IT’S OKAY TO PUT YOURSELF FIRST! How Caregivers Can Improve Their Well-Being Caregiving can take a toll on your physical, emotional, and mental health. One of the most important — but often forgotten — tasks is caring for yourself. Studies show that caregiving compromises health, with 60% of caregivers showing signs of clinical depression. If you’re caring for a loved one who feels lonely, or if your job requires caregiving that feels draining, it’s easy to become stressed out and forget to care for yourself. But caring for yourself is always important; the saying “You can’t love someone until you love yourself” pertains to caregivers as well. You can’t provide the right care to your patients unless you are providing care for yourself. Taking care of yourself provides you with fulfillment in work and in life and helps you take better care of others.
f Your Family!
T PLANNING
Configuring Finances Depending on where your pet will be staying and their standard expenses, you need to carefully consider how much money to leave behind. If your pets are staying in your home, then you will add the expenses of maintaining the property and the home. If they will be relocating, then you want to consider compensation for your caregiver. Be sure to provide a cushion for your pet in case any illnesses occur. Create a Pet Trust and Name a Trustee Selecting a trustee to manage the money of your pets will be crucial. Your trustee will be responsible for making sure your wishes for your pet are granted and that the money is distributed as stated. It is not recommended that your trustee be the same person as the pet caregiver because it can create a conflict of interest. Have any questions about pet planning? Allow Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning to help! Call us at 724.256.8850, and we will be happy to assist you.
Caregiving can negatively impact your health, but there are tools that you can use to take care of your own personal well-being.
Identify Personal Barriers Your attitudes and beliefs can form personal barriers that can hinder you from taking care of yourself. Ask yourself these questions to identify personal barriers: • Is it selfish to put my needs first? • Is it scary to think of my own needs? • Do I have trouble asking for help?
Once you identify personal barriers, you can begin to change your behavior.
DIY Holiday Eggnog
Inspired by TastesBetterFromScratch.com
Reduce Personal Stress To manage your stress, recognize the warning signs and sources and identify what you can and cannot control. Knowing what causes stress and how you react can help you change your behavior. Another way to reduce stress is by taking a break and doing activities that relax you. If you need some
Making your own eggnog is easier than you think! This creamy, delicious drink will be a hit with your holiday guests
Ingredients
• • • • •
6 egg yolks 1/2 cup sugar
• • •
1 pinch salt
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
tips, PickTheBrain.com has resources and information on motivation, relaxation, productivity, health, and self-improvement.
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Cinnamon and whipped cream, for garnish
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Directions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 3. Add a spoonful of the milk mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously and repeat, one spoonful at a time. 4. When most of the milk is whisked in, add the egg mixture to the saucepan. 5. Whisk until the liquid thickens slightly or reaches 160 F. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 6. Pour the eggnog into a glass container and cover. Refrigerate. 7. When the eggnog has thickened, pour it into glasses, garnish, and enjoy!
Being a caregiver is hard work, but no matter how overwhelmed you
may feel, remember that you’re not alone. It’s okay to ask for help and to care for yourself.
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