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CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER
SELF CARE Caring for yourself during this time is as important as the care you provide for others. We encourage you to utilize all members of your team. We find that individuals benefit if they allow all the team members to be involved. As a caregiver, you may have concerns or questions about caregiving or feel stressed, overwhelmed or even angry at times. Caregiving is a challenging job and requires much hard work and commitment. We want to support you and your loved ones and help you in ways that are meaningful in order to ease any hardship you may feel. You may find these suggestions helpful:
• Eat balanced meals to nurture your body. Choose healthy snacks. • Try to take a few hours away on a regular basis. The time away often will give you renewed energy and motivation to care for your loved one. Sometimes just a walk, a trip to the library or a cup of coffee out with a friend can be the “breather” that you need. • Make a list of names and phone numbers of trusted individuals to call when you are feeling overwhelmed. Maintaining social contacts is essential to your well-being. Try to keep up with at least some of your own activities. Get out, see friends, and continue with your special interests. • Keep a journal and write down your thoughts and feelings. This helps provide perspective on your situation and serves as an important release for your emotions.
• Ask for help. By asking for help, you will find some much-needed relief, and your friends and family will feel good about helping you. • Many people may offer to help. Do not turn them away. In fact, give them a job to do! They can help with laundry, grocery shopping, meal preparation, etc. • Simplify communication with others by utilizing an interactive web-based program such as Caring Bridge (visit CaringBridge.org for more information). • Try to get some regular exercise and sleep. Light exercise and sufficient rest provide physical and psychological refreshment. If your loved one sleeps a lot during the day, you may be able to take some time to rest, too. A neighbor, friend, or one of our trained volunteers may be able to sit with your loved one so you can get some sleep or exercise. This can benefit both you and your loved one. If you are finding it difficult to get sufficient rest, please talk with your Care Team.
866.466.9734
FourSeasonsCare.org
Four Seasons
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