Caregiving
Caregivers tend to lose sight of themselves. You may have lost your identity, friendships, and hobbies you once loved. You stop meeting your own needs and you can get stuck in a monotonous routine. This can be due to limited time, resources, and finances. Taking the time to focus on yourself may feel like an impossible task, but it is important to take that time. It is common for a caregiver to let their self-care disappear because it is easier but doing so can affect your brain function and emotional health. So, how do we get back on track to living a healthier life? The first thing to do is create the time and opportunity. Perhaps you can ask a family member or neighbor to help care for your loved one as you take much needed respite. If you struggle to identify someone, call a PCOA Aging and Caregiver Specialist and they will brainstorm resources with you that can help you find respite services/volunteers within your area and budget. Once you have managed to find respite to take an important break, you may still struggle to connect with friends or hobbies, and you may have limited finances. Now what do you do? Getting Back on Track By Selina Linn, PCOA Aging and Caregiving Specialist
that have limited offers that require no down payment and only a $10.00 monthly fee. If a gym is not for you, there are free work out routines from Yoga to Pilates on YouTube. Also, PCOA offers healthy living
Here are 4 simple ways to take those first steps: Keep Up with Technology Technology moves quickly and is constantly changing. It can be intimidating and overwhelming to learn, but it can help keep you connected to your community and have access to resources that would otherwise be closed to you. Talk to people about smart phones and tablets—and even take a technology class at your local mobile phone store or community center. Today, the usual form of communication is online, even to make plans to meet in person. Keeping up with technology can keep your brain function healthy and open up new interactions that were impossible MeetUp is an online application, “app,” that connects people to get out, socialize, and do enjoyable activities. It brings people together who have similar interests. It is free to join and most (not all) of the social interactions are free. These are not closed groups for already established friendships, but a place to connect with like-minded people in your area that share similar interests and are looking to build new friendships and hobbies. Make Exercise Simple Exercise does not have to be complicated. Walking reduces stress and can be done in your own neighborhood. There are multiple parks throughout Tucson that have walking, bike or roller-skating tracks. Walking can be done anywhere and requires no special skills. There are gyms to have in the past. Meet New People
and fitness classes! Find Ways to Relax
Sometimes, all you need is a nap or a good cup of coffee, but there are other ways to relax too. You may wish to give Groupon a try, Groupon.com is a terrific way to explore new things in Tucson without having to pay full price. It is an “app” that offers discounts for various activities and services in Tucson. They have anything from miniature golf to a Swedish massage that can sometimes be up to 75% off. There are times when what you need is mental escapism. Movie theaters have great early bird specials, and it is a great way to let your mind live another life for a few short hours. If you are not a movie person, perhaps you can go somewhere that is comfortable and relaxed to enjoy a book. Libraries have great selections for free. They now have ebooks and audio books online, if you are not able make it out to your local library. If you are a family caregiver or know a family caregiver that needs support or assistance, please reach out to us. Call the PCOA Helpline at (520) 790-7262 and ask to be connected with an Aging and Caregiving Specialist.
June 2022, Never Too Late | Page 9
Pima Council on Aging
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