One of the most selfless things we can do for your loved ones is care for them through an illness or old age. However, this commitment doesn’t come without its challenges. Caregivers can often feel the strain of constant care, neglect themselves, and struggle with feelings of anger, sadness, or loneliness. At Patriot Wealth, we believe caregivers deserve support. In honor of that, we want to provide you with three tips for giving yourself the care you deserve if you are a caregiver. FIND A SUPPORT GROUP For caregivers, a support group can mean a shoulder to lean on from someone who just gets it. This form of empathy along with the advice you can find in these groups can be valuable. It reminds you that you’re not alone and allows you to have a safe place where you can share your frustrations, fears, and other emotions. Find a caregiver support group on Facebook or other social media channels. These groups can even be specialized to an ailment, like cancer or Alzheimer’s. Local senior centers and hospitals likely have local groups you can join as well. SCHEDULE TIME WITH YOURSELF Much like you would place boundaries between work and your personal life, schedule time for yourself where you are not a caregiver. Maybe every Wednesday is a happy hour with your friends, or maybe you go to church on Sundays without the person you’re caring for. Whatever it is, be religious in sticking to this time to yourself. It’s important that you honor your needs and wants, so you don’t feel stifled by your new role. (If you’re worried about leaving a loved one alone, seek help from family or professional organizations.) SEEK HELP You are still not alone when you are the sole caregiver of your loved one. Look to professional care groups that can supplement your care. Adult centers offer special programs dedicated to particular ailments — like music sessions for dementia patients — while at-home nursing programs can provide you with a respite at least once each week. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your family for continued support, too. YOU DESERVE CARE, TOO SUPPORTING YOURSELF IN YOUR CAREGIVER ROLE
TAKE A BREAK
EASY STUFFED SWEET POTATOES
INGREDIENTS
• 4 medium sweet potatoes • 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed • 2 medium tomatoes, diced • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander • 3/4 tsp salt • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
DIRECTIONS
1. With a fork, prick each sweet potato a few times. Microwave the potatoes on high 12–15 minutes, or until cooked through. 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and salt. When the potatoes are done, microwave the mixture on high for 2–3 minutes. 3. Cool potatoes slightly, then cut each potato open lengthwise. Pull the halves apart to create space to spoon the warm bean salsa inside. 4. Add a scoop of sour cream to each potato, garnish with cilantro, and serve!
Inspired by EatingWell.com
PATRIOT WEALTH | 919.322.4113 | P3
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