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Serving as a caregiver for a loved one or dear friend can be emotionally and physically challenging, leading even the most empathetic and compassionate among us to feel overwhelmed and burned out. Here are a few thoughts and reminders to help you alleviate stress — and reduce your possible sense of guilt — when the demands of caring for someone else become too much. You’re only human. First and foremost, you are not a superhero. Every person has physical and mental limits to what they can do as a caregiver. Don’t ignore signs of exhaustion, such as irritability, aches and pains, scattered thinking, or other physical or emotional symptoms. It’s also important to remember it’s normal to sometimes feel frustrated with the person you’re helping. Embracing your emotions in ways that remain caring and respectful toward them — even if it means stepping away for a few minutes to clear your mind — is essential. Your health matters, too. Being a caregiver often entails everything from dressing and feeding someone to managing their finances and household upkeep. Naturally, these activities — coupled with the emotional strain of witnessing the decline of someone you love — can lead you to gain weight, lose sleep, or experience other health issues. Finding time for self-care is essential, as you’ll be of no help to anyone if you become ill yourself. Prioritizing rest, eating properly, staying hydrated, following a consistent exercise routine, and spending at least a few minutes each day doing things you enjoy will go a long way in keeping your internal batteries charged and your spirits high as you move forward in your duties to others. You’re not alone. If you find yourself too overburdened to fulfill your caregiving role on your own, seek the support of other family members or friends who can cover some of your time to give you much-needed respite. It may also be helpful to consult a mental health professional or get involved in an online caregiver support group. Just as you want the person you’re caring for to face their challenges with you by their side, you need to ensure others equally support you as you face obstacles of your own. Cures for Caregiver Burnout BOND VS. BURDEN
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Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. • Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure — just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
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