask for useful input when it comes to dealing with difficult situations. You never know, someone may have already experienced what you are going through and they can provide useful suggestions and tips.
There may come a time when you become too overwhelmed with your caregiving responsibilities and that’s okay. You are not a failure. When you reach out and ask for help, it doesn’t mean that you are giving up on your loved one.
As a provider of home health care in Pennsylvania, we want you to stay healthy – physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. So, please do take care of yourself and if you find yourself needing help, just contact us at 215-941-6216 and we’ll be there to help you and your family.