Center for Pediatric Benefits To After School Activities

HOW TO PREVENT CAREGIVER BURNOUT

Taking care of a loved one is something many people are doing or will do at some point in their lives. If you are currently in the role of caregiver you know how stressful it can be. It’s imperative to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. There are several things you can do to prevent caregiver burnout. 1. Seek Social Connections Socializing with friends is a great way to reduce the stress of care giving. Going out to dinner or indulging in a hobby together can relieve the tension in both your body and mind. According to AARP, socialization can help caregivers withstand a greater amount of adversity. Even getting away for a short amount of time just to take a brief walk and chat can make all the difference. 2. Engage in Simple Activities Everything from prayer to taking a long, relaxing shower can help ease tensions. Relieving your mind of stress and negative thoughts can go a long way toward calming your stress and feeling recharged. It’s also a good idea to engage in simple, mindless activities. Reading a book or watching a movie are excellent ways to unwind. 3. Exercise Regularly Stretching your muscles and raising your heart rate for a short amount of time is a good way to relieve stress and improve your overall health. Even moderate exercise can relieve stress. The Mayo Clinic reports that exercise is great for stress relief because it releases your body’s “feel good” neurotransmitters known as endorphins. Physical therapy can also relieve stress in your body and mind. A trained physical therapist can guide you through a variety of stress-relieving exercises.

4. Switch Your Routine Taking care of a loved one normally means sticking to a prescribed routine. Even though you may not be able to change the routine of the individual you’re caring for you can make changes in your own. Make positive lifestyle changes by improving the way you eat or taking the scenic route when running errands. The American Physical Therapy Association stresses lifestyle changes and how this can affect health. Whether it involves new social connections and activities, switching your routine, or engaging in exercise, it’s necessary to find productive methods of relieving stress. A physical therapist can provide exercises during a physical therapy appointment that can help ease tension and stress in your body. It’s imperative to take steps to prevent caregiver burnout so you can stay healthy as well as provide the best care possible for your loved one. centerforpediatrictherapies.com

Kerri Vipperman, MS, CCC-SLP SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Staff Spotlight

Kerri is a Speech-Language Pathologist with Center for Pediatric Therapies. Kerri works through Early Intervention to serve children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in the Roanoke Valley. She has 30 years of experience working with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Her experience has been with children with a range of hearing losses; those using hearing aids or cochlear implants, and with various choices of communication options. In addition to being a fluent signer, Kerri has numerous continuing education hours in utilizing Listening and Spoken Language to facilitate communication in young children who have a hearing loss. Kerri graduated from James Madison University in 1984 withaB.S. in SpeechPathology andAudiology and received her M.S. degree from JMU in 1985 in Speech Pathology. Prior to working with Early Intervention through CPT, Kerri worked in the public school setting for 30 years. In addition to holding her Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA, Kerri is also a certified Early Intervention provider. Kerri resides in Roanoke, Virginia with her husband. She enjoys reading, time with family and friends and spending time with her son and daughter when they are home from college.

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